The Business of Football

In this week’s episode of The Business of Football Podcast, David goes solo to share a candid and personal reflection on the upcoming FIFA World Cup, speaking not just as a host in the football industry but as a genuine football fan looking forward to what promises to be one of the most fascinating tournaments in recent memory. From the political backdrop surrounding the event to the excitement of seeing more nations involved, David breaks down why this World Cup is about far more than just the football on the pitch. He explores the legacy opportunities for the host nations, the potential impact on grassroots development, and why the tournament could open new doors for football growth across the Americas.

David also gives his thoughts on the expansion of the World Cup, the debates around quality versus inclusivity, and why he believes the joy of seeing smaller nations qualify and represent their people is part of what makes the competition so powerful. He reflects on the role of investment, infrastructure, celebrity culture, and the growing influence of football in the United States, while also comparing how different leagues and sporting markets are shaping the global game. Along the way, he shares his own memories of World Cups past, his love for Panini sticker collecting, and why this tournament feels especially meaningful now that he is viewing it from both the fan side and the business side of the sport.

If you love football, business, culture, and honest opinions about the future of the game, this episode is for you. Listen now and join the conversation as we count down to the World Cup.

ACCESS OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform

HOST BIO

Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launching his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.

Drawing from his own experiences across football, media and education, Santiago Vazquez shares how he went from a teenager obsessed with football statistics to working in the sport‑business world. He explains why the best version of yourself is the most valuable one, and why clarity, confidence and genuine self‑awareness matter far more than trying to fit a polished image that does not feel natural. Hosted By Lui Ferrera Alfonso, he sits down this week to interview the Sports Business & LA LIGA insider on his career so far.

In this episode, Santiago unpacks his journey from a 17‑year‑old exchange student in Portugal living with a Portugal U17 national‑team coach and a young professional player, to building a career in football media and communications. He reflects on how that year opened his eyes to the inner workings of the game, tournament preparation, squad selection and the realities of not being a top‑level player—leading him to focus instead on how he could add value off the pitch.

He also talks about his path into content creation, podcasting and radio, and how moving to Spain to study a master’s in football allowed him to gain new tools without abandoning his existing projects. Santiago stresses the importance of networking in a hyper‑connected industry, the value of unpaid internships at the start, and how knowing the right people often opens doors long before a CV or LinkedIn profile can.

This episode is a reminder that professionalism in football is not just about appearance, but about mindset, communication, and knowing how to show your value in a real and credible way. Santiago also shares his thoughts on how leagues like La Liga and the Premier League approach content, why he believes football should not change its 90‑minute format, and how entertainment‑driven formats like Kings League can coexist with the traditional game.

ACCESS OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform

HOST BIO

Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launching his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.

Drawing from his own experiences, David speaks about the value of presenting your best authentic self, rather than getting caught up in unnecessary pressure about how you look or how you come across. He breaks down why clarity, confidence, and genuine self-awareness matter far more than trying to fit a polished image that doesn’t feel natural. This episode is a reminder that professionalism in football is not just about appearance, but about mindset, communication, and knowing how to show your value in a real and credible way. ACCESS OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/ Youtube: HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launching his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.

In this episode, TBOFN Journalist Maxwell Kablan sits down with the brains behind the Non-League Network, Co-Founder David Leese & Chief Marketing Officer Patrick Tordeur, to unpack how the platform came to life and why it matters so much to the non-league game. From grassroots football to business, community, and club support, they share the story behind building a network designed to connect players, clubs, volunteers, and services across the football pyramid. Patrick brings a unique international background, having played in Belgium, England, and Spain, before moving deeper into the business side of sport and finding his way back into football through the Non-League Network. David, meanwhile, explains how his own grassroots and non-league experiences exposed the lack of a real middleman between players and clubs, and inspired him to create a platform that could help bridge that gap. Together, they discuss the products and services the network is building for clubs and players, from mental health support and sponsorship opportunities to safeguarding, staffing, and practical club solutions. They also open up about the challenges of growing a startup in a space where most people involved are volunteers, and share their long-term vision of making the Non-League Network the go-to ecosystem for non-league football in the UK and beyond. KEY TAKEAWAYS The non-league game is full of clubs, players, and volunteers who need better access to products, services, and support. The Non-League Network was created to act as a middleman between clubs and the solutions they need. Volunteer-led clubs often struggle with time, staffing, and commercial decision-making. Mental health, safeguarding, sponsorship, and staffing are all areas where clubs can benefit from more tailored support. The long-term vision is to build a wider ecosystem that helps make non-league football more sustainable. BEST MOMENTS “There’s no way I’m going to pass that.” “We wanted to build a platform where we can act as that middleman between players and clubs.” “It’s a community that’s much bigger than we thought.” “A sports club is basically a business.” “If we can even save one team from folding, that would make my day.” ACCESS OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101118948474912953943 OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/ ⁨@businessoffootball⁩  Youtube: HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.

In this episode, David sits down with Connor Ryan, a former Premier League academy player and the founder of the football equipment startup, Volta Sports. Connor shares his non-linear journey from falling out of love with professional football to working in fashion and construction, before finally finding his true purpose in entrepreneurship. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Street football culture is missing in modern academies: Connor created The Cube to bridge the gap between structured, often repetitive academy drills and the joy and creativity of playing in the cages with friends.

Ideas are worthless without execution: While it's easy to have a great idea, the hardest and most vital part of entrepreneurship is actually taking the leap, executing, and putting your product out into the real world.

Perfection is the enemy of progress: Building a business requires daily problem-solving and iteration. Connor stresses the importance of launching before you feel completely ready, noting that his very first prototype was an unusable 40kg block.

Company culture matters from day one: Even with a small team, Connor focuses on building a culture reminiscent of the best sports teams, emphasizing daily collaboration, clear communication, and a shared drive, rather than relying on empty corporate slogans.

Embrace the cold outreach: To secure big wins, like getting custom-branded Cubes into Manchester City's fan zone, you have to be willing to put yourself in uncomfortable situations.

BEST MOMENTS

"I just wanted to create a product that fundamentally can help you develop as a player, but also has the joy and the creativity of street football blended into one essentially."

"I have ideas every day, but executing and actually putting yourself out there, that's the hard part."

"If you launch and you're 100% happy with your product, you've launched too late."

"The hardest thing about running a startup, and I'm completely bootstrapped, is also our superpower... we don't have the budget of the companies we're competing against, but that's where creativity comes in."

"Culture isn't writing ten things on a wall saying 'do this, do that'... Culture is what you do every day daily."

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/

Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball

HOST BIO

Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. 

In this solo episode of the Business of Football Network podcast, we take a break from guest interviews to tackle a harsh reality of the sports industry: why your generic CV is probably getting ignored. Dealing with a bit of spring hay fever, our host delivers some much-needed candid advice about what it actually takes to get hired by a football club. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Ditch the "mass apply" strategy: Firing off the same generic CV to dozens of clubs doesn't work; hiring managers are incredibly busy and simply do not have the time to sift through thousands of identical applications.

Show your "proof of work": Instead of just listing that you have a degree or claiming you are a team player, you need to highlight specific projects you've completed and the actual results they produced.

Create your own opportunities: If you don't have direct industry experience, you need to go out and build it yourself by starting a blog, volunteering, or pitching a well-thought-out project directly to a club.

Pre-impressions matter immensely: Hiring managers will likely form an opinion of you by reviewing your past projects and your LinkedIn profile long before you ever shake hands in an interview.

Leave the entitlement at the door: You have to understand that football clubs don't owe you an opportunity just because you are passionate; you must bring a humble attitude and prove you can actively help them win on or off the pitch.

BEST MOMENTS

"What actually matters is a proof of work. Your CV is fantastic, and your CV is important... but I want to look at the projects that they've done."

"You have to remember that the hiring managers have got a lot on their plates already. They've got so much that they've gotta do."

"That's great, but what did you actually do? How did you actually help them move forward? What were your tangible results or intangible results?"

"Your first impression isn't even you. It's like you always have pre-impressions before you get to the first impression."

"No, they're not. They're not. This is not a... 'oh, let's try and give people an opportunity' type thing. No. We are... but football clubs aren't. They've gotta win."

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/

Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball

HOST BIO

Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. 

In this episode, David sits down with Nana Asamoah, the Director of Limitless Sports Football Club, to explore his remarkable journey in the world of football coaching and leadership. Starting from his early days coaching in schools to founding a thriving club in North London, Nana shares the challenges of building a business in a competitive landscape, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Authenticity in Coaching: Nana emphasizes that effective coaching begins with understanding what players and parents need, drawing from his own experiences as a young athlete.

Resilience Through Adversity: The growth of Limitless Sports FC was significantly impacted by the pandemic, but Nana viewed it as an opportunity to provide a vital outlet for children during a difficult time.

Inclusive Excellence: Limitless Sports prioritizes developing every child, regardless of their starting skill level, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

The Power of Empowerment: Nana’s coaching philosophy revolves around "championing" every success, whether a simple step-over or an advanced skill, to build confidence in young players.

Strategic Growth: Rather than expanding too quickly, Nana advocates for a steady approach to maintain the quality of coaching and the club's reputation.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think first and foremost you have to know what the kids and what the parents want and what they need."

"For us, we didn’t need much to start. All we needed was footballs, cones, bibs, and a facility."

"Through championing their own successes, you build confidence, and once you build confidence, you create happy players."

"When you step into someone else’s house, you’ve got to do things how they want them to be done." 

"If you grow quickly and you can’t handle the growth, all the work you’ve done has been ruined."

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/

Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball

HOST BIO

Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. 

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ 

In this episode, David sits down with Jan Esteller Subirats, the visionary founder of Unique Sports, to explore the intersection of high-performance coaching and international sports management. Drawing from his extensive background as a former coach and his professional experience at major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The "Smart Football" Philosophy: True player development occurs when coaches move away from PlayStation coachingand instead ask the right questions to foster player autonomy.

Logistics of Scale: Organizing international tournaments requires balancing intricate details from airport transfers and Olympic village-style accommodations to ensuring high-quality officiating.

Football as a Life Skill: Youth tournaments are about more than just the score; they provide essential life experiences in team bonding, travel, and cultural adaptation.

The Power of Feedback: Constant improvement in sports management is driven by real-time feedback loops where staff identify small logistical tweaks that significantly enhance the participant experience.

Adapting to the Environment: Successful leadership in sports requires a "DJ-like" adaptability, tuning your management or coaching style to the specific needs and levels of your audience.

BEST MOMENTS

"I would compare a coach to a DJ... there is no good or bad DJ, it depends on the moment, the club, and your audience."

"It’s super easy to give an instruction like 'pass the ball,' but the real challenge is finding the right question to help the player discover that they should pass it."

"If we do the same things as everyone else, we’re just going to be the same. To grow, you have to be creative and assume the risk of doing things differently."

"Most of these kids won't remember the final score of a tournament five years later, but they’ll remember the trip, the teammates, and the shared experiences."

"Sports management is about taking the stress away from the coaches so they can focus entirely on the pitch."

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/

Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball

HOST BIO

Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. 

In this reflective episode, David dives deep into the concept of conviction within the sports industry. Drawing inspiration from a recent interview with Jack Glennon of Behind Sport, he explores the necessity of unwavering belief when navigating the turbulent waters of sports entrepreneurship. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Conviction is the Engine: In an industry filled with rejection, an internal, unwavering belief in your project is the only thing that keeps you going when the results aren't yet visible.

The "Nobody" Phase is the Hardest: Transitioning from a graduate with a degree to a respected professional requires weathering a "process of being dismissed" by established leaders.

Do Something, Don’t Just Talk: Credibility is built through action—starting a blog, a series, or a business—rather than just sharing "thought pieces" on social media.

Self-Interest Drives the Industry: Don't wait on others to open doors. Everyone has their own priorities; you must be the one to force the issue and follow up persistently.

Failure is a Data Point: The collapse of previous ventures (like DTC Media) provides the essential redirection needed to find a more sustainable and valuable niche in the market.

BEST MOMENTS

"You overestimate what you can do in a year, but you underestimate what you can do in ten years."

"No one else will believe in your journey if you don't... They might say they will, but they've got their own lives to think about."

"The reason made it to the top is because they stuck through that process... being dismissed is part of that journey."

"You have to shout about what you're doing until someone eventually listens... but actually be doing something, don't just be shouting."

"The industry can move past you very quickly. That’s why you’ve got to start sooner rather than later to do something."

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/

Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball

HOST BIO

Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.