The Business of Football

In this episode, David welcomes Callum Noad, the head of talent at Entourage Sport and Entertainment. Callum shares insights into the competitive nature of the sports industry, the importance of networking, and the value of hard work in securing opportunities. Callum discusses the dual focus of Entourage on talent representation and sponsorship, emphasising the need for athletes to build their brands, especially as they approach the end of their careers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Networking and Experience: Gaining practical experience through internships and networking is crucial in the competitive sports industry.

Value of Trust in Talent Representation: Establishing trust with talent is essential for successful partnerships. A strong reputation and personal relationships can lead to more opportunities and a willingness from talent to engage in projects.

Building a Personal Brand: Athletes, especially those nearing the end of their careers, should focus on building their brand and narrative.

Authenticity in Partnerships: Modern advertising demands authenticity. Brands and talent should align their values and narratives to create genuine partnerships that resonate with audiences.

Growth of Women's Sports: The commercial landscape for women's sports is evolving, but there is still a disparity compared to men's sports. Individual recognition of female athletes is crucial for their commercial success.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think sometimes people are happy just to go, oh, I've interned here, I've got a bit of experience at this place... I think that's the wrong attitude to have when you're starting in the industry."

"You never lose, you just learn."

"I think we need to sort of work on building out that individual recognition for the Lionesses, because... It's important as an industry that we continue to prioritise celebrating women's footballers as individuals."

"Until the stadiums are sold out and that's becoming increasingly more common... we're never going to be able to pay female players the same as the men's players."

"We want to celebrate these athletes as much as we do in the men's game."

GUESTS SOCIALS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callumnoad/

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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, monetize & 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 has invited Jeffrey Narweh, founder of FC Accounting and management accountant at PGMOL. Jeffrey shares his journey from aspiring professional footballer to finding his passion in accounting within the football industry. Jeffrey discusses the challenges of transitioning careers, overcoming limiting beliefs, and the importance of personal branding to stand out in a competitive field. Jeffrey provides insights into the financial side of football, including the need for better financial literacy among fans and professionals in the sport. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Transition from Football to Accounting: The journey from aspiring professional footballer to a successful accountant highlights the importance of adaptability.

Mental Health and Personal Branding: Overcoming mental health challenges and limiting beliefs are crucial in personal development. By sharing his experiences and insights on platforms like LinkedIn, he was able to connect with others who faced similar struggles.

Importance of Networking: Actively reaching out to professionals in the football industry and seeking informational interviews helped in understanding the landscape and identifying transferable skills.

Financial Literacy in Football: There is a significant gap in financial literacy within the football industry, particularly among players and professionals outside the top tier.

Emotional vs. Logical Approach in Football: The emotional nature of football can sometimes overshadow the logical financial decisions that need to be made. 

BEST MOMENTS

"Football was my dream. It's now over. Now I have to try and do this."

"You can't do everything on a pitch... You need to excel in your space."

"If you show yourself out there, and not many people are, the rewards will go to you."

"Football started as a sport, and now it's become a business."

"Can we start to educate fans? ... More knowledge in the game makes football more enjoyable." 

Jeffrey’s Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnarweh/

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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, monetize & 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 welcomes Callum Noad, the head of talent at Entourage Sport and Entertainment. Callum shares insights into the competitive nature of the sports industry, the importance of networking, and the value of hard work in securing opportunities. Callum discusses the dual focus of Entourage on talent representation and sponsorship, emphasising the need for athletes to build their brands, especially as they approach the end of their careers. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Networking and Experience: Gaining practical experience through internships and networking is crucial in the competitive sports industry.

Value of Trust in Talent Representation: Establishing trust with talent is essential for successful partnerships. A strong reputation and personal relationships can lead to more opportunities and a willingness from talent to engage in projects.

Building a Personal Brand: Athletes, especially those nearing the end of their careers, should focus on building their brand and narrative.

Authenticity in Partnerships: Modern advertising demands authenticity. Brands and talent should align their values and narratives to create genuine partnerships that resonate with audiences.

Growth of Women's Sports: The commercial landscape for women's sports is evolving, but there is still a disparity compared to men's sports. Individual recognition of female athletes is crucial for their commercial success.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think sometimes people are happy just to go, oh, I've interned here, I've got a bit of experience at this place... I think that's the wrong attitude to have when you're starting in the industry."

"You never lose, you just learn."

"I think we need to sort of work on building out that individual recognition for the Lionesses, because... It's important as an industry that we continue to prioritise celebrating women's footballers as individuals."

"Until the stadiums are sold out and that's becoming increasingly more common... we're never going to be able to pay female players the same as the men's players."

"We want to celebrate these athletes as much as we do in the men's game." 

GUESTS SOCIALS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callumnoad/ 

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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, monetize & 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 exclusive episode, David engages in an insightful conversation with Christian Rose, the CEO of Power League. Christian shares his journey from a retail background to leading a football-based organization, emphasizing the importance of customer-centricity and the universal appeal of football. Christian discusses Power League's various offerings, catering to competitive players and those seeking a casual kickabout. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Customer-Centric Approach: The importance of being customer-centric is emphasized, focusing on understanding and anticipating customer needs to deliver products and services that meet those expectations.

Inclusivity in Sports: Power League aims to create an inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, gender, or skill level. Initiatives are in place to encourage participation from underrepresented groups.

Community Engagement: The organization actively engages with local communities by supporting charitable causes and providing opportunities for individuals from various backgrounds.

Adaptation and Innovation: The introduction of paddle tennis as a new offering demonstrates the company's willingness to innovate and adapt to changing market demands, aiming to attract a broader audience and enhance the overall customer experience.

Empowerment and Communication: Empowering club managers to run their locations as their own businesses fosters a culture of ownership and accountability. Regular communication and feedback loops are established to ensure that all employees feel heard and valued, contributing to a positive workplace culture.

BEST MOMENTS

"My whole career has been based around being customer-centric. That's putting the customers at the heart of everything we do."

"One of the things that's important is, we have an epidemic in this country of childhood obesity."

"I was surprised at the universal appeal... I thought it would be more cliquey."

"We have an absolute policy of any abuse to another customer or player... you get a lifetime ban at Power League."

"If you listen authentically to ideas, good and bad, and there are very few bad ideas." 

GUESTS LINKS:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-rose-5846a14/

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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, monetize & 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 Paddy Gamble, the founder of the Person Before Player initiative aimed at supporting footballers off the pitch. Paddy, a former professional footballer himself, shares his journey and the challenges he faced transitioning out of the sport. Paddy discusses the need for realistic conversations about career planning and the significance of having a stable support system that prioritises the individual behind the athlete.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Person Before Player Initiative: This platform aims to support footballers off the pitch by providing a safe space for them to discuss their personal development and mental health.

Three Stages of Support: The initiative focuses on three key stages: academy players transitioning to professional football, current professional players navigating their careers.

Importance of Plan B: There is a critical need for realistic discussions about alternative career paths for young players, as the majority of academy players do not make it to professional levels.

External Support Systems: Players often feel unable to express vulnerability to their clubs due to fear of jeopardizing their careers. An external support system, like Person Before Player.

Building Self-Awareness: The approach emphasizes coaching individuals to become more self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses, helping them explore opportunities beyond football and understand their identity outside of being an athlete.

BEST MOMENTS

"Person Before Player is a platform that allows football players in academy settings, but also players of current professional teams to sit down and talk with people and have the support that they need away from the pitch."

"When players don't have these platforms to open up and be vulnerable, then what happens is they suppress feelings and ultimately it leads to mental health."

"The percentage of academy players making it pro and going on to first team football is shockingly low."

"You are losing your identity. You are not having the options and chances at the weekends to go out and dive into other stuff."

"It's about being curious about the person. It's about asking the right questions." 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddypersonbeforeplayer/ 

https://www.personbeforeplayer.co.uk/ 

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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, monetize & 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 special guest episode, David sits down with Sam White, General Coordinator and Technical & Operations Manager at Royal FC, a Dubai-based club competing in the UAE Second Division. Sam shares a deeply insightful look at the inner workings of building a football club from scratch, his experiences navigating a fast-growing football culture in the UAE, and what it means to work in football beyond just the pitch.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Sam never pursued professional football as a player but found his route into the game through operations.Many underestimate how many non-playing jobs exist in football—media, hospitality, partnerships, and more.

The UAE football system allows teams to apply for league licenses, much like the U.S. model. Royal FC is currently in the Second Division and competes with teams like Precision FC and Alcabela, who’ve attracted ex-Premier League players like Ravel Morrison and Harry Arter.

Sam wears multiple hats—operations, contracts, youth development, and even social media.Being involved in a small club has allowed him to gain a broad skillset and experience things he wouldn’t have access to in a larger, more hierarchical European club structure.

While competition is fierce between clubs, Royal FC pushes for more collaboration across the league. Sam’s team worked with club ownership to propose a new domestic cup tournament to the UAE FA—an FA Cup-style competition involving lower-tier teams, which was positively received.

BEST MOMENTS

"It's kind of an amalgamation of everything you love about football — apart from scoring the winning goal. I can't do that, but I can hopefully find the player who can."

"In Dubai, it’s like America — you can invest in a license and enter the league. Anyone can beat anyone. It’s hyper-competitive."

"You’re automatically the underdog. You’ve got the team talk written — ‘Let’s go and beat the team full of ex-Premier League players.’"

"A lot of people don't realize there are so many jobs in football — from commercial partnerships to hospitality. Every Saturday, at least a hundred clubs need to run like restaurants."

https://www.instagram.com/royalfc.uae/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-white-b77b2435/ 

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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, monetize & 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 50th episode special, David welcomes Farai Hallam as he shares his journey from a young football enthusiast in East London to a multifaceted professional in the sport, encompassing roles as a player, referee, and speaker. Farai reflects on the origins of his passion for football, sparked by childhood memories of watching games and playing in local parks. Farai discusses the value of teamwork, leadership, and the impact of helping young people, while also addressing the pressures of working in a competitive environment. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Passion for Football: The journey into football began at a young age, influenced by the environment and experiences, such as watching games and playing with friends.

Transitioning Careers: After a playing career, the transition to a different role in football required acceptance of change and an open-minded approach. Embracing new opportunities.

Importance of Teamwork and Leadership: Experiences in football fostered skills in teamwork and leadership. Being a good teammate and learning to accept criticism are valuable traits that translate well into various professional environments.

Helping Others: A strong desire to help young people and give back to the community is a driving force. Sharing personal experiences and insights can inspire others, emphasising the importance of supporting the next generation.

Self-Management and Creativity: Effective self-management, such as creating daily to-do lists, helps maintain focus and productivity. Finding personal creative spaces, whether through physical activity or quiet reflection.

BEST MOMENTS

"I lived in a council flat in Plastow... I used to be playing football up against the sofa."

"You have to remind yourself of how lucky you are and how that passion is there."

"I think you have to have the belief that I'm going to keep playing and I'm going to keep progressing."

"I think your common paths are coaching... But there are so many other jobs off-field now."

"If you have a team that enjoys what they're doing, I'm just so sure they'll be more productive."

https://www.linkedin.com/in/farai-hallam-33b23ba7/ 

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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, monetize & 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 welcomes back Anadi Taylor for a second conversation, diving into the exciting developments surrounding the Soccer Skills Challenge, a program designed to benchmark and improve the skills of young football players. Anadi shares insights on how the initiative was born from the need to evaluate younger players, particularly those outside of professional academies, and how it has evolved to include collaboration with Premier League Academy scouts and coaches.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Soccer Skills Challenge Development: A new benchmarking system called the Soccer Skills Challenge has been developed to evaluate and improve the skills of younger football players.

Focus on Fun and Development: The initiative emphasises the importance of keeping football enjoyable for young players while also allowing them to understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

Data-Driven Insights: The Soccer Skills Challenge utilises data collected from Premier League Academy players to create benchmarks for various skills, enabling players to see where they stand and what they need to work on to progress.

Parental Involvement: Parents play a crucial role in their children's football journey, and the program aims to engage them by providing certificates and reports that highlight their child's skill development, fostering a supportive environment.

Holistic Approach to Training: Overtraining is identified as a significant issue in player development. Young athletes need to maintain a balanced life outside of football.

BEST MOMENTS

"What we recognized is that there's actually nobody giving the ability to benchmark younger players."

"We do try and keep it fun... If you want to progress, this is a way that you can do it."

"If you're in that academy environment, you know how well you fare against all the other people in that academy."

"Practice makes permanent. If you're practicing the wrong thing, it's not making your game necessarily perfect."

"I think it's really, really important for players... to have a life outside of simply training."

Anadi’s Links

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/anaditaylor

https://uk.linkedin.com/company/isportsanalysis?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company 

https://www.isportsanalysis.com/ 

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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, monetize & 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 we look back at some of the best convrsations of The Business of Football Podcast so far, with snippets from interviews host David Chimbaza had with International Football Presenter Adriano Del Monte & Founder of Footy Addicts Konstantinos Gkortsilas. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Community Focus: Footy Addicts was founded to address the need for social football games, particularly for individuals who lack a social network.

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, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Interviewing leaders in football from around the globe & speaking & hosting in the sports industry nationally, our host is here to bring you the best football episodes every week

In this episode of the Business of Football podcast, David delves into the intricate economics of the global football industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities present in various markets. Focusing primarily on Europe and the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, David also covers the saturation of the European market, where a high number of sports management graduates compete for limited roles, and contrasts it with the burgeoning growth in Saudi Arabia, where significant investments are being made to develop the sports sector.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Saturation in the European Market: The European football industry is highly saturated, with around 50,000 sports management graduates each year, but only 5-10% securing relevant roles.

BEST MOMENTS

"Europe has about 50,000 sports management football-related graduates each year, but only five to 10% land relevant roles in clubs or agencies. It's brutal."

"The number of coaches at the moment that are across the globe is astronomical compared to any other niche industry; coaching is probably the hardest one because everyone wants to be a coach."

"Saudi Arabia is trying to future-proof itself from the oil market by looking into sports, for example. Some people will call it sports washing; I think it's just smart in general."

"50% of Saudis now exercise weekly from up to 13% in 2015. More people want to get into football, more people want to be interested."

"If you can find successful models in your own niche, whatever it is, whether it's in coaching, data analysis, business, investment, you know, owning football clubs."

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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, monetize & 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/