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.

• Opportunities in Emerging Markets: Countries like Saudi Arabia are experiencing significant growth in their sports sectors, with projections indicating a rise from $7.2 billion in 2023 to $22.4 billion by 2030.

• Youth and Women's Football Development: There is a growing emphasis on youth development and women's football in emerging markets. For instance, Saudi Arabia is investing in women's football, which has seen a substantial increase in registered players and teams.

• Challenges in Innovation: In Europe, there is resistance to change and innovation within established football systems, making it difficult for new ideas to gain traction.

• Importance of Research and Strategy: Before entering a new market, it's crucial to conduct thorough research on business potential, existing infrastructures, and successful models in other regions.

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/

In this episode of the podcast, David delves into the intriguing topic of football fan consumption, drawing on insights from their university studies and recent reports from the European Clubs Association. The discussion categorises modern football fans into six distinct groups based on their engagement levels, from casual followers to die-hard loyalists.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Diverse Fan Categories: The European Clubs Association identifies six distinct categories of football fans based on their engagement levels, ranging from "FOMO followers" who seek social currency to "club loyalists" who are deeply emotionally invested in their teams.

• Content as a Revenue Stream: Football clubs are increasingly viewing themselves as content providers, investing in behind-the-scenes content, documentaries, and social media to engage fans and monetise their loyalty. Engaged fans are found to spend six times more than casual fans.

• Digital Engagement Strategies: Younger fans prefer platforms like YouTube and Instagram for content consumption, while older fans lean towards traditional live TV.

• Local vs. Global Fan Tension: There is a growing tension between local fans and international supporters, with many local fans feeling that clubs prioritise global branding over their interests.

• Changing Match Day Experience: The match day experience is evolving, with clubs enhancing pre-game entertainment and in-stadium technology to boost engagement.

BEST MOMENTS

"Modern fans think differently about football just as they think differently about other aspects of society and entertainment."

"Engaged fans spend six times more than casual fans."

"Clubs are trying to create kits that are stylistic... it's not just you're going to wear a Manchester City or Manchester United shirt at the ground, but also it's nice enough to wear as part of your normal fit."

"68% of Premier League fans believe that clubs prioritise global branding over locals to supporters."

"We need to think about how can we keep them in the loop, keep them involved, whilst making sure that match days are still operationally and financially attractive."

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 of David delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the football industry. With insights drawn from previous discussions and current trends, the episode explores how AI is revolutionising various aspects of football, including player recruitment, financial management, and fan engagement. David shares personal experiences with AI tools, highlighting their efficiency in content creation and graphic design.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• AI's Growing Role in Football: The football industry is increasingly integrating AI technologies for various applications, including player recruitment, financial management, and fan engagement.

• Enhanced Fan Engagement: AI is being utilised to personalise fan experiences, with clubs like Manchester City using AI-powered platforms to tailor content based on fan behaviour and preferences, leading to higher engagement rates.

• Automation in Scouting and Recruitment: AI tools are being developed for scouting automation and predictive modelling in talent identification, which could lead to a future where a significant portion of scouting is automated.

• Financial Compliance and Risk Management: Clubs are leveraging AI to simulate budgeting scenarios and assess financial risks, helping them comply with regulations like Financial Fair Play (FFP) as financial scrutiny increases.

• Innovative Use Cases in Matchday Experience: AI is enhancing the matchday experience through real-time statistics, interactive features, and even automated services like robot-powered bars.

BEST MOMENTS

"AI is so incredibly powerful in society, and it's only going to get stronger... we have to figure out how we fit around AI."

"Clubs are using AI tools already to actually simulate budgeting scenarios, assessing financial risks and ensuring compliance with regulations like FFP."

"Personalized experiences lead to an 80% higher fan engagement compared to just generic messaging."

"Chatbots can handle up to 80% of fan queries without any form of human intervention."

"Clubs that use AI enhanced loyalty systems see a 22% higher repeat engagement per fan per season."

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 reflects on the intersection of passion and career in the football industry, emphasizing the unique emotional engagement that sets football apart from other businesses. Drawing on examples of C-level executives who transitioned from non-sports industries into football, such as Ivan Gazidis and Christian Perslow, the discussion highlights how their fresh perspectives and understanding of the sport's emotional weight have shaped their leadership.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Passion vs. Career in Football: There is a delicate balance between pursuing a passion for football and establishing a career in the industry. While passion is essential, it is not the sole factor in achieving success.

• Emotional Engagement: Football is characterized by its emotional nature, which sets it apart from other industries. Executives transitioning into football often highlight the importance of emotional engagement in their roles.

• Diverse Backgrounds of Executives: A significant percentage of top-tier European football club executives come from non-sports industries, such as finance and consulting.

• Impact of Decisions: Decisions made within football clubs have far-reaching consequences, affecting millions of fans. Understanding the emotional stakes involved can help industry professionals navigate the challenges and scrutiny that come with their roles.

• Staying Connected to the Game: Many individuals in football, such as coaches and analysts, seek roles that allow them to remain actively involved in the game.

BEST MOMENTS

"Football is about emotion and that's what makes it different from any other business."

"Football clubs are emotional institutions, not just businesses."

"You can't just put football fans into that category... it's not fair to do that."

"Football is not just a business, it's a passion."

"The emotional engagement side of it is so, so different."

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 of the Business of Football podcast, David sits down with Konstantinos Gkortsilas, the founder and managing director of Footy Addicts, a platform designed to help individuals find and participate in social football games. Konstantinos shares insights on the positive impact of football on mental health, the challenges posed by COVID-19, and the evolving landscape of organised football. David concludes with reflections on the importance of community in football and the broader societal implications of social connections in today's world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

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

• Mental Health Awareness: The importance of mental health and social interaction has become more pronounced, especially post-COVID.

• Flexibility and Convenience: Footy Addicts offers a flexible and convenient way for people to play football without the pressure of formal team commitments.

• Evolution of Organised Football: There has been a noticeable shift towards more organised social games, with traditional affiliated games declining. Footy

• Player-Centric Development: The platform is focused on enhancing the player experience by providing tools and information that help players engage more effectively.

BEST MOMENTS

"The whole concept of Footy Addicts is just born from a need of myself and other people who want to play social football games in an area which I didn't know enough people."

"If you are not really facing the problem, it's really hard to come up with a solution because you cannot really understand what actually involves."

"There is more benefits than the physical activity of the football itself... supporting the mental health, going outside, doing an outdoors activity, meeting new people."

"We want to open up the community on a wider level... to start onboarding people who organize already their own games on different platforms."

"You need to interact with people. You need to do your physical activity. You need to breathe fresh air."

GUESTS LINKS

https://footyaddicts.com/contact

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.

In this episode of the Business as a Football podcast, David delves into the hidden job market within the football industry, highlighting the critical role of networking in securing job opportunities. With a striking statistic that 70% of roles are filled through referrals rather than traditional applications, David then shares personal experiences and insights, including the challenges faced when applying for competitive positions at top clubs like Manchester City. Additionally, the episode offers practical advice on how to navigate the industry, such as volunteering and joining community groups to uncover unadvertised roles.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Hidden Job Market: Approximately 70-80% of job roles in the football industry are filled through networking and referrals rather than public job postings, highlighting the importance of building connections.

• Networking Importance: Networking is crucial for career progression in the sports industry, with 85% of professionals indicating that it played a key role in their career advancement.

• Application Statistics: Only 12% of applicants secure roles through job boards or interviews, while most positions are filled through internal moves or direct referrals, emphasizing the need for personal connections.

• Volunteering as a Pathway: Many roles, especially in coaching and scouting, often start as unpaid or volunteer positions, which can lead to paid opportunities and valuable connections within the industry.

• Social Media Engagement: Candidates who engage with club staff on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter are 40% more likely to receive a response when reaching out, indicating the value of online networking in the job search process.

BEST MOMENTS

"70% of job roles or job opportunities in the football industry come from referrals and only like 20 or 30% people who are actually hired have come from actually applying for a role on a website."

"Top clubs receive about 500 plus applications per public role... they probably get like a thousand... and you're just thinking, you know, when I was like that, I was like, oh my God, there's a thousand other people that want the same role."

"Most football clubs... get more than anything else because that role is obviously really unique. Scouts at Premier League clubs are five times more likely to be hired via recommendation than they are for an open application."

"85% of sports industry professionals say that networking played a key role in their career progression... their network is effectively the reason why they've landed the role they have."

"Average time spent reviewing a CV is seven seconds... it goes to show that it doesn't really work."

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.

In this episode of the Business as a Football podcast, David sits down with Dave Lipp, a former sports media and tech executive with an impressive background, including roles at Sky, NBC Universal, and as the business development and strategy officer at Manchester United. Dave shares insights on his transition back into sports, the significance of networking, and the challenges of working in a fast-paced football environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Diverse Background in Sports and Media: The guest's career began in sports with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment in Canada, followed by significant roles in media at Sony Pictures, Sky, and NBCUniversal.

• Cultural Adaptation and Learning: Moving from North America to the UK, the guest emphasised the importance of understanding the different operational structures in football, such as the lack of salary caps and relegation, which contrasts with North American sports.

• Importance of Networking: Building a strong professional network was crucial for the guest, providing support and opportunities during career transitions, including the move to Manchester United.

• Data-Driven Fan Engagement: The guest discussed the significance of data in understanding fan behaviour and preferences, particularly for global audiences, and how this knowledge can enhance the fan experience, even for those who may never visit the stadium.

• Balancing Business and Fan Experience: While football clubs must generate revenue and satisfy shareholders, the guest highlighted the need for a fair relationship with fans, ensuring that their experiences and needs are prioritised in the club's commercial strategies.

BEST MOMENTS

"The biggest thing to wrap your head around is just the pyramid structure of how the league operates in [the UK]. Most North American sports have cost certainty where there's a salary cap."

"I always kind of wondered what life would be like in California, but no, there was a natural welcoming to the city to expats."

"I think all it's gonna do is make you a more well-rounded individual in life. And that's what I think the world needs more of."

"I did a lot of research too... I just became a lot more well-versed in all things United."

"There's a fair and equitable relationship that can exist where there is a value exchange."

GUEST'S LINKS

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

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.

In this episode of the Business of Football podcast, David discusses four essential non-negotiables for achieving success in the football industry: knowledge, network, mentorship, and experience. David emphasises the importance of understanding the specific role one is pursuing, whether in scouting, coaching, or other areas, and highlights how building a strong network can lead to job opportunities through referrals. David shares personal anecdotes about his own mentorship experiences and the value of actively seeking guidance from industry leaders.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Knowledge is Essential: Understanding the specific area you want to work in, such as scouting or coaching, is crucial. This includes familiarising yourself with techniques, regulations, and the history of the field to enhance your effectiveness.

2. Build Your Network: Networking is vital in the football industry, with a significant percentage of job opportunities arising from referrals. Actively engage with industry professionals to create connections that can support your career.

3. Seek Mentorship: Rather than directly asking someone to be your mentor, focus on building relationships through shared work experiences. Providing value to potential mentors can lead to more meaningful guidance and support.

4. Gain Practical Experience: Hands-on experience is invaluable. Volunteering or interning allows you to apply your knowledge, expand your network, and gain insights into the industry, which can significantly enhance your career prospects.

5. Integrate All Elements: Combining knowledge, networking, mentorship, and experience creates a strong foundation for success in the football industry.

BEST MOMENTS

"Knowing a little bit about what you're doing, the role that you're doing is absolutely vital."

"Your network... is obviously massive. Who you know is really important."

"Mentorship is probably something that everyone wants, but they don't really know how to get a mentor."

"There's nothing better than getting your hands in, you know, straight into it and really trying to graft."

"Putting all four of these practices into play... can teach you a lot about business and the industry in general."

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.