The Business of Football

In this special interview episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza sits down with Ben Lucey, Senior Event Operations Manager at the Football Association of Wales, who served as the project lead for the UEFA Under-19 European Championships hosted across North Wales. With the tournament final between Germany and Spain unfolding as this episode is released, David and Ben reflect on...

In this episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza reflects on his experience covering the UEFA Under-19 European Championships semi-final between Germany and Ukraine at the Racecourse Ground in Wales, offering a pitch-side perspective on what it was like to be embedded in the environment of an international youth tournament. He explores why this tournament is so important for the...

In this episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza takes a deep dive into the pillars of networking and why building real relationships in football is about far more than sending messages or collecting contacts. Drawing from his own experience developing an international network across football, media and business, he reflects on how his perspective has changed over time, what he...

Contact us: david@businessoffootballnetwork.co.uk BREAKING IN BOOK: https://amzn.eu/d/0ifGoYmo In this episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza reflects on his experience covering Wales vs Spain at the UEFA Under-19 European Championships in Wales, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to be inside the media environment at an international tournament for the very...

In this special on-the-ground recap from the UEFA U19 Euros in Wales, David Chimbaza shares his first day behind the scenes at the Racecourse Ground as media for The Business of Football Network. From collecting accreditation and navigating pre-match operations to capturing the atmosphere around the stadium, this episode gives listeners a real glimpse into what it takes to cover an international t...

In this episode of The Business of Football, we unpack why the World Cup is capturing attention in a way the domestic game often struggles to, from standout performances by Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland to the wider debate around entertainment, business and football’s future. We also dig into the frustration surrounding VAR in the Premier League, asking why the technology still sl...

In this episode, UCFB student and The Business of Football Network interviewer Taylor Denton sits down with Soccerex marketing executive Joshua Keyes to talk about breaking into the football industry while balancing study, work, and networking. Joshua shares how he got started, what drew him to the business side of football, and what it’s really like working across events, consultancy, and footbal...

In this week’s episode of The Business of Football Podcast, David Chimbaza explores one of the biggest questions in the game and asks whether the World Cup really benefits the countries that take part in it. With the tournament in full swing, and England playing on the same day, David breaks down the economics, the culture, and the long term impact of football’s biggest stage. From FIFA prize mone...

It’s opening night of the FIFA World Cup, and The Business of Football is kicking off the tournament with our official predictions episode hosted by David Chimbaza. In this video, David gives his full take on the competition ahead, breaking down who he thinks will win the tournament, which teams could cause major shocks, what the game of the tournament might be, and the key storylines to watch as...

The Professional World of Football Business by The Professionals: https://amzn.eu/d/0bcVZ4AK   In this week’s episode of The Business of Football Podcast, David Chimbaza takes listeners inside his recent visit to the InScout Innovators Forum in Middlesbrough, sharing a detailed reflection on a day packed with insight, conversation, and real world football business learning. From player care and sa...

n this week’s episode of The Business of Football Podcast, David sits down with Jamie Khan, co author of How to Become a Football Agent, to explore the journey behind building a career in football and sport. Jamie has already achieved a huge amount in a relatively short time, including being recognised in the sports industry’s 30 Under 30, and in this conversation he opens up about how it all star...

AVAILABLE NOW: https://www.businessoffootballnetwork.co.uk/new-page   In this very special episode of The Business of Football Podcast, David shares an exciting milestone for The Business of Football Network as we launch our very first book, Breaking Into the Professional World of Football Business, by the Professionals. This episode is a deep dive into why the book was created, what inspired it,...

David Chimbaza digs into the business side of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to ask a simple but shocking question: could qualifying for the tournament actually cost some national teams money? A month out from kick-off, David walks listeners through prize funds, daily allowances, travel and tax headaches, and why a bigger, multi-country World Cup may squeeze already-tight national association budgets. Dr...

Hosted this week by The Business of Football Journalist Charlie Sundaram, he sits down with Joel Hobbs, who's  journey took him from semi-pro footballer to founder of Custom Changing Rooms. This episode explores how a passion for the game, a hands-on mindset, and a focus on professionalism have helped him build a niche business across non-league football and beyond. He also shares why changing roo...

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...

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 natura...

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 foo...

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...

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 mo...

The Business football goes behind the industry, with an interview with Founder of multiple football businesses Anthony Zouzout. Providing businesses and online business for scouts, agents & making services easier, Anthony based out in the USA created multiple opportunities based on his own personal experiences. In this interview, Toby Lenton sits down with Anthony as they discuss his business,...

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...

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.  KE...

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...

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 be...

In this premiere guest episode of 2026, David sits down with Jack Glennon, the co-founder of Behind Sport. Jack shares his inspiring journey from graduating from UCFB and volunteering at Salford City to launching a successful sports media platform during the 2020 lockdown.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Championing the "Behind the Scenes" Professionals: Behind Sport was founded to celebrate the people and the bus...