The Business of Football

Join us as we sit down with Malcolm Buick, Chief Creative Officer at Athletics, for an insightful conversation on the power of design, community, and culture in modern football branding. Growing up in Scotland, Malcolm’s journey took him through London’s music scene and into the US creative industry, shaping legendary sports brands from Burton Snowboards to Major League Soccer (MLS) and clubs like...

In this episode of the Business of Football podcast, David returns to share exciting updates and fresh perspectives for the new year. Reflecting on the podcast's journey, David discusses the relaunch of their social media platforms and the ambitious goal of uploading every podcast episode to YouTube, including previously unrecorded ones. KEY TAKEAWAYS Content Expansion: The podcast is relaunching...

In the final episode of the Business Football Podcast for 2025, David reflects on a transformative year filled with ups and downs, personal growth, and meaningful connections within the football industry. Despite battling illness, the host shares heartfelt insights about the podcast's journey, including the incredible opportunity to provide real-life experiences for young people aspiring to work i...

In this episode, David delves into the growth and evolution of women's football, sharing personal experiences from volunteering at the 2022 Women's Euros and discussing the current landscape of the women's game. David highlights the increasing investment, commercial growth, and emerging career opportunities within the sector, emphasising the importance of player protection and professional support...

In this episode, David invites Chris Samson for an insightful conversation about who has successfully navigated the challenging journey from university straight into the Premier League, with a focus on analysis and scouting. Chris shares their experience of leveraging every opportunity, from academic coursework and volunteering to securing a full-time role. KEY TAKEAWAYS Adaptability is crucial: H...

In this deeply honest episode, David checks in to share his personal journey and the often-unseen struggles of building a career in the football industry. David speaks openly about battling the impostor, the feeling of being an "outsider" despite his passion and hard work. David addresses the reality of constant rejection from job applications and opportunities, sharing his frustration with the in...

In this episode, David delves into various career pathways and strategies for success within the modern football industry. By looking at the most searched questions on the internet. David first tackles the role of specialist degrees, accreditations, and ongoing professional development in unlocking opportunities, noting that a degree provides a strong foundational knowledge, especially in operatio...

In this episode, David reflects on some of the most impactful conversations from the year, highlighting the journey of football enthusiasts turned entrepreneurs. The discussion delves into the personal experiences of guests who share their passion for football. From the importance of grassroots support to the evolution of media in football, the episode captures the essence of dedication and creati...

In this very special guest episode, David travels to London to sit down with Eni Shabani, Co-Founder of Rising Ballers. Eni takes us behind the scenes of one of the biggest media platforms in football, sharing the deeply personal story of how a passion project, inspired by his younger brother's own difficult journey in the academy system, turned into a full-time, profitable business.  KEY TAKEAWAY...

In this episode, David reflects on their journey nearly a year and a half after graduating with a degree in International Football Business. David discusses the realities of entering the competitive football industry, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations and understanding the diverse career paths available. David shares personal experiences, insights from industry professionals, and...

In this episode, David welcomes Thejus Pushparaj, the head of marketing and commercial events at Alwada FC, and shares his extensive experience in commercial and event management within the football industry. Tejas discusses his journey from an IT background to a pivotal role in sports marketing, highlighting key projects such as the AFC Asian Cup 2019 and the FIFA Club World Cup 2021-2022. Tejas...

In this episode, David discusses effective networking strategies for breaking into and thriving within the competitive, closed-off football industry ecosystem. David emphasizes that the vast majority of jobs are filled through internal promotion or existing networks, not external recruitment. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Industry is a Closed Ecosystem: Only 15-20% of job vacancies in football are externally...

In this episode, David invites expert Robert Gevertz to join the podcast to share his insights from a decorated career focusing on digital and commercial innovation within sport. Learn about the strategic shift from traditional broadcasting to digital content, the power of sponsored editorial content, and how a unique blend of experiences led him to consultancy. KEY TAKEAWAYS Digital Evolution in...

In this episode, David engages in a lively conversation with Dani Gonçalves, a co-founder of a fantasy football platform dedicated to women's football. They discuss the rapid growth of the women's game, particularly following the Lionesses' success in the Euros, and how this surge in popularity has influenced their business. Dani shares insights into their journey from being casual fans to creatin...

In this powerful and inspiring podcast episode, David invites David Ricca as he shares his incredible story of surviving the tragic events of 9/11 and how football has helped him overcome the trauma and rebuild his life. As a survivor of the World Trade Center attacks, David discusses the challenges he faced in the aftermath, including PTSD, anxiety, and the struggle to find purpose. However, thro...

In this episode, David shares his personal experience of facing rejection in the football industry after graduating from university. David discusses the challenges of breaking into the highly competitive field and the importance of perseverance and a growth mindset. David emphasizes the value of staying connected to the industry during the "in-between period" by volunteering, coaching, or finding...

In this podcast episode, David shares his insights and experiences on pursuing a career in the football industry. David discusses various topics, including the diverse roles available beyond coaching and playing, the importance of volunteering and internships, what football clubs look for in terms of growth and innovation, and common mistakes to avoid when starting a football-related business or b...

In this episode, David sits down with the co-owner of the Ref Stop, Dale Wilson, to explore the unique niche of referee and match official equipment in the UK. Dale shares his journey from being a newly qualified referee to establishing a thriving business that caters to the needs of referees at all levels. He discusses the challenges faced in the industry, the importance of community support, and...

“Why So Many Footballers Go Broke After Retirement” What happens when the final whistle blows and the paychecks stop? In this episode, we reveal why so many footballers face financial struggles after retirement – and how the smart ones avoid it. We cover the importance of education, cash flow planning, and building trust with the right advisors. Plus, why personal development during a career can b...

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 bra...

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 competitiv...

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 see...

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...

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...

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 teamwo...