In this episode David shares a personal journey through the world of football, reflecting on his early aspirations to become a professional player and the challenges he faced along the way. Starting from his childhood in Swindon, he recounts his experiences as a goalkeeper, the disappointment of being released from an academy, and the subsequent loss of passion for the sport. The episode delves into the emotional toll of pursuing a football career and the importance of player care within clubs. David emphasizes the value of providing opportunities for young players to engage with the sport beyond playing, such as volunteering and gaining experience in various roles.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The journey from aspiring footballer to realizing the challenges of the sport highlights the emotional rollercoaster young athletes face, including the pressure and potential for disappointment.
There is a growing recognition of the need for football clubs to prioritize player care, understanding that young athletes are under immense pressure and may struggle with their identities if they do not succeed.
Engaging young players in various roles within clubs, such as volunteering or assisting on match days, can provide them with valuable experiences and help them feel connected to the sport, even if they do not make it as professional players.
Reconnecting with football through business opportunities can help rebuild confidence and passion for the sport, demonstrating that there are multiple pathways to remain involved in football beyond playing.
Businesses and clubs must offer young people chances to learn and grow, allowing them to make mistakes and develop skills that can benefit both the individual and the organization in the long run.
BEST MOMENTS
"I started playing football when I was about nine years old... I wanted to be a striker originally because I thought, oh, you know, I could bag goals."
"Once that failed... I do think of it as failure sometimes... it's hard to call a 14-year-old kid a failure, but that was very intense."
"I think it's just intense to put so much pressure on them... these guys are kids."
"If you can capture some level of emotion then you can bring some people back... football is an emotion-based sport."
"You have to allow them to make mistakes... if they want to learn and you get the right type of person in, you will not regret a decision."
PODCAST DESCRIPTION
The Business of Football is your gateway to the dynamic world of football business. Hosted by David Chimbaza, Founder & CEO, this podcast provides in-depth insights into creating, monetizing, and scaling ventures within the football industry. Join David as he engages with top industry leaders, CEOs, and directors, sharing their experiences, strategies, and expert advice on navigating the unique challenges and opportunities in the football business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this podcast offers valuable guidance on building success in the football industry.
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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.
