The Business of Football

David Chimbaza
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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 football business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this podcast offers valuable guidance on building success in the football industry.

  1. Mastering the Pitch: Jan Esteller Subirats on Youth Development and Tournament Strategy

    3D AGO

    Mastering the Pitch: Jan Esteller Subirats on Youth Development and Tournament Strategy

    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 occurs when coaches move away from PlayStation coachingand instead ask the right questions to foster player autonomy. Logistics of Scale: Organizing international tournaments requires balancing intricate details from airport transfers and Olympic village-style accommodations to ensuring high-quality officiating. Football as a Life Skill: Youth tournaments are about more than just the score; they provide essential life experiences in team bonding, travel, and cultural adaptation. The Power of Feedback: Constant improvement in sports management is driven by real-time feedback loops where staff identify small logistical tweaks that significantly enhance the participant experience. Adapting to the Environment: Successful leadership in sports requires a "DJ-like" adaptability, tuning your management or coaching style to the specific needs and levels of your audience. BEST MOMENTS "I would compare a coach to a DJ... there is no good or bad DJ, it depends on the moment, the club, and your audience." "It’s super easy to give an instruction like 'pass the ball,' but the real challenge is finding the right question to help the player discover that they should pass it." "If we do the same things as everyone else, we’re just going to be the same. To grow, you have to be creative and assume the risk of doing things differently." "Most of these kids won't remember the final score of a tournament five years later, but they’ll remember the trip, the teammates, and the shared experiences." "Sports management is about taking the stress away from the coaches so they can focus entirely on the pitch." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  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, monetise & 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/

    50 min
  2. The Power of Conviction: Navigating the "No's" in Football

    MAR 4

    The Power of Conviction: Navigating the "No's" in Football

    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 belief in your project is the only thing that keeps you going when the results aren't yet visible. The "Nobody" Phase is the Hardest: Transitioning from a graduate with a degree to a respected professional requires weathering a "process of being dismissed" by established leaders. Do Something, Don’t Just Talk: Credibility is built through action—starting a blog, a series, or a business—rather than just sharing "thought pieces" on social media. Self-Interest Drives the Industry: Don't wait on others to open doors. Everyone has their own priorities; you must be the one to force the issue and follow up persistently. Failure is a Data Point: The collapse of previous ventures (like DTC Media) provides the essential redirection needed to find a more sustainable and valuable niche in the market. BEST MOMENTS "You overestimate what you can do in a year, but you underestimate what you can do in ten years." "No one else will believe in your journey if you don't... They might say they will, but they've got their own lives to think about." "The reason made it to the top is because they stuck through that process... being dismissed is part of that journey." "You have to shout about what you're doing until someone eventually listens... but actually be doing something, don't just be shouting." "The industry can move past you very quickly. That’s why you’ve got to start sooner rather than later to do something." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  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, monetise & 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/

    32 min
  3. The Power of Consistency: Building Behind Sport With Jack Glennon

    FEB 25

    The Power of Consistency: Building Behind Sport With Jack Glennon

    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 business side of the sports industry that often go unnoticed by the general public. The Power of Practical Experience: Jack’s experience at Salford City, starting with a blog and moving into match-day social media work, was instrumental in building the connections and knowledge needed to launch his own venture. Consistency and Patience are Vital: Building a successful platform takes time; Jack emphasizes the need to keep showing up and creating content even when the initial engagement is low. Authenticity Resonates: A core part of Behind Sport’s success is maintaining an authentic voice that reflects the founders' true personalities rather than adopting a forced professional persona. The Importance of Niche and Unique Perspective: To stand out in a crowded market, Jack advises new creators to find a unique angle or niche that they are genuinely passionate about. BEST MOMENTS "We are all about celebrating and championing the people and the incredible work that goes on in the industry because we feel like it doesn’t get and they don’t get the plaudits that they deserve." "Behind Sport doesn’t exist if I don’t go to UCFB and don’t do work experience at Salford City." "Consistency is key... you’ve got to keep showing up even in the beginning when you might not necessarily be getting the numbers you think it kind of deserves." "We’ve built our brand tone of voice in exactly the same way that Ryan and I speak... we’re not having to put on this kind of fake persona." "I think you have to find that one thing that sets you apart that’s uniquely yours... find out the one thing that works for you and then just kind of set the goal of being like I’m going to create a piece of content." TO CONNECT WITH JACK https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-glennon-2b6a85a8/  OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  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, monetise & 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/

    53 min

  4. FEB 17

    The Business of Football Malcom Buick Chief Creative Officer @ Athletics

    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 Seattle Sounders. In this episode, Malcolm reveals: How authentic storytelling and fan engagement fuel the growth of football clubs and leagues. Why community identity and local roots are at the heart of effective sports branding. The impact of design on MLS’s rise, and how initiatives like MLS Go are making football accessible to a new generation. The potential (and pitfalls) of AI and globalization in football, from personalized fan experiences to global matches. Personal anecdotes from a lifetime supporting Arbroath, Celtic, and Liverpool, and what makes football brands truly lasting. Perfect for anyone interested in sports business, creative strategy, and the intersection of brand, culture, and football. Don’t miss Malcolm’s expert take on where football is headed next! 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on the business of football. #FootballBusiness #SportsBranding #Athletics #MLS #Podcast

    39 min
  5. Kicking Off 2026: A Fresh Start for the Business of Football Podcast

    FEB 4

    Kicking Off 2026: A Fresh Start for the Business of Football Podcast

    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 its social media platforms and YouTube channel, aiming to provide more insightful content, including behind-the-scenes footage and matchday experiences. Consistency and Growth: The importance of releasing podcast episodes consistently has been highlighted as a key factor in building a loyal audience and establishing credibility within the football industry. Evolving in the Industry: There is a strong emphasis on personal and professional development in the football industry, encouraging individuals to adapt and develop specific skills to remain relevant and competitive. Community Engagement: The podcast aims to foster greater interaction with its audience, inviting suggestions for guests and topics, and emphasizing the value of helping even a single person through shared knowledge and experiences. New Opportunities: The speaker expresses excitement about the potential for new opportunities in 2026, particularly with the upcoming World Cup, and encourages listeners to actively seek ways to contribute and make a difference in the football community. BEST MOMENTS "We want to bring and deliver a lot more content around, not just myself, not just the podcast, but also around-the-clock content when it comes to football." "This industry is so stubborn. It's so difficult that being stubborn, even more stubborn, to not stop and to just keep going is a key lesson." "What evolutionary process are you going to have to go through to make yourself the person, the candidate, the leader, the inspiration that is going to make a change?" "If you can help one person and change one person's trajectory, then that's a big win. That's a massive win." "We plan to go on a fantastic journey. The podcast is back. We're going to have more podcast episodes, more guests coming on." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  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, monetise & 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/

    18 min
  6. Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Growth and Opportunity in the Football Industry

    12/10/2025

    Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Growth and Opportunity in the Football Industry

    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 in football. Join us for this introspective and motivational wrap-up of the year! KEY TAKEAWAYS Community Impact: The podcast has successfully provided insider access and real-life career opportunities for young people interested in the football industry. Value of Conversations: Engaging in deep conversations with guests has been a core focus, allowing for meaningful exchanges that not only educate listeners but also enrich the host's understanding of the industry. Resilience in Adversity: The journey has included setbacks and numerous rejections, but the importance of perseverance and continuing to pursue opportunities is emphasized as a crucial lesson learned throughout the year. Appreciation of Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating small achievements has been vital for maintaining motivation and progress, as significant victories are often rare in the early stages of a career. Future Aspirations: There is a strong commitment to continue evolving the podcast and the associated network in 2026, with a focus on showcasing new talent and sharing more stories from the football industry. BEST MOMENTS "If you had told me 12 months ago, that's what we'd have been able to do, I wouldn't have thought it would have been possible." "Every single guest that's come on has been amazing... they came on because they wanted to help. And for that, I have so much respect." "If I'd stopped at that moment, I would regret it so much. I'm so glad... we still get to talk. I still get to do what I love." "The speed at which things happen for you varies... it takes one job to turn around. And honestly, that's so encouraging." "I've had so many rejection letters... if it doesn't work out the first time or the 50th time, just keep doing what you need to do.” OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  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, monetise & 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/

    24 min
  7. Exploring the Growth of Women's Football: Opportunities and Challenges in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

    12/03/2025

    Exploring the Growth of Women's Football: Opportunities and Challenges in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

    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 as the game transitions from semi-professional to fully professional.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Growth of Women's Football: Women's football is experiencing significant growth, with increasing investment and commercial opportunities. Career Opportunities: As the women's game expands, new job roles are emerging in areas such as marketing, partnerships, fan engagement, and sports science. Player Protection and Rights: Recent regulations, including FIFA's maternity leave policies and the NWSL's new collective bargaining agreement, are enhancing player protections. Innovative Approaches: The women's game allows for creativity and innovation in marketing and fan engagement strategies, as it is still in a relatively nascent stage compared to men's football. Importance of Professionalism: As women's teams transition from semi-professional to fully professional, there is a need for improved infrastructure, including HR and medical support.  BEST MOMENTS “I still believe it is in an infancy stage, but it was super raw. We hadn't won the Euros yet, so there wasn't the same level of buzz that was created after it." "Women's football is fighting for credibility, it's fighting for legitimacy, right? And the business for it to survive... the women's game is always going to be fighting for legitimacy." "If you want a game to be respected... how do you deal with that balance? Are you dealing with it from the perspective of we're going to try and be jokey, funny?" "Match day revenue is becoming a massive, massive part of the overall growth of the game. We're seeing more games in main stadiums." "The reason why this game will grow... is starting by protecting the players, starting by protecting these freelancers, because that's what athletes are, right?" OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  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, monetise & 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/

    19 min
  8. Marketing in Elite Level Football: Elite Marketing at Southampton Football Club

    11/30/2025

    Marketing in Elite Level Football: Elite Marketing at Southampton Football Club

    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: Having a skillset to adapt during the change and evolution of technology plays a key role in handling changes at big organisations Proactive Networking is Essential: The guest demonstrated the power of proactive networking, using university projectss, his own blog & work within Scotland as platforms to meet and impress key decision-makers within clubs. The Non-Negotiable of a Personal Brand: Building a consistent and professional personal brand (online and offline) is necessary to stand out in a saturated market and clearly communicate one's unique value proposition. Value Consistency Over Perfection: Consistently demonstrating reliability, a strong work ethic, and a thirst for learning is more valuable in the early stages than waiting for a project to be "perfect" before sharing it. TO CONNECT WITH CHRIS https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-samson/  OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  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, monetise & 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/

    57 min
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About

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 football business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this podcast offers valuable guidance on building success in the football industry.

Information

  • Creator
    David Chimbaza
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 dchimbaza
  • Show Website
    The Business of Football