Every small connection, contact made throughout your career can have the potential to make a big impact professionally. In football business, aside from requiring knowledge, skills and relentless hard work, it is equally important to have the right support network to succeed.
You can only go alone to a certain extent. It is the right support network that makes all the difference.
Why Networking is Important
Networking is an integral aspect of the football industry’s complex ecosystem. Knowing and maintaining healthy relationships leads to building relationships. With the right people, it makes you a leader.
Building a strong network in the football industry:
- Volunteering: Active participation in football events, football business forums, associations can make multiple connections which would lead to recognition and career navigation
- Connect with Peers: Knowledge sharing, engaging in meaningful conversations, over digital mediums as well at physical spaces are some ways to connect with peers and industry members.
- Connect with Specialists: Football business is a team game with specialists in every area. Connect, grow and learn with them.
- Give Back: Support others in their journey. The best network are built on mutual respect and shared growth.
Networking – The SBI Way
At SBI, we cherish and nourish our connections.
Earlier this year, SBI visited Al Ahly SC, one of the most historic and successful football clubs in the world, with a simple objective: to get closer to the club, understand how it operates, and strengthen the relationships between the football industry and our classrooms.
During the visit, we had the opportunity to speak with people working inside the club, including former SBI students who have taken what they learned with us and are now building their careers in football. Seeing our alumni on the other side of the table—this time as industry professionals—made the visit particularly meaningful.
Fast forward a few months, and the story came full circle.
Last week, Al Ahly travelled to Barcelona to take part in the Joan Gamper Trophy against FC Barcelona. This time, instead of us visiting them in Cairo, we welcomed the opportunity to reconnect here in Barcelona.
We attended the match and caught up with Ahmed Elsheikh, former Al Ahly player, who was also there for the occasion. Different city, different setting, but the same shared connection through football.
Moments like these are a reminder that football is a remarkably connected industry. Relationships built in one place often reappear somewhere else, sometimes months or years later and in completely different roles.That is also why networking is such an important part of our Master in Football Business & Management program.
For us, networking isn’t simply about collecting contacts. It is about building genuine relationships with clubs, executives, professionals, alumni and people across the football ecosystem—and then working to bring those relationships closer to our students.
Because knowledge can open the door to the football industry. Relationships can help you find your place within it.
