VSI Sporting Director's Podcast

Data-driven decisions are transforming sports leadership. In the world of Multi-Club Ownership (MCO), data analytics has become a game-changer, enabling clubs to maximise performance, streamline operations, and unlock competitive advantages. Take the City Football Group (CFG), whose centralised analytics hub supports its global network of clubs, including Manchester City Football Club, New York City FC, and Melbourne City FC. CFG uses advanced performance metrics and scouting tools to identify talent worldwide, ensuring the right players fit seamlessly into their system. For instance, Julian Álvarez, signed by Manchester City, was scouted through CFG’s extensive South American network. Similarly, Red Bull clubs such as RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg leverage shared data systems to focus on developing young talent. Players like Erling Haaland and Dominik Szoboszlai rose through the ranks, benefiting from Red Bull’s unified philosophy and data-driven approach to player progression. What will you learn on the VSI MCO course? - How to implement shared analytics frameworks across multiple clubs. - Integrating data insights into recruitment, performance, and strategy. - Best practices for leveraging technology to manage operations across culturally diverse teams. 📍 Register your interest for the course beginning March 2025. 🌐 Visit: www.vsiee.com 📧 Email: admin@vsiee.com Tony Faulkner Managing Director Prof. Rob Wilson #Leadership #MCO #DataAnalytics #Innovation #VSI

Over recent years, governance in sport has evolved dramatically, with an increased focus on transparency, accountability, and integrity. From the introduction of UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations to the scrutiny of ownership structures in football, such as Multi-Club Ownership and private equity investments, governance now plays a critical role in shaping the future of sport. Leading organisations are building frameworks that prioritise ethical leadership and long-term sustainability. The VSI Executive Education MSc in Sporting Directorship equips future leaders with the skills to navigate these complexities and create robust governance systems that meet modern demands. What will you learn? 📊 How to build transparent governance structures that align with organisational goals. ⚽ Strategies for balancing stakeholder expectations while maintaining ethical integrity. 🧠 Insights into managing compliance with regulatory bodies like UEFA and league-specific policies. If you're ready to tackle these challenges and lead with integrity, the VSI MSc in Sporting Directorship provides the perfect platform to elevate your career. 🌐 Visit: www.vsiee.com 📧 Email: admin@vsiee.com Tony Faulkner Managing Director Prof. Rob Wilson #Leadership #SportingDirectorship #Governance #SportsManagement #VSI #FutureLeaders

VSI CEO Programme alumna Kelly Skeggs (LLB) (MBA) exemplifies the impact of executive education on sports leadership. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at OmniSports Ltd, Kelly oversees daily operations at one of football's prominent agencies. She works closely with organisations, clubs, agents, and players, particularly navigating the evolving landscape of FIFA agent regulations. With over a decade of experience in legal and operational roles across professional football clubs and player agencies, Kelly has become a respected expert in football business operations. Her knowledge and leadership have had a tangible impact on the sports industry. 🎓 Through the VSI Executive Education CEO Programme, Kelly honed her governance, operational strategy, and leadership skills, accelerating her career progression. The course provided her with practical frameworks and real-world insights that continue to drive her success in sports management today. 🎙️ To hear more about Kelly’s journey and her thoughts on evolving agent regulations, listen to her episode on the VSI Sporting Directors' Podcast: https://lnkd.in/exxfbnDq 📍 Register your interest for the June 2025 intake 🌐 Visit: www.vsiee.com 📧 Email: admin@vsiee.com Tony Faulkner Managing Director VSI Executive Education #Leadership #CEOProgramme #VSI

🌍 Leading across borders isn’t just about strategy; it’s also about culture. Few ownership groups have embraced this better than Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham AFC. Since taking over the club in 2020, the Hollywood duo has done more than just inject financial resources—they’ve revitalised the heart of the Wrexham community. Their investment includes: ▪️Revamping Wrexham’s historic Racecourse Ground, modernising facilities while preserving its heritage as the oldest international stadium still in use. ▪️Engaging directly with fans, hosting local events and personally connecting with supporters, ensuring they feel part of the journey. ▪️Promoting local businesses and culture through international exposure, bringing global attention to the town via the documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham.” ▪️Championing women’s football, fully integrating Wrexham AFC Women into the club’s structure and supporting their rise through the league system. By valuing the town’s history and culture, Ryan and Rob have fostered unprecedented support for the club locally while growing its global fanbase. The VSI Multi-Club Ownership course explores how cultural understanding is vital for success in ownership, ensuring alignment between community values and strategic goals. 📍 Register your interest today for our March 2025 intake 🌐 Visit: www.vsiee.com 📧 Email: admin@vsiee.com Tony Faulkner Managing Director Prof. Rob Wilson #Leadership #MCO #WrexhamAFC #RyanReynolds #SportsManagement #GlobalStrategy

⚽ From the pitch to the boardroom. Transitioning from player to leader demands strategy, vision, and innovation. Take Stephen Ward, who moved seamlessly from a professional playing career to his role as Director of Football at Solihull Moors Football Club. Through the VSI Executive Education MSc in Sporting Directorship, Stephen gained expertise in governance and high-performance culture, enabling him to build a winning infrastructure for the club. This course is designed for players like Stephen and Wes Morgan, who is now making an impact as a PFA Players’ Board Member, blending leadership skills with his on-pitch experience. 🧠 Whether you’re preparing for a sporting directorship or a high-performance leadership role, this course bridges the gap between experience and expertise. 📍 Applications for the Online January 2025 intake 🌐 Visit: www.vsiee.com 📧 Email: admin@vsiee.com Tony Faulkner Managing Director Prof. Rob Wilson #Leadership #SportingDirectorship #FutureLeaders #VSI #SportsManagement

"Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." Alan McTavish, Chief Executive of Everton Football Club's Women's set up, is proof that ambition paired with education drives success. 📈 Starting as Sales Manager at Rangers Football Club in 2009, Alan progressed to roles including Head of Partnerships and Commercial Director at Watford Football Club, before joining Everton Football Club in 2015. In 2022, he became CEO of Everton Women, demonstrating the impact of strategic thinking and real world experience supported by executive education through the VSI Executive Education MBA CEO of a Sports Organisation course. To learn more about the opportunities the VSI CEO course, starting June 2025 provides: 📧 Email: info@vsiee.com www.vsiee.com #Leadership #CEOProgramme #VSI

Leadership in the modern world demands more than just decision-making—it’s about driving innovation, managing complexity, and inspiring teams to deliver excellence. The VSI Executive Education CEO Programme is specifically designed for ambitious professionals looking to transition into senior executive roles in sport and beyond. What makes this programme stand out? 📊 Strategic Thinking: Learn how to navigate complex environments and make decisions that drive long-term success. 🌍 Leadership Across Industries: Gain insights from sports and related sectors to understand leadership in a global context. 🤝 Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with like-minded professionals and industry leaders, opening doors to new opportunities. 💡 Past participants, like Steven Ferguson, now CEO of Ross County FC, credit the course with providing the tools to lead with confidence and transform their organisations. Delivered by world-class faculty and industry experts, the VSI CEO Programme equips you with the skills and insights to thrive in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure environments. 📍 Applications for the May 2025 intake are open 🌐 Apply today: www.vsiee.com 📧 Email: admin@vsiee.com #Leadership #CEOProgramme #SportsLeadership #Innovation #FutureLeaders #StrategicThinking Tony Faulkner Managing Director Prof. Rob Wilson

Multi-Club Ownership unlocks unique strategic benefits. Red Bull’s network, spanning RB Leipzig, FC Red Bull Salzburg, and New York Red Bulls, exemplifies how shared scouting, coaching philosophies, and player pathways enhance performance. Their development pipeline produced global stars like Erling Haaland, whose success boosted the reputation of Red Bull's entire football ecosystem. The City Football Group mirrors this success, using its vast network to provide players like Julian Alvarez a clear path from smaller clubs to elite competitions. Centralised resources reduce costs while maintaining high-performance standards across all clubs. But how do you replicate this success for your organisation? VSI Executive Education’s Multi-Club Ownership course delves into the strategies that make these networks thrive. 📍 Register your interest 🌐 Visit: www.vsiee.com 📧 Email: admin@vsiee.com Tony Faulkner Managing Director Prof. Rob Wilson fcbusiness Magazine #MCO #Leadership #RedBull #CFG

The VSI Executive Education MSc in Sporting Directorship is designed to prepare professionals for executive-level roles in sports organisations. What makes it unique? 1️⃣Modules tailored to real-world challenges, including governance, innovation, and high-performance culture. 2️⃣Learn from industry-leading practitioners with experience at top clubs. 3️⃣Build your network with professionals across the global sports industry. 4️⃣Delivered online, the course offers the flexibility to balance your studies with your career, making it the perfect fit for ambitious professionals. 🌐 Register your interest now: www.vsiee.com 📧 Email: admin@vsiee.com Tony Faulkner Managing Director Prof. Rob Wilson #SportsDirectorship #VSI

Happy New Year from all of us at VSI Executive Education! As we step into 2025, we’re excited to continue supporting our delegates, alumni, and partners in achieving their goals. Here's to another year of growth, innovation, and success in the sports industry! #HappyNewYear #VSI