Case study: Spotlight on Revitalising a professional football club

FC Premier: Introduction 

The football industry is known for being a profitable industry where football clubs generate revenue from a number of sources, including sponsorships, online retail resources, player transfers and TV rights.The world cup for example, is one of the most watched sporting events in the world and generates billions of dollars for FIFA (football's world governing body).The football industry is known for hosting a popular sport that unites communities and breaks down cultural barriers. One such club operating in the industry is FC Premier, a mid-tier professional football club facing financial and on-field challenges. Unlike other clubs of their size and stature profits have declined. Founded in 1908, today (2020) FC Premier has 20,000 season ticket holders, 50 sponsors and operates with a £20 million budget.

Problem statement

Once the pride of the West the Club has seen profits decline over the last four quarters. A probable result of ineffective player recruitment, poor scouting and inadequate talent development. The club is having to deal with subpar coaching staff who have limited experience and use outdated tactics. An aging infrastructure at the club contributes to an outdated stadium with inadequate training facilities. Management admits there is insufficient marketing, a weak social media presence and ineffective branding. On the financial side poor financial management has contributed to insufficient budget allocation and high player wages.

FC Premier needs to resolve this issue to be more competitive and compete in bigger prize money competitons. They also need to attract talent and be able to pay above average wages in order to be successful in domestic league, european and International club tornaments.

Actions steps

To tackle these critical issues, the consultants are tasked with providing recommendations on most aspects of the football club's operations. For example, player recruitment, coaching staff enhancement, youth development, marketing and branding, social media strategy, sponsorship deals, acquisitions and rebranding. Then there is Infrastructure development, stadium renovation, training facility upgrades, financial management, budget organisation, cost reduction, revenue growth, fan engagement, matchday experience, community outreach and loyalty programmes.These steps need to be strategically planned and executed to: 1. Improve team performance and achieve a top half league finish within two seasons. 2.Increase revenue, boost sponsorship, ticket sales and merchandise by 15% within 18 months. 3. Enhance fan engagement: Increase social media followers by 50% and attendance by 20% within 12 months. 

Key considerations

 The most important  things to consider when making recommendations based on the context of the problem statement are:

• League regulations (FIFA, UEFA, FA)
• Market competition (Premier league and championship)
• Fan demographic and preferences.
• Sponsorship trends
• Technological advancements (sports analytics, virtual reality). 

Also consider weather the club is creating enough value for the fans as a decline in profits may point to this. 

Data 

The data needed to reach conclusions and provide recommendations to the client include the clubs historical financial statement (2015 - 2020), team player performance metrics (league standings, player stats). Industry reports (Deloitte football money league) and market research reports.

When providing recommendations 

When developing and providing recommendations the club's supporters should be considered and listened to. Most fans of football clubs want to feel like they are part of a community who share their passion for the game. They also want to be entertained, feel like they can be part of something successful and feel they are emotionally invested in the club and the players. The football club may want to consider long term financial stabability over short term ganins in profitability.

Results 

As a result of these interventions FC Premier should experience improved team performance, increase in revenue,enhanced fan engagement and increased fan attendance by 20% within 12 months. Are you facing similar challenges in your organisation? Do you wish to make progress and achieve your most pressing goals like FC Premier did? Our company offers a free consultation to help you gain clarity over your most pressing challenges and how to solve them. Our company can turn your most pressing issues into measurable results just like FC Premier in this case study. Contact us now and schedule your free no obligation consultation.