The Sports Career Podcast

Hosted by Ed Bowers

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441

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Ed Bowers is the host of The Sports Career Podcast which shares insightful and inspiring interviews from today's Sports Industry Professionals around the World. Subscribe to the podcast to learn: 1. How to turn your sports passion into your profession. 2. Understand how to land your Dream Sports Job 3. Earn a living that excites you! Get ready to make your sports career a reality by learning from today's experts in the sports industry. Follow Ed on Twitter & Instagram here @Edbowers101

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60 recent

June 11, 20261 hr 44 min

443: Glenn Crooks-How's Women's Football Developed In The Last 30 Years In The USA?

From Carli Lloyd To Rutgers: Glenn Crooks' 50 Years In Women's Football This week's podcast special guest is with Glenn Crooks, soccer coach, broadcaster, and host of SiriusXM's The Coaching Academy. With over 50 years in the game as a player, coach, and analyst, Glenn has seen the women's game transform from the ground up. From calling NYCFC matches to building Rutgers University's Women's Football Programme over 14 years, and coaching the likes of Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath, his insights are as rich as his career. In this episode, we explore: What 50 years in soccer teaches you about the women's game Why language is the key to becoming a great soccer coach How Glenn built Rutgers University's women's programme over 14 years Glenn's passion for journalism and media in women's football What Tobin Heath and Carli Lloyd had in common that made them great football players Glenn's new book Put It On Frame — Volume 2 and much more. Connect with Glenn: Website: https://glenncrookssoccer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-crooks-6b8296b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crooks.glenn/

June 4, 20261 hr 15 min

442: Anush Ananyan- How To Be A CEO At A Football Club?

From Blog To CEO Of A Football Club: Anush Ananyan's Football Career Journey This week's podcast is with Anush Ananyan, CEO of Sardarapat FC, bringing over 15 years of experience in the football industry to one of the most compelling conversations we've had on the show. Anush's journey is anything but conventional — from launching an online blog that opened unexpected doors in football media, to making the leap into club operations, to now leading a football club as CEO. Her story is a masterclass in turning passion into profession and presence into power. In this episode, we explore: How to break into the football industry — with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that works The blog that started it all — how a simple online presence created real opportunities in football media From media to football management — the career transition that shaped her path to the boardroom Leadership in the spotlight — how Anush's leadership style has evolved as she steps into her role as CEO The growth mindset — why cultivating one isn't optional if you want to thrive at the top Whether you're looking to build a career in sport, step into a leadership role, or simply understand why women's football is attracting serious attention from investors and innovators alike — this episode is for you. Connect with Anush: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anushananyan/ Subscribe and listen now on your favourite platform!

May 20, 20261 hr 7 min

441: Tommy Nordam Jensen- How To Drive Investment in Women's Sports?

Unlocking the Future of Sports Investing with Tommy Nordam Jensen Why is women's sports the most exciting investment frontier right now? This week, we sit down with Tommy Nordam Jensen, former professional volleyball player turned CEO of Pitch15, a purpose-built investment platform dedicated to unlocking the massive value in women's sports. Inside the episode, we discuss: From Court to Boardroom: How a career in pro volleyball laid the perfect foundation for business success. The Next Big Wave: Why women's sports is the ultimate future of investment, and how Pitch15 is driving that change. Breaking In: Actionable advice on how to pursue a successful career in the women's sports ecosystem. The "Can-Do" Mindset: Why attitude and resilience are the ultimate keys to thriving in this fast-growing industry. Connect with Tommy Nordam Jensen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyje/ Website: https://pitch15.net/ Subscribe and listen now on your favorite platform!

May 5, 20261 hr 40 min

440: Rasheedat Ajibade OON - What does it take to be a Female Professional Footballer in Nigeria?

She Played With the Boys in Lagos, Now Super Falcons Captain: The Rasheedat Ajibade OON Football Story This week's podcast is with Rasheedat Ajibade OON, a powerhouse in Nigerian and world football. Captain of the Super Falcons, forward for PSG Féminines, and one of the most exciting players in the women's game today. From playing street football with boys in Lagos to lifting trophies in Europe and leading Nigeria to a record 10th WAFCON title in 2025, Rasheedat brings an extraordinary first-hand perspective on what it truly takes to make it as a female professional footballer in Nigeria. From the realities of growing up in Lagos with big dreams and limited pathways, to the mindset and resilience required to captain your country on the world's biggest stages, Rasheedat breaks down the roadmap for the next generation of Nigerian football stars. Inside the Episode: The Lagos Streets: How Rasheedat fell in love with football playing with boys in her neighbourhood and found her path to the professional game. The Youth Journey: Representing Nigeria's U17 and U20 teams as captain, and what those formative years taught her about leadership and sacrifice. The Leap to Europe: Securing her first professional contract in Norway and the courage it took to leave home and build a career abroad. Rising Through the Game: From Spain's Copa de la Reina to PSG — how Rasheedat kept raising her own bar at every level. Captaining Nigeria: Leading the Super Falcons at the 2024 Paris Olympics and to a historic 2025 WAFCON title, where she was named Player of the Competition. What It Really Takes: The mindset, faith, and resilience needed to rise from street football in Lagos to the pinnacle of world football, and what that means for young girls in Nigeria today. "Leadership, for me, is about selflessness. It's about putting myself on the line, prioritising the team's needs above my own. It's about service." -Rasheedat Ajibade OON Connect with Rasheedat Ajibade: 🌐 Website: https://www.rasheedatajibade.com/ 📋 Newsletter: https://super-falcons-mission-x.kit.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rasheedatt10/ ▶ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rasheedatajibade Subscribe and listen now on your favourite platform!

April 26, 20261 hr 4 min

439: Sarah Solémalé - How can Sports Policy with Ethical Leadership develop Football Governance?

Shaping the Game: Ethics, Policy, and the Future of Football Governance This week's podcast, is with Sarah Solémalé, a powerhouse in the world of sports law and international affairs. With over 15 years of experience at FIFA, CAF, and European Football Clubs, Sarah brings an unparalleled insider's perspective on what it takes to govern the world's most popular sport. From the technicalities of legal strategy to the "leap of faith" required to break into the Football Industry, Sarah breaks down the roadmap for the next generation of football leaders. Inside the Episode: The Lawyer's Toolkit: The essential skills you need to thrive in the complex world of sports law. The Leap of Faith: How to navigate the early stages of a career in football and stay resilient. Policy meets Ethics: Sarah shares how robust sports policy and ethical leadership must work in tandem to evolve football governance. The Growth of the Women's Game: Why women's football represents the most exciting frontier for the sport's future. Empowering Women in Football: Practical advice for women looking to pursue their ambitions in the fotball industry with confidence and much more. Connect with Sarah Solémalé: LinkedIn: Sarah Solémalé Instagram: @sf_solemale "Football governance isn't just about rules; it's about the ethical leadership behind them." Subscribe and listen now on your favorite platform!

April 8, 20261 hr 14 min

438: Richard Scudamore CBE- What Skills do you need to be a Football League CEO?

The Architect of the Modern Men's English Premier League: Richard Scudamore CBE This week's podcast, is with Richard Scudamore CBE, the visionary who sat at the helm of the Men's English Premier League from 1999 to 2018. Over his nearly two-decade tenure, Richard didn't just manage football; he re-engineered the business of sport, overseeing a staggering increase in broadcasting rights and global reach. In this podcast chat, we trace Richard's journey from the Yellow Pages to the ultimate boardroom, uncovering the leadership philosophy and tactical "pillars" that sustained the league's golden era. In this episode, we explore: What skills do you need to be a CEO for a Football League? Richards shares how he went from the Yellow Pages to being the CEO of the English Premier League Richard explain's the 3 pillars to run a successful Football Club The Rise of the Underdog, a look at AFC Bournemouth, why their ascent remains one of the Premier League's most iconic football stories. Richard reflects on how his leadership style evolved to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital and commercial landscape and much more. Podcast Show Note: Related Podcasts: Jeff Mostyn: What is the Role of a Football Chairman?

March 17, 202648 min

437: Joanna Lohman- How to develop as a Leader in Soccer & Business?

Lead in the shadows with the power of role models This week's podcast special guest is Joanna Lohman, to discuss how resilience, representation, and "leading in the shadows" can transform your career whether you're on the pitch or in the boardroom. Joanna is a former USWNT star and the first player in Washington Spirit history to have her jersey retired. Beyond her 16-year professional soccer career, she is a global keynote speaker and the author of Raising Tomorrow's Champions. In this episode, we explore: How role models bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Joanna's journey of turning the professional football dream into a reality against the odds. How to create a winning team chemistry in soccer and business? How playing alongside Crystal Dunn can ignite your own confidence and performance. Joanna shares how leading in the shadows with authenticity is a super power in soccer and business. Podcast Show Notes: Follow Joanna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannalohman15/ Follow Joanna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannalohman/ Contact Joanna on her website: https://joannalohman.com/ Learn More About Her Book: https://rtcsoccer.com/

February 24, 20261 hr 44 min

436: Zala Meršnik- How can intuition improve a goalkeeper's performance on and off the pitch?

The Art Of A Goalkeeper: Trust, Pressure, and Ubuntu This week's podcast special guest is professional goalkeeper Zala Meršnik. Currently goalkeeper for Al-Ittihad and the Slovenia Women's National Team. Zala brings a unique perspective on what it takes to thrive at the highest level of the game. In this episode, we explore the mental and emotional side of elite sport, including: The Goalkeeper's Journey: What first inspired Zala to step between the posts and pursue a professional career. Football as a Life Teacher: How the pitch serves as a classroom for essential life skills. The Power of Ubuntu: How the philosophy of "I am because we are" has transformed Al-Ittihad's team culture. Connection & Trust: Why building deep bonds off the pitch is the secret to defensive chemistry on it. Embracing the Unknown: Zala's advice on navigating career transitions and making bold choices. Thriving Under Pressure: A look inside the mind of a keeper who loves the high stakes of a penalty shootout and much more.. Podcast Show Notes: Follow Zala on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zalamersnik1/ Related Podcast: 358: Ashleigh Plumptre OON: How to be Authentic in the Football Industry? https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RSVZcU2xNg3eKGsRsh0jS?si=6659a3e535714eda

February 18, 202657 min

435: Louise Morgan-How to turn Sports Fans into a Production Team to elevate Fan Engagement?

Breaking Into Sports: With Vupop CEO Louise Morgan This week's podcast special guest is Louise Morgan, Founder & CEO of Vupop. In this episode, we dive into: Breaking In: Practical advice for starting and scaling a career in the competitive sports industry. The Opportunity Equation: How to use "passion" and "problems" as the foundation for new ventures. The Dyslexia Advantage: Ed and Louise share personal stories on why dyslexia is a strategic strength rather than a weakness. The Future of Fandom: Louise discusses her philosophy of Dyslexic Thinking and how Vupop is revolutionizing fan engagement and content creation. Podcast Show Notes: Connect with Louise on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-morgan-uk/ Learn more about: https://www.vupop.io/

February 10, 20262 hr 0 min

434: Ashleigh Plumptre OON - How can Trust, Leadership & Resilience Develop Success Teams in Football & Business?

Ashleigh Plumptre OON: Ubuntu, Mission X, and Leading with Soul This week, we welcome back a true trailblazer: Ashleigh Plumptre OON. Between her standout career with Al Ittihad and her pivotal role with the Nigerian Super Falcons, Ashleigh's journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. In this episode, we dive into: How Trust Really Gets Built in Teams: How vulnerable conversations and even on‑pitch arguments can strengthen trust instead of breaking it. Resilience Through Injury, Loneliness, and Letting Go of Outcomes: Ashleigh's achilles recovery journey and choosing long‑term health over the Olympics. Redefining Confidence: Why Ashleigh doesn't chase "confidence" and instead leans on intuition and honesty. Ubuntu in Jeddah: Applying ancient wisdom to Al Ittihad's team culture. Leadership as Service, Not Status: What she learned from captains like Rasheedat Ajibade OON, and how 'service leadership' and collective belief helped the Super Falcons come back from 2–0 down to win the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations to achieve Mission X. The "Be True" Legacy: The vision behind the Ashleigh Plumptre Foundation, with "Be True" philosophy and much more. Podcast Show Notes: Follow Ashleigh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-plumptre-83a550194/ Follow Ashleigh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleighhplumptre/ Related Podcast: 358: Ashleigh Plumptre OON: How to be Authentic in the Football Industry? https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RSVZcU2xNg3eKGsRsh0jS?si=6659a3e535714eda