Off the Pitch

Storytelling Mastery in American Soccer: Brendan Hannan | Ep. 27

In this episode we are joined by Brendan Hannan, the managing partner of media production company Skylark, a former MLS executive and sports entrepreneur. In this episode, Brendan shared with us his unique path to end up in sports, which led to a career working on some of the most exciting projects in American Soccer. Brendan recounted his career step-by-step, detailing some PR stunts that were pulled, and revealing details about some of the marketing campaigns behind MLS’ biggest signings. Couple that with the logistics of navigating a growing digital landscape and Brendan shows exactly why he was at the fore-front of his field.  Brendan spoke to the importance of marketing to the business of sports organizations, as well as how important it is that they are working cross-functionally with the entire office to ensure consistent and cohesive messaging across the organization. He also highlights how necessary it is to have good team members behind these major projects. Brendan’s journey to and time within the league are nothing short of inspiring. Check out this episode to hear behind the scenes of marketing growth within American Soccer. Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else. #OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast     ---------------------------------------------------- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/ [https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/] Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/ [https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/] Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch [http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch] Follow Brendan Hannan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-hannan-0825258/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-hannan-0825258/] Follow Matt Cunningham on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/] Follow David Kinnear on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkinnear/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/]

Life Lessons from Liverpool's Former CEO: Peter Moore | Ep. 26

In this episode, we are joined by none other than Peter Moore, a legend in both the gaming and sports worlds, who has embarked on his latest venture of founding Santa Barbara Sky FC. In this episode, Peter recounted his dynamic career trajectory, starting from his influential roles at Sega and Microsoft, through his transformative tenure at Liverpool FC, to laying the groundwork for his own USL Championship team.  Peter shared insights from his days driving the Xbox 360 to success and reviving Liverpool FC’s global brand and on-field success, emphasizing the leadership principles and strategic thinking that have guided his career. He reflected on the lessons learned in the high-stakes environments of gaming and European football, and how these experiences prepared him for his current challenge.  Peter dove into the reasons behind choosing Santa Barbara as a base to create a new club from scratch, the community-focused vision he has for the club, and the steps he’s taken so far to turn a blank slate into a promising soccer franchise. Peter discussed the excitement and hurdles of building a team from the ground up, from crafting the club’s identity and culture to engaging with fans and the broader soccer community.  Peter’s journey is a testament to his ability to shift gears and dive into new challenges with enthusiasm and strategic foresight. Tune in to this episode to discover how a veteran of digital entertainment and sports management is now looking to help shape the future of American soccer with his latest venture. Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else. #OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast     ---------------------------------------------------- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/ [https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/] Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/ [https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/] Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch [http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch] Follow Peter Moore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-moore-36827b233/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-moore-36827b233/] Follow Matt Cunningham on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/] Follow David Kinnear on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkinnear/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/]

From Courtrooms to Soccer Pitches with Atlanta United's SVP of Strategy: Dimitrios Efstathiou | Ep. 25

Grab a pair of headphones and join us for a chat with Dimitrios Efstathiou, Senior Vice President of Strategy at Atlanta United FC. Dimitrios, a seasoned strategist in the world of Major League Soccer, took us through his unique journey from legal courtrooms to the soccer pitches of the US and beyond, shedding light on the intersections of law and sport through his own experiences. Dimitrios recounted his transition from working as an Investigative Analyst at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to diving into the sports industry, revealing what it was like to switch from a strictly legal career to one deeply embedded in the dynamic world of soccer. He shared the challenges and surprises that came with moving into his role at Atlanta United FC, especially as he shifted from focusing on soccer operations to a broader strategic outlook. Ever wondered how a legal mind tackles sports strategy? Dimitrios broke it down for us, offering stories from the frontline that illustrate how legal thinking can significantly enhance sports management and operations. He highlighted some groundbreaking projects he's championed that have not only spurred Atlanta United's growth but also pioneered new ways to engage fans and succeed as a club on and off the pitch. Dimitrios also gave us a glimpse into his vision for the future, discussing the trends that excite him most and his predictions for the evolution of soccer in America over the coming years. This episode is full of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and forward-looking thoughts that make Dimitrios' story a compelling narrative of strategic mastery in the world of professional soccer. Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else. #OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast     ---------------------------------------------------- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/ [https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/] Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/ [https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/] Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch [http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch] Follow Dimitrios Efstathiou on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitriosefstathiou/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitriosefstathiou/] Follow Matt Cunningham on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/] Follow David Kinnear on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkinnear/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/]

Inside the Modern MLS Stadium with VP of Operations at S.I. Stadium: Shaun Oliver | Ep. 24

In this insightful episode, we spoke with Shaun Oliver, the current Vice President of Operations at Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly Red Bull Arena). Shaun detailed how he began working part-time for the New England Revolution just as MLS was getting off the ground, which quickly led to him becoming the Director of Operations at the newly rebranded New York Red Bulls. We spoke with Shaun about his unique journey to where he is today, sharing funny stories from the early days of MLS, highlighting the professionalism Red Bull brought to the league, and diving into the specifics of keeping an aging stadium modern for the best fan experience. The insights we gained—from the evolution of MLS to the nitty-gritty operational changes between international and league matches—were eye-opening, to say the least. If you’re a fan of MLS or simply curious about how a premier soccer stadium operates in the United States, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else. #OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast     ---------------------------------------------------- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/ [https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/] Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/ [https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/] Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch [http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch] Follow Shaun Oliver on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-oliver-5531264/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-oliver-5531264/] Follow Matt Cunningham on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/] Follow David Kinnear on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkinnear/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/]

Building TST's $1 Million Tournament From Scratch: Matt Bilodeau | Ep. 23

Join us for a conversation with Matt Bilodeau, the Chief Strategy Officer of The Tournament, renowned for orchestrating the exhilarating TST (The Soccer Tournament) and TBT (The Basketball Tournament), each featuring a $1 Million prize for the winning team.  Since leaving his 10+ career at Reebok and joining The Tournament in late 2023, Matt has been instrumental in driving forward the ambitious vision for TST, drawing on his extensive background in sports marketing. He revealed the strategic thinking behind launching TST, including how they navigated the challenges of attracting the first teams to managing unexpected hurdles with composure. Matt passionately discusses the importance of gender equality in sports, highlighting The Tournament's commitment to equal prize money for the women's competitions—a pioneering move that not only bolstered the brand but also set a new standard in the industry. With the women's devision set to double in size this summer, Matt shared his excitement and future aspirations for TST, envisioning its significant role in the expanding landscape of U.S. Soccer and beyond. If you're a fan of TST, sports business in general or simply enjoy listening to a true behind the scenes of launching a successful sports event, this conversation with Matt is one you will not want to miss. Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else. #OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast     ---------------------------------------------------- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/ [https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/] Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/ [https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/] Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch [http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch] Follow Matt Bilodeau on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-bilodeau-59978a2/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-bilodeau-59978a2/] Follow Matt Cunningham on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/] Follow David Kinnear on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkinnear/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/]