The football industry landscape has changed significantly in recent decades and has progressed from being an amateur sport, to a professional sport and now increasingly a commercial sport. Globalization has impacted significantly on the reach of football with Deloitte (2022) suggesting that the ‘big five’ football leagues will generate a record level of € 18.6 billion aggregate revenue during the 2022/23 season – there is no doubt that football is big business. However, with significant global attraction comes responsibility and the recent FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 has divided the opinion on whether football should be seen as simply a world sport or a political body (using its power to influence societal change). During the minor we will define, debate and analyse the internal and external environment of the football industry to broaden our understanding of the possible challenges and opportunities in the sector. The influence and power football has at a local, national and global level will be evaluated and we will discuss the history, present-day and future issues we are presented with through our research and reflective observations. We will also apply our knowledge and understanding of business functions (such as marketing, sponsorship activations, leadership, finances, etc.) to the football sector in order to suggest how football can influence positive change. The programme combines both theoretical and practical content and includes sessions with industry leaders, guest lecturers and study trips within The Netherlands. The topics covered during this course include: 1. Geo-politics 2. Globalisation 3. Equality 4. Governance 5. Finances and economics 6. Fan engagement 7. Data insights 8. Operations and administration

 

References from former students:
“This minor has a lot of information and offers different perspectives from a lot of people high up in the sports world. There were some unexpected topics that just grabbed my attention.”

“It touches up on a lot of fields in the football world. Even if you are not interested in these fields you can still get inside for another sport – it really helped me figure out what direction I want to go for my internship.”

 

Competences addressed during the course:  

1. The sports professional will research and develop the sport and exercise range on offer 

1.2 Will establish links between research results and the development of the sport and exercise range on offer;  

1. The sports professional coordinates, positions and guides projects andprogrammeswith the object of marketing and promoting sport and exercise  

2.1 Will identify and interpret relevant local, regional, national and international developments;  

1. The sports professional develops,evaluatesand advises on strategy and policy on sport and exercise  

4.4 Will provide well-informed recommendations on the development of strategy and policy for the organization;  

1. General competencies related to international environment 

5.2 To be able to communicate in an (written/spoken) intercultural environment 

Concrete, qualitative entry requirements with regard to the required basic competencies/ final objectives. The entry requirements must follow logically from (the level of) the intended final objectives/ competencies. Also indicate how and when it will be determined whether a student meets the requirements.

Hamil, S. & Chadwick, S. (2010). Managing Football – an International Perspective. Oxford: Taylor & Francis Ltd 
Relevant academic articles and study workbooks to be provided on Brightspace.

Each topic is taught via interactive lectures, seminars, feedback sessions and guest lectures as follows:  

The Changing Football Landscape – a situational analysis 

Week 1 - 2: The Football Environment - Geo-Politics, Equality, Corruption & Human Rights Issues   

Week 3: Internationalization of Football - Leagues and tournament structures 

Week 4: Governance and Economics in Football 

The Business of Football – introducing change (an applied approach) 

Week 5: Football Finances 

Week 6 - 7: Football Operations – Leadership, Administration and Stadium Management 

Week 8: Fan Engagement and Experience 

Week 9: Marketing & Sponsorship Activation – data insights and media / public relations  

Week 10: Portfolio Workshop and feedback week – submission of final portfolio" 

Study load: describe how the study load is divided among the various teaching methods, such as:  

Interactive lectures, seminars, feedback-sessions, guest lectures: 160 hours  

Self-study (i.e. preparing for lectures, working on assessments): 260 hours

Testing: The minor will be graded on 2 assessments: a group presentation (press conference) and a portfolio. The minimum requirement for each assessment is a 5,5.   

1. Group Presentation (PressConfereence): 30% (4 ECTs)  
2. Individual Portfolio: 70% (11 ECTs)

Minimum pass rate minor: 5.5.  

Planning of the testing (per partial test when applicable): 

Regular test: 1. in week 1.5 2. in week 1.9  

Resit: 1. & 2. in week 2.10 

Do you have questions about this minor? Do not hesitate to contact the lecturer(s).

Are you a student at The Hague University of Applied Sciences? Then you can register through Osiris.

Curious about all the KOM minors of The Hague University of Applied Sciences? You will find an overview in the KOM Minorkrant (brochure) of THUAS.