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Leveling the Playing Field: The Case for More Female Entrepreneurs in Sports

The world of sports has long been a stage for passion, talent, and competition, yet its business side often remains inaccessible to many—especially women. While strides have been made in on-field representation, the off-field arena, where entrepreneurship and decision-making shape the industry, still lacks gender balance.

To achieve a truly equitable and accessible sports ecosystem, we need more female entrepreneurs driving innovation, creating opportunities, and reimagining the industry’s potential. This perspective was powerfully echoed in the recent partnership between  Women in Football (WiF) and Xero, which is highlighting the pivotal role of women in transforming the business of sports. Watch their newly released video on the partnership here.

A broader vision for inclusion and holistic growth

Female entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives to the sports business, often prioritizing inclusivity and access. Their leadership can ensure that the industry moves beyond traditional norms to address the needs of underrepresented communities—whether that means creating platforms for women athletes, amplifying diverse voices, or building ecosystems that embrace real equality.

The business of sports is not just about big-name clubs and leagues. It encompasses everything from grassroots organizations to fan engagement platforms and sports tech startups. Without having adequate female representation in the football business arena- the whole football eco-system will continue to be unequal. The sports business has traditionally been dominated by male-led enterprises, which often perpetuate outdated structures and biases. Female entrepreneurs bring fresh perspectives, innovation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, paving the way for a more dynamic and equitable sports industry whose profits can then be reinvested into  their communities. In football, this translates into reinvestment in local clubs, youth programs, and opportunities for women and girls to participate in the industry—on and off the field.

Barriers to Entry for Women

Despite their potential, women entrepreneurs in sports face significant hurdles:

  • Limited Access to Funding: Female-founded businesses often receive a fraction of the investment compared to male-founded ones.
  • Lack of Representation: Women remain underrepresented in sports leadership roles, making it harder for aspiring entrepreneurs to find mentors or networks.
  • Cultural Bias: The perception that sports entrepreneurship is a “man’s game” persists, discouraging women from entering the field.

In 2023, Xero partnered with Women in Football to address some of these barriers ad create the entrepreneur mentorship program.

This is a call to action for the football industry. To support more female entrepreneurs in sports, we must address these barriers through:

  • Targeted Funding and Support Programs: Initiatives like Xero’s collaboration with WiF are crucial for providing women with financial tools, mentorship, and exposure.
  • Policy and Structural Reforms: Sports organizations and governing bodies must actively prioritize diversity in leadership and procurement processes.
  • Celebrating Role Models: Highlighting successful female entrepreneurs in sports inspires others to follow in their footsteps, creating a ripple effect across the industry.

Watch the video and visit Xero to read more about and to follow this exciting collaboration.


JE
Jamie ElovssonNov 28, 2024

Tackling the effects of Homelessness in India with Abhijeet Barse and Slum Soccer

The story of Slum Soccer began with a moment of unexpected beauty. One rainy afternoon, as Vijay Barse, a sports lecturer, sought shelter under a tree on his way home, his eyes were drawn to a group of children nearby. Despite having nothing but a broken bucket to kick around, they were completely absorbed in the joy of their game-beautifully unaware of the rain falling from above. Their laughter, their energy—it was a powerful display of how sport could spark happiness, even in the most difficult circumstances. In that instant, Vijay’s heart swelled with a profound realization: football had the power to change lives, to bring purpose, unity and  hope to those who needed it most. Moved by this moment, he made a decision that would forever change his path. That very day, the seeds of Slum Soccer were planted.

India, the second most populous nation in the world, has a population of well over a billion people. 170 million of these people live on the streets with no place to call home and account for 17% of the world’s entire slum dwelling population. 260 million people in India, earn less than $1 a day. A sizeable portion of these 170 million people are women and children; and they are denied even the most basic rights of survival and protection.

Slum Soccer is aiming to fill the void and to tackle these problems head on. We sat down with Slum Soccer CEO Abhijeet Barse to discuss how they are doing this using the beautiful game in India.

Bonito: Hi Abhijeet, such an honor to learn more about Slum Soccer today with you.

Abhijeet: Great to take part!

Bonito: Tell us about how your passion for football began and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society?

Abhijeet: For me it was some years after Vijay founded the organization, I became a part of this journey and witnessed the profound changes football can bring firsthand. I met a parent of one of our participants, who told me how their child’s life had completely transformed after joining our program. From being involved in negative influences and wayward activities, their child became more responsible, focused, and hopeful about the future. This personal encounter affirmed my belief in the power of football as a tool for social change. It’s not just a game; it’s a force that unites and uplifts, turning even the smallest moments into life-changing opportunities.

Bonito: Why do you think football evokes such powerful sentiments with such a broad range of people all over the world?

Abhijeet: I think what makes football so powerful is the spirit of the game—it’s about teamwork, striving toward a common goal, and, most importantly, the sense of equality it creates. When you step onto the field, it doesn’t matter where you come from, what language you speak, or your background; everyone is united by the same rules and opportunities to contribute to the team. For many of the youth we work with, football is their one opportunity to truly feel part of something bigger, to wear a team’s colors with pride, and to be seen as an athlete.

This experience invokes a deep, often dormant, sense of self-worth and identity in them. It’s not just a game—it’s a platform for them to reimagine who they can become, both on and off the field. For young people who may feel marginalized, football breaks down barriers in a way that traditional outreach methods often can’t. It reaches places and hearts that might otherwise be inaccessible, providing a pathway for personal growth, confidence, and hope for the future. The sport’s universality and simplicity make it a tool for connection, making it accessible to communities that may be out of reach for more conventional interventions.

Bonito: We would love to hear about some of the projects that Slum Soccer currently operates!

Abhijeet: We have a lot! Some of my current favorites in no particular order are:

  • Shakti Girls: Empowers young girls through football, focusing on menstrual health, sexual reproductive health, and gender equality.
  • Playmaker Fellowship: Develops youth leadership through sport-based interventions in underserved communities.
  • Deaf Goal Fellowship: Aims to uplift the deaf community through football, promoting inclusion and life skills.
  • DeafKidz Goal: Supports deaf children with opportunities to engage in sport and build confidence through football.
  • Community Impact Program: Uses sport to address social issues like mental health, climate change, and gender equality at the grassroots level.
  • National Inclusion Cup: A national football tournament providing marginalized youth a platform to showcase their talent.
  • Schools Program: Promotes physical literacy and leadership through football in low-income schools, integrating education and sport.

Bonito: So many great initiatives, we will set up links above so readers can go in and learn more about each project.

Bonito: Where do you see the football/sport for social good field heading in the next years? Which thematic areas will be most important to deal with and what are the big challenges awaiting sport for good practitioners?

Abhijeet: Sports for social good has been gaining significant mainstream attention in recent years, and I believe this trend will only continue to grow. As more organizations recognize the transformative power of sport, we’ll likely see an increase in initiatives that use sports not just for physical development but for broader societal impact. From empowering marginalized communities to addressing issues like gender equality, education, and mental health, sport will play a crucial role in driving positive change.

In the coming years, key thematic areas that will need attention include inclusion and accessibility. Ensuring that people from all backgrounds—regardless of gender, disability, or socio-economic status—can access sports programs will be vital. Additionally, mental health is emerging as a critical focus, with sports proving to be an effective tool for promoting well-being and building resilience.

However, significant challenges remain for practitioners in this space. Sustainable funding will continue to be a hurdle, as many sports for good programs rely on grants and donations. Another challenge will be scaling successful programs while maintaining their local relevance and impact. Lastly, practitioners must navigate the delicate balance of leveraging sport’s competitive nature while ensuring the primary focus remains on social outcomes, not just athletic success.

Bonito: I think that the point about scaling while maintaining local relevance and authenticity is an extremely interesting area of exploration of practitioners for sure.

Bonito: Can you tell us about a moment in your football  for social good journey that really touched your heart profoundly and stays with you?

Abhijeet: I was visiting one of our slum programs, and after spending some time walking around the community, I found myself lost and hungry. Unsure of what to do next, I decided to sit down for a moment. Almost instantly, I was approached by a local family who, recognizing the Slum Soccer kit I was wearing, kindly offered me refreshments and directions to the field. What struck me the most was when they shared that their son had been attending our sessions. They told me how, through football and the guidance of our coaches, he had overcome his addictions and was now on a positive path. Hearing this firsthand reminded me of the deep, personal impact our programs have on people’s lives. It wasn’t just about the sport—it was about real transformation, hope, and the power of community. That moment profoundly touched me and reaffirmed why we do what we do.

Bonito: Is there one colleague at your organization or who you have collaborated with who maybe doesn’t always get the spotlight that you would like to shine today and why?

Abhijeet: I would like to shine a light on Coach Anas Akhtar, who began his journey with us as a grassroots coach. Since joining, Anas has shown incredible dedication, not only upgrading his coaching license but also stepping into a leadership role where he actively supports and mentors other coaches. His passion for empowering young players and fellow coaches has been inspiring, and his efforts have made a significant impact on both our team and the broader community. Anas’s commitment goes beyond the pitch, embodying the true spirit of development and leadership in sport.

Our vision for the next few years: We are looking at having an even deeper presence in the communities that we work with, involving not just the children and youth but also the parents. We want to have a lifelong engagement with sports for them. We are also looking at improvement on the excellence side of football where we are talking with club and youth academies for our children to be given a chance for selection trials.

Bonito: Abhijeet, its been such a pleasure talking to you and we look forward to keep promoting the beauty of football together in the future.

Abhijeet: Thanks so much and so happy to have Bonito in this arena!


BIO

Name: Abhijeet Barse

Organization: Slum Soccer

Role: CEO

Favorite Football  for good organization apart from your own: Homeless World Cup and Common Goal

Favorite Football Club: Seemapuri FC


JE
Jamie ElovssonNov 27, 2024

Homeless World Cup is Tackling Gender-Based Violence

Football as a Catalyst for Change: Tackling Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Equality

25th November 2024 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It launches 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.

Globally the UN estimates that almost 1-in-3 women have been subjected to physical or sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life.

In a world where sports often serve as a unifier, the Homeless World Cup Foundation is proving that football is more than just a game—it’s a powerful tool for social transformation. Through their innovative project addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality, the foundation is leveraging the universal language of football to challenge deeply rooted inequalities and empower marginalized communities.

In a strong partnership between the Homeless World Cup Foundation, the FIFA Foundation, and four African football for good organizations, football is becoming a powerful tool for addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality. Through the Football to Protect Vulnerable Women from Exploitation initiative, this two-year program spans Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, combining the universal appeal of football with community-driven education to challenge harmful societal norms and empower women.

The program is built around two collaboratively designed curriculums: a women-centered approach fostering safe spaces and a male-focused curriculum, Promoting Positive Masculinity, aligned with the global HeForShe campaign. This dual approach not only educates women on their rights and resources but also transforms young men into allies who champion equality, dismantle stereotypes, and advocate for inclusivity. The initiative has already reached over 800 young people, with more than 600 women and girls directly benefiting from increased awareness and opportunities.

One of the highlights of the project was the inaugural Africa Women’s Cup held in Arusha, Tanzania, bringing together eight nations—Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This vibrant event not only celebrated women’s participation in football but also provided opportunities for career growth through coaching and referee training, marking a significant step toward inclusivity in sports.

The ripple effects of this initiative extend beyond the pitch. By training participants in coaching and refereeing—skills traditionally dominated by men—the program is expanding women’s roles in sports and fostering resilience and empowerment. Mutual learning has been another cornerstone of this initiative. Staff from all four countries have exchanged insights, creating a unified front against gender-based violence across East and Southern Africa.

The project is a testament to the potential of football to unite communities, challenge injustice, and inspire hope. Football, more than a game, is becoming a rallying cry for empowerment and a tool for breaking cycles of violence and inequality across Africa.


JE
Jamie ElovssonNov 25, 2024

From Captain to Changemaker: Sana Mahmud’s Journey in Football for Good

In a world where football was considered off-limits for girls, Sana’s journey began on the school playgrounds of Pakistan. From an early age, she found herself drawn to the game, captivated by its power to connect, energize, and inspire. Her path took a bold step forward when she joined Young Rising Stars FC, one of Pakistan’s pioneering women’s football clubs. Through this experience, Sana’s passion for football deepened, and her vision expanded as she saw firsthand how the sport could uplift girls like herself. A few years later, she was selected for an exchange program to the United States—a trip that would forever change her. There, she witnessed football in a new light: not just as a game, but as a tool for community building and social change.

Now, as a leading voice in the sport-for-good sector, Sana dedicates herself to programs that empower young girls in Pakistan and beyond, creating pathways for them in a game that once felt out of reach. She joins Bonito to recount her remarkable journey from national team player to global advocate, shedding light on the power of football to inspire transformation and to open doors where they were once firmly shut.

*note: This interview was conducted while Sana was still at Right to Play- she has recently joined the wonderful organization Free to Run as their Global Programs Manager

Bonito: Welcome Sana, we are so excited to speak with you on our platform!

Sana: likewise, great to be here with Bonito- what a great platform you are creating.

Bonito: Tell us about how your passion for football began and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society? 

Sana: I think I was always a ‘sporty’ person, and my parents encouraged outdoor activity. Interestingly I also went to a school that at the time was among a handful of schools that promoted sports in Pakistan. We had annual sports days and football was also one of the games we played at school. As I grew older, I had the chance to tryout for a football club (The Young Rising Stars FC)…one of the pioneer women’s football clubs in the country. We were supported by the U.S Embassy in Islamabad, as part of an initiative to support grass roots women’s football. After we won our first ever championship in 2008, we were invited to participate in an exchange program to the United States (in 2009).  I learnt a lot on that trip; I saw football at every level (toddlers/pre-schoolers, high school, college and professional level football). On our last day, we attended a camp for autistic children where football was being used as a tool to engage the children. It was the first time I saw football being played without the concept of competition but rather just as a platform to expend the energy of the kids who were on a spectrum of learning. When I returned to Pakistan, I decided I wanted to explore this aspect of sport and started researching online and eventually ended up writing my thesis on the ‘Impact of sport on the self-esteem of Pakistani sports women”. And that is the beginning of my sport-for-development journey.

 

Bonito: It sounds like that was an eye opening and life changing experience to travel on that exchange. Why do you think football as a sport evokes such powerful sentiments with such a broad range of people all over the world?

Sana: I think because football is accessible. You don’t need a whole lot of equipment to play- just a ball… and in many communities, I have seen children be very creative about making a ball even if they don’t have one. And you get by using a mostly flat surface of any kind (I mean a ground is ideal, but people play on cemented surfaces, grass, turf, or even uneven spaces, as long as their ball is rolling). You can vary the number of players, and most likely if you are at the park, most people will get a chance to play. I think it is the inclusive and accessible nature of the sport that resonates with so many people…..and it’s just a lot of fun!

Bonito: Tell us about some of the football based projects you undertook in Pakistan and how has the game evolved over the last 15 years or so for young girls and women?

Sana: With Right To Play, we initiated a girl-focused football-for-development program in Lyari, in the city of Karachi. Lyari is known to be a hub for football in Pakistan, despite it being a low and middle income community, with limited resources and facilities, people struggling with poverty, drugs and crime, it thrives with the energy of its people.  

With the support of our corporate partner- Standard Chartered Bank, Right To Play engaged adolescent girls in modified football activities suitable for people of varying abilities, that teach life and leadership skills. The program called “Goal” aims at teaching both technical football skills and life skills (such as communication, teamwork, conflict resolution etc.). It is coupled with a girls’ specific curriculum (developed by Standard Chartered and their partners Women Win Foundation), which focuses on topics of rights, body-image, gender based violence, health/nutrition and financial literacy – all key aspects of building greater agency and empowering women. 

Since I started playing the game has evolved immensely in Pakistan. We went from having to convince school leadership (in a private school where i studied), about the importance of girls playing, and still having to go behind their back to participate in event to the same schools now sponsoring sport uniforms/playing kits for their girls’ teams and many even offering sport scholarships.

However, the situation is still very different in the public schools that serve the majority of the Pakistani population- we have to do a lot of work, a lot of sensitization, a lot of community mobilization, just negotiating with parents and teachers to help them understand the value of sport programming. They are still in the mindset of “sport and play are a waste of time”.

Bonito: You just finished a long stint as the Global Partnerships responsible at Right to Play-Where do you see the football/sport for social good field heading in the next years? Which thematic areas will be most important to deal with and what are the big challenges awaiting sport for good practitioners?

Sana: Well, at Right To Play, we started as a sport-based organization and expanded over the years to incorporate all forms of play. The focus on football specifically is shifting, as we are aiming at play-based education (i.e. improving literacy and numeracy through play). However, football remains an important part of the Pakistan program as the football-focused girls’ empowerment programs have proven to have immense impact.

The covid pandemic, for the first time, gave me a reality check on how the sport for social good field could be impacted. Luckily we were able to modify programs and survive that phase. But reflecting on that experience, I think it is important for us to anticipate similar challenges in the future and be ready with mitigation strategies. 

As for themes, I think climate change is a universal concern and that needs to be the focus of upcoming sport-for-development programs, as we can create behavior change and positive practices through sport, positively impacting the overall environment at local level. 

Safeguarding will and always be a concern in any programs working with children. I definitely think we have a lot of work to do in safe sport and with building more robust policies and practices in the sport-for-development realm. 

As for challenges; one thing already quite common and I have seen it happen, are youth centered sport programs claiming a greater good, but actually are not so intentional and structured in their work. We need to be able to differentiate between getting a bunch of kids together to play a game/match, versus enrollment in a regular sport-for-development program designed with meaningful outcomes. One-off events for optics have sometimes been used to pass off as S4D programs creating change, which we need to be more careful of. 

Lastly, MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) has always been and is still a tricky space. How are we gauging the impact of these programs…..short-term studies may not bring the most authentic results….long term studies are more likely to really help identify the deep impact of participation in S4D programs.

Bonito: Can you tell us about a moment in your football (or sport) for social good journey that touched your heart profoundly?

Sana: Oh there are so many-but I think one of the incidents I will share is Right To Play’s work in a slum area in the outskirts of the capital city of Islamabad. The makeshift schools by a private charity have informal infrastructure, children sit on the floor on mats and study, and have just a barren space outside the walls of their school to play. That space is public and often taken over by boys and men in the neighborhood, and/or by random motorcyclists to pass through as a short cut, or by loiterers who especially stop to stare as girls play. So once when conducting a focus group discussion with girls in that school, I was told that even though RTP’s program ended in the school, the girls were still eager to play and did not feel comfortable with all the challenges in the outdoor space they had. One of the girls would make her own efforts to collect girls, and try playing football within the confines of their school walls, but they were just demotivated due to the lack of space. Right To Play then built a temporary wall around the ground… and since that day the situation has changed completely. On my next visit to the school, one of the boys came over and jokingly said to me “the girls have taken over the ground, we don’t get a chance to play”… and that is definitely a positive step in equaling the playing field. I am very proud of those girls for taking space and continuing to follow their love for the game. 

Bonito: That is so awesome- those girls literally broke down metaphoric barriers by building a physical one!

Sana: I know right!

Bonito: There are so many wonderful people working at Right to Play- many who go unnoticed in the global sport for good sector- Is there a specific colleague (or now former colleague) who you have collaborated with who maybe doesn’t always get the spotlight that you would like to shine today and why?

Sana: There are so many colleagues doing great things, and I have respect for most of them who truly do care about the people and communities Right To Play works with. But the reason I choose to admire one of my colleagues is because of his own personal journey. The Country Director of Right To Play in Pakistan- Ali Khayam. One might assume he gets his fair share of appreciation being in that leadership position, but I think it is the exact opposite. People take his success for granted, whereas I find his journey very inspiring. He started with Right To Play over 12 years ago or so, right when the organization was starting programs in Pakistan… and he was a communications intern or assistant I believe. He took public transport at odd hours, to travel inter-city when we had no organizational cars or even set SOPs, to manage such things. He worked to build relationships with local and national media, who would cover RTP’s work, as it was too new and people didn’t understand what we were doing. He went from writing impact stories about our programs, and organizing media events, to writing proposals to get new funding, and setting up new projects, eventually becoming a project manager – then a Program Manager- then Head of Office and- then Country Director. When he became Head of Office, we were shrinking as a country program- our government restrictions for INGOs became even stricter and amidst the downsizing of our staff, and regulations, we also were hit with the covid pandemic. It felt like the end of our journey at Right To Play, and I was personally so insecure about my own and my colleagues’ jobs, as well as the future of S4D programs (due to all the social distancing etc.). But we pulled through under his leadership. I remember him motivating us to be creative, fight for our space, and modify our work to continue providing benefit to the children….and we found a way. He let us take risks, and innovate, and supported our decisions to do more work, sometimes even out of our traditional scope. 

We modified programs and aggressively fundraised and today Pakistan is among the country offices with the largest portfolio. Our team is thriving and we didn’t have to reduce a single staff member during covid. We have only expanded since then, and our programs have diversified bringing new partners on board….and the best part is we have expanded to new geographies in Pakistan, bringing the benefit of sport and play programs to more children. He was in  a recent op-ed by the leading national newspaper. 

Bonito: Sounds like a real leader!

Bonito: A documentary film has recently been made about the Pakistan Women’s National Team which you contributed to. Can you tell us a bit about the film and also what does it make you feel about your own competitive stint in Pakastani Football as a trailblazer for the young girls today?

Sana:Yes-I am so excited that the documentary premiered in Pakistan on Women’s Day (2024), and will soon be launched worldwide (it is called Her Right to Play). I was approached by the Director to help connect them to the right people in the game, and as someone who cares about promoting football, I immediately agreed. The film focuses on the current Pakistan National Women’s football team and their first ever participation in the AFC Olympic qualifiers (which they played last year in Tajikistan). It was a historic achievement for Pakistan, and the documentary sheds light on the experiences of being a female athlete in the country, by focusing on a few key players (Here is a link of Pakistan’s win: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPHWiFu_dlQ).

During the shooting, I got to meet the girls from the current team- we have a few expats on the team now (Pakistanis with dual nationality living abroad). They raise the standard of the game, and add value to the team definitely. Only two of my previous teammates are still on the team, and I felt so proud to watch them. They told me how things have drastically improved (in the compensation they receive, the facilities they are provided and the quality of training and frequency of competitions). It made me happy to know we are moving forward, because the 8-year ban of the Pakistan Football Federation by FIFA really regressed the sport tenfold! 

The current Captain- Maria Jamila Khan (a Pakistani American), thanked me numerous times to acknowledge and appreciate our trailblazing efforts, and I felt proud to have played that role….a LOT has changed since the first Pakistani Women’s Football team went to play abroad in 2010 but we still have a long way to go. I feel good that we were able to change the landscape and open doors for more women to participate, as I have seen the momentum grow with my own eyes. Girls now have brown-skinned Pakistani role models in football, which I never had growing up! 

Bonito: The Women’s game is growing so much around the world right now. What do you see as the biggest barriers to getting more girls involved in football and staying in football through their adolescence? 

Sana: There are some similar barriers across the world for girls’ participation in sport in many parts of the world, but there are some that are more relevant to a conservative Muslim society, and also to a developing country like Pakistan. these include: 

  • Having myths/taboos around participation in sport: People often think rigorous physical exercise can negatively impact girls’ menstrual and reproductive health, and because of misinformation many are reluctant to allow their daughters to play. 
  • Traditional beauty standards: I observed this first hand growing up, AND in my work with Right To Play….girls are afraid to get tan skin (darker skin) playing outdoor sports in the sun. I was asked many times about how i maintained my complexion playing football, and that was a concern at a time by my own mother. She insisted I would not get marriage proposals if I got dark skin due to playing. Luckily, she outgrew that thinking very fast, after seeing how invested I was in the game. 
  • Attire: People are often worried about the kind of clothes girls will have to wear while playing sport which may not coincide with their cultural or religious beliefs. However, at RTP we try to encourage girls to wear what they feel comfortable in, and take necessary precautions to ensure girls can play in scarves, hijab etc. 
  • Impact on studies: often the concept is that those who could not do well enough in their academics, will go towards sports. This is the biggest misconception; sport requires you to have a very sharp mind. We are doing it wrong if we think athletes don’t need thinking abilities. Sport will only sharpen your mind, and help you do better at academics- allowing you that recharged mind and body, and discipline to manage school and sport life. 
  • Harassment and male dominance: The fact that sport has historically been and continues to be male dominated bars many girls from playing due to concerns around their safety. Cases of harassment/abuse/exploitation at the hands of male coaches/managers/administrative staff are all too common. We must bring more women in the game in leadership and managerial positions to create greater comfort for women’s participation. 
  • Safe spaces: When I moved to Canada, the first thing I noticed was the girls playing sport everywhere- girls in the playgrounds, in the sandboxes, girls biking on the roads, girls running, girls playing football in public grounds….and it makes your realize the stark contrast to a country like Pakistan… we hardly found safe spaces to play. We would have to really go above and beyond to find appropriate places, with boundary walls, or without loiterers who would stare at us, just to even enjoy a pick-up game. 
  • Financial incentive: Lastly, growing up in a developing country, the focus remains on activities and career pursuits that come with some financial incentive. The fact that women’s sports does not offer that, really hinders people from entering the sport. Even as a recreational activity, they would rather focus their time on something that will eventually be financially more lucrative for them. A poor nation is not thinking about its mental health, rather their survival, which only seems possible with money. Of course I don’t fully adhere to this, as I believe sport instills in us a sense of hope, a passion and energy to achieve goals, which can help build our character, and contributes to other aspects of our life. 

Bonito: Finally, as you have worked in so many programs in different countries and different contexts, how important is finding the right football coaches when it comes to football for good programs?

Sana: Oh such a key aspect of the programs- the right coaches! They are the foundation of successful S4D programs. It is their attitude, their skill and their energy that will determine whether children return to these programs or call it quits, and even if children learn in the way that we envisioned. Just because you are a good football coach, does not mean you will be a good football-for-development coach. At RTP we have done a lot of work to train people with a specific sport background to understand the principles of sport-for-good….and at the same time, we have often engaged teachers/coaches from a non-sport background, who rather have a good understanding of working with children. Our purpose is to retain children long enough for them to derive the benefit from sport programs, and a good coach can help do that. We do not need a technical expert who will treat the children as if they are preparing for the World cup- the balance of technical and life skills is key, along with the most important element of creating joy and fun for children! 

Bonito: Sana, this has been so much fun to catch up with you. Wishing you all the best at your new position at Free to Run- time for us to go and check out your movie!

Sana: Thanks so much Bonito for having me on and discussing such great topics.

 


JE
Jamie ElovssonNov 22, 2024

From the Brighton Terraces to Global Climate Advocacy: Elliot Arthur-Worsop’s Mission to Make Football Greener

Elliot Arthur-Worsop didn’t just grow up as a Brighton & Hove Albion supporter—he grew up living and breathing the rollercoaster that comes with loving a club through relegations, promotions, and Premier League dreams. But as his relationship with football deepened, so did his awareness of its potential for more than victory on the pitch. Inspired by movements like Common Goal and Kick It Out, Elliot realized football could drive social change. Now, as the founder of Football For Future (FFF), Elliot is tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time: using football to inspire action against climate change. In this interview, he shares his journey, the urgency of FFF’s work, and the critical intersection between sport and sustainability.

Bonito: Elliot, thanks so much for joining us to talk about your fantastic and rapidly growing organization Football for Future!

Elliot: Thanks for having me and sharing our story.

Bonito: Tell us about how your passion for football began and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society? 

Elliot: I’ve been a lifelong Brighton & Hove Albion fan, experiencing all the ups and downs that come with supporting a club like ours. From relegations and promotions to playoff heartbreak and the eventual rise to the Premier League, my love for the game has been deeply personal and transformative.

Growing up playing football myself, often channeling my inner Zizou, I saw firsthand how football brings people together. But it wasn’t just about playing or watching—it was the powerful social movements that used football as a vehicle for change that inspired me. Organizations like Football Beyond Borders, Common Goal, Kick It Out, and initiatives like Rainbow Laces showed me how the game could address issues like racism, gender inequality, and LGBTQ+ rights. These movements inspired me to explore how football could also play a pivotal role in the climate movement.

Bonito: Football resonates deeply across cultures and continents. In your view, what makes the sport such a universal and emotional connection point for people around the world?

Elliot: Football is not just the most fun and engaging sport, it taps into universal values that resonate across cultures, age groups, and backgrounds. The game embodies teamwork, respect, belief, and the magic of possibility—it reminds us that anything can happen, right up until the last minute. There’s also a certain tribalism and identity that comes with supporting a club or team, creating a sense of belonging that traditional outreach methods often can’t achieve. This mix of joy and loyalty makes football the perfect tool to reach people who might otherwise be hard to engage. Not only is it the funnest game ever, it speaks to important values that cut across all demographics and parts of society. teamwork, respect, belief, magic, fairness, anything is possible until the last minute. also tribalism!

Bonito: Tell us about how Football for Future started and where do you see it 5 years from now?

Elliot: Football For Future started in a pretty organic way. I come from an environmental activism background, and one day I went to a climate demo wearing my Brighton shirt. I grabbed a pizza box and wrote “Brighton Fans for Climate Justice” on the back. The response I got was overwhelming—it really clicked that football and climate could connect in a meaningful way.

At the time, I was studying a master’s in Movement Building at the Institute of Development Studies and started looking deeper into how football could be a vehicle for climate action. Football has already been an amazing platform for causes like food poverty, gender equity, and racial justice, but no one had seriously explored its potential for climate advocacy. I teamed up with a brilliant designer I knew, and Football For Future was born.

Looking five years ahead, I’d love for us to be out of business because that would mean the global football industry has taken serious, proportionate climate action. The sector is starting to move, but it’s a race against time.

Bonito: Where do you see the football for good sector going in the next years in the UK, given its prominence as the host of the worlds biggest football league? 

Elliot: I see the sector leaning more toward branding and purpose-driven business models. The older charitable or non-profit frameworks are becoming outdated, especially when trying to connect with younger audiences. It’s not just about doing good anymore—it’s about communicating that purpose effectively. And with grant funding drying up, partly due to Brexit, there’s going to be a need for more innovative approaches to secure support and engage stakeholders. It’ll be interesting to see how this evolves.

Bonito: We think so too- we also agree that younger audiences are after a certain authenticity when it comes to purpose driven initiatives- feels like there can be a real power in that going forward.

Elliot: Absolutely

Bonito: What do you think of the new UK Football Governance Bill? (For those who don’t know about the bill, it intends to appoint a regulator to ensure that English football is sustainable and resilient for the benefit of fans and the local communities football clubs serve)

Elliot: The Football Governance Bill is an important step, especially if it genuinely prioritizes the interests of players, clubs, and fans. However, it’s vital that environmental sustainability is a key part of its framework. It’s about finding ways to integrate these goals in a way that is realistic and beneficial for the game itself, while addressing broader social and environmental responsibilities.

Bonito: We are seeing this dramatic impact  from climate change already around the world and grassroots football programs are no exceptions. what are some examples of the impact climate change has on grassroots programs and what do you estimate the societal cost of this negative effect on the social services it provides? (here im thinking about the social value of football and the lack of access that climate change is causing- it must have quite a cost to society!).

Elliot: Grassroots football is already feeling the effects of climate change. In the UK alone, it’s estimated that between 62,500 to 120,000 grassroots matches are canceled or postponed each year due to climate-related disruptions. Flooding has become a massive issue—about a third of community pitches are already unplayable for two months of the year. With the Met Office predicting winters up to 30% wetter by 2070, the situation is only going to get worse.

Extreme heat, heavy rain, and scheduling chaos are also factors. This means players miss out on games, affecting both physical and mental health. For smaller clubs, these disruptions can be a death sentence, potentially causing them to fold, which can fracture vital community organizations. And we can’t ignore the fact that women’s football and grassroots programs are particularly vulnerable to these disruptions, exacerbating existing inequalities.

Bonito: It is as you said a race against the clock.

Bonito: Tell us Elliot, what has been the most touching moment thus far in your FFF journey?

Elliot: From a professional standpoint, working with academy players has been one of the most inspiring aspects of my journey. The conversations we have about the future of the planet and the game are incredibly motivating—it’s amazing to think these could be future Premier League or World Cup stars leading the charge for climate action.

On a personal note, one of my favorite moments was having my dad join me at the Eden Project, where I was speaking alongside my good friend, Arsenal goalkeeper Alexei Rojas. It was a special weekend, and it meant a lot to me for my dad to see me in my element, doing something I’m so passionate about.

Bonito: Thanks so much for talking to us today Elliot- the work you do is so fantastic and as a field we are so lucky to have you helping lead the charge towards climate justice and advocacy in our beautiful game.

Elliot: Thanks so much and great to see Bonito growing- great initiative!


BIO

Name: Elliot Arthur-Worsop

About: Elliot is a climate expert and Sports Industry 30-under-30 Leader. Elliot is founder of Football For Future (FFF), a pioneering non-profit specialising in football, climate awareness and sustainable impact.

FFF have developed industry-leading climate education and training programmes in football, award winning player advocacy campaigns, and sustainability strategies for Premier League clubs and national football leagues.

Partners include Nike, the Premier League, Arsenal, Chelsea and more.

Organization (s): football for future 

Role: founder

Favorite Football (or sport) for good organization apart from your own: common goal!

Favorite Football Club: Brighton!

Dream sport for good organization that you would love to collaborate with on a project: PLCF or common goal again!

 


JE
Jamie ElovssonNov 19, 2024

Press Release: Fields of Change released!

AT RISK COMMUNITY SPORT ORGANISATIONS AROUND THE
WORLD THREATENED BY CLIMATE CHANGE TAKE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND ACTION

Diverse sport-based community organisations, many based in the most vulnerable areas on Earth due to the effects of climate change, have celebrated the arrival of Fields of Change, the first ever sustainability resource for grassroots organisations. This unique training resource is designed to inspire sport for good organisations worldwide to integrate environmental sustainability into their projects and communities.

Fields of Change was created by environmental non-profit Football For Future and Common Goal, the social and environmental impact collective in global football, and has been supported by adidas under the company’s Move for the Planet platform. Sport is increasingly impacted by climate change – freezing and flooding pitches, extreme heat affecting athlete health, and limited access to sport for vulnerable communities are just a few of the challenges facing the sector. With sport playing a crucial role in communities worldwide, the arrival of the Fields of Change handbook provides organisations for the first time with the tools to adapt to these challenges while driving meaningful environmental action. The innovation has been celebrated by community leaders and elite athletes alike.

Alexei Rojas, the Colombia international and Arsenal Goalkeeper, said: “Sport is such a vital part of South America’s cultural identity that we should take a leadership position in advancing the conversation around climate action to take solid steps collectively every single day, no matter how modest. The Fields of Change handbook is such an inspiring step forward as it can be embraced by all sport-based organisations at the heart of our communities throughout the continent, while also being part of a wider international collective of change makers in sport.”

Emilio Martinez, regional project manager for love.fútbol in Mexico City said: “With higher rates of drought, coupled with a changing rainy season pattern, we are already seeing the effects of climate change on the communities we work in, and we want to be amongst the first groups taking meaningful action from the grassroots upwards when it comes to how community sports space creation can be a part of the solution. The Fields of Change handbook serves as a guide for us to take action, both here locally, and also collectively with other community organisations around the world. Operating in regions that are amongst the highest areas of risk of negative climate impact, we see an important opportunity for love.fútbol to take a leadership role in showing the rest of the sports industry what can be achieved if we all work together.”

Sofie Junge Pedersen, the Denmark international and Inter Milan midfielder said: “This is an important step in empowering grassroots sport organisations worldwide to take tangible action against climate change, with many of them facing the very real and urgent risk of its harshest impacts. The Fields of Change handbook is a game-changer, enabling grassroots sport to unite and work collaboratively in taking climate action. Climate change is a challenge for all of humanity, and we can only make meaningful progress if we move forward together, one step at a time.”

Greg Preston, Head of Football for Indochina Starfish Foundation in Cambodia said: “Fields of Change is a positive and groundbreaking initiative that allows us to embed sustainability into the heart of our community. It gives us all a pathway to educate and take action and allows us to be an active part of the growing community in international sport committed to driving climate action in and through sport.”

The Fields Of Change handbook compiles groundbreaking insights from learning sessions delivered to Move for the Planet grantees, specifically a collaboration of nine global sport for good organisations across eight countries and four continents. This handbook serves as an essential guide for sports organisations on their journey toward sustainability, offering practical tools and strategies for implementing environmental best practices. The handbook covers key sustainability topics, including:

Understanding Sustainability and Climate Change: Explaining the unprecedented rate of environmental change, and how sport can respond to climate challenges on human timescales.● Sustainability in Sport: Highlighting how sport can lead both operationally and socially toward a sustainable future.
Sustainable Infrastructure: Guiding organisations on how to measure, mitigate, and adapt their infrastructure to reduce environmental impacts.
Waste Management: Offering effective systems for waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal.
Climate Communication: Utilising sport’s global influence to communicate environmental messages and inspire positive behaviour changes.
Sport and Sustainability Leadership: Encouraging athletes, clubs, and governing bodies to take a leadership role in climate action.

The Fields of Change handbook has already seen positive impacts, with organisations like Organization Earth in Greece tackling plastic pollution and recycling in refugee camps, and Fútbol con Corazón in Colombia, which is launching a recycling business to repurpose plastic waste.

Adidas has contributed through its Move for the Planet initiative, funding global projects that educate and engage communities on sustainability and enhance sports facilities to withstand extreme weather conditions. This initiative showcases the collective power of the sporting community to drive change, with sport for good organisations uniquely positioned to influence local communities and build a more sustainable future.

Elliot Arthur-Worsop, Football For Future Founder said: “Fields of Change is a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable sport. For the first time, community sports organisations have a resource that empowers them to protect their communities, support their environment, and lead the way in climate action. Through this handbook, we’re seeing the immense potential of sport to not only inspire but also actively drive change at the very heart of our communities. With support from adidas and in partnership with Common Goal, we’ve created something that goes beyond the pitch – it’s about building a legacy of resilience and sustainability for future generations”.

Jérémy Houssin, Common Goal Sustainability and Environmental Lead said: “Sport is a powerful unifier, and through Fields of Change, we’re mobilising that power to respond to one of humanity’s biggest challenges: climate change. This handbook equips community organisations with the knowledge and practical tools to tackle environmental issues, helping them become local leaders in climate action. We are thrilled to have collaborated with Football For Future and adidas on this project, showing that even small steps, taken together, can spark global momentum. This resource is a testament to what’s possible when we prioritise our planet’s future and work together across all levels of sport”.

The State of Play: Sport and Climate Change
● Global Wildlife Decline: Since Pelé lifted the 1970 FIFA World Cup, there has been on average almost a 70% decline in the populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, with human activities as the leading cause.

● Oceans in Crisis: By the time Coco Gauff is 50 years old in 2054, plastic in the oceans will outweigh fish.

● Sport’s Carbon Footprint: The global annual CO2 equivalent emissions from sport is estimated to be as much as 300 million tonnes – equivalent to the annual emissions of France.

● Olympic Concerns: Without rapid CO2 emission reductions, by the time of the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, the world will have likely exceeded the 1.5°C global average temperature rise target of the Paris Agreement, with potentially irreversible climatic consequences.

Despite these challenges, sport holds immense power to drive positive change. The Fields Of Change handbook – the first resource of its kind – offers sport for good organisations the tools and guidance to lead sustainability efforts and create a lasting impact.

visit Football for Future here to learn more and download the guide


JE
Jamie ElovssonNov 18, 2024

Be Among the First to Join the Football for Good Community

Shape the future of football for good as a founding member of the Bonito Community! Be part of a community where you can connect with peers, share your experience, learn new things, and drive positive change in the sport.

Sign up now to secure early access. Onboarding begins Monday, November 25. Check back later this week for more details about the community.

We’re looking forward to having you as a member. Welcome!


PS
Per SandströmNov 18, 2024

Breaking down barriers with Força Foundation International CEO Maryam Kadia Sow Mbaye

Growing up in a neighborhood in the suburb of greater Paris in a sensitive and harsh environment, Maryam quickly recognized the powerful role that sport—especially football—could play in shaping lives and communities. It was there, as an avid PSG supporter surrounded by passionate family members, that her journey began. Today, that journey has taken her to the heart of the “football for good” movement as a leader at Força Foundation International, an organization dedicated to empowering girls and women through sports. I had the pleasure to first meet Maryam in 2013 at a United Nations workshop. Now 11 years later, I am fortunate to have the chance to connect once again with this star in the football for good world.

Bonito: Welcome Maryam, How did your passion for football first take root, and what inspired you to see the game as a force for social good?

Maryam: Thanks! Growing up in a neighborhood in the suburb of greater Paris surrounded with violence, I’ve witnessed how sport can drive the youth and, if aware of its power, how it can save lives: and I mean it metaphorically but also literally. Young men and women, youth in general are always seeking a purpose, to avoid the pitfalls of boredom-so society has to offer a place where young people can let their energy go: and there is no better recipient than football and sport in general.

My passion for football started at a young age as I was surrounded by my uncles who were passionate. I have never played, but I could not miss one PSG game. And if so, I had to watch or listen to the radio the after-game recap. I was immersed in this world through the men in my family. We’re big PSG fans at home: I grew up with my uncles. Of course, there was an odd one out among my uncles who was an OM (Marseille) supporter! So, when it came to making fun of each other, it was off-gloves. But what always fascinated me was the passion and enthusiasm they exuded when talking about football. Clearly, it was the 98 World Cup that triggered my interest. I was 9 years old. Then Euro 2000, and Trezeguet’s golden goal is one of my fondest memories to this day. One of the most difficult was, in 2006, Trezeguet’s missed penalty and his tears at the Élysée Palace… Well, I admit I cried, but I adored the player. If you see me in front of a PSG match, I’m unrecognizable, according to those around me.

Bonito: Why is it do you think that football evokes such powerful sentiments with such a broad range of people all over the world

Maryam: About his feeling of passion? I can’t really explain it: why football? But in general,  I guess it is more about supporting a club or a part of your community, this feeling of belonging. That is what sport creates, develops and brings to society. So we should definitely keep preserving it and use it as a tool for empowerment because it has a unique power.

Bonito: Tell us about your work at Futebol da Forca?

Maryam: Working for Futebol dá força (FDC),  means being on a daily basis working towards girls and women empowerment through sport. Futebol dá força Foundation (FDF) is an international foundation building capacity among coaches to empower girls through gender inclusive values-based leadership with an intersectional approach and with the objective of the coaches leading behavioral and attitude change in their local communities promoting girls’ rights and opportunities, in order for girls to be able to shape their own future far outside the football field.

FDF’s work breaks down barriers to gender equality in sport, while using football as a platform to promote gender equality and social inclusion in local communities in numerous countries across the globe across all continents. Football  is the main sport used as a platform for education and empowerment among FDF certified coaches, but the methodology can be applied to any sport, and is currently practiced through a variety of sports by coaches in our global network, among them basketball, handball, netball, floorball, tennis, dance, boxing. Our mission: turn the football field into a powerhouse that helps young girls build their physical and mental strength, creating a platform for empowerment.

We want to build long-lasting systemic impact by engaging local leaders and role models as coaches and equipping them with leadership, evidence and tools to empower girls, both on and off the field, and ensuring that they have the support needed to maximize their impact in developing girls’ agency and leading change in their local communities.

Bonito: Where do you see the football/sport for social good field heading in the next years? Which thematic areas will be most important to deal with and what are the big challenges awaiting sport for good practitioners?

Maryam: What I see is that more and more sport representatives stand up for their values requesting from their institution to be more involved in fighting equality, diversity and inclusion. In recent years there has been, in many famous organizations, changes in governance, strategy, HR etc to lead more towards  equality, diversity and inclusion. So in the next few years I believe that more awareness will  be created around those subjects and, most importantly, more actions! We’ve seen that the race towards more money, more successes, more fame, with no respect for universal values and human principles, can only lead to failures, for which we’ll witness sooner or later.

Bonito: Can you tell us about a moment in your football (or sport) for social good journey that touched your heart profoundly?

Maryam: Let say that in every Futebol dá força training that I am providing to women we are to discuss deep and profound matters related to their personal journey as girls, and women. Each time you are listening to (private) personal stories highlighting inequalities, discrimination, violence it touches your heart. Our work is to make sure that in the near future we don’t have to hear as many heartbreaking stories because things are changing.

Bonito: Is there an organization out there that you would just love to collaborate with in the future because of the work they do?

Maryam: Futbol Mas!

Bonito: Fantastic, Futbol Mas if your reading this reach out and we will make the introductions! Maryam thanks so much for being with us today on the Bonito Platform, looking forward to follow your and Futebol da Forca’s progress in the future!

Maryam: Thanks to Bonito for the platform, also looking forward to following your progress in the football for good arena!

 

 

 


JE
Jamie ElovssonNov 18, 2024

Putting purpose at the core of professional football- the inspiring story of Mike Geddes and the Oakland Roots & Soul project

In North America, the sports industry is a  machine fueled by profit, with four of the top five revenue-generating leagues and over 190 professional teams chasing the bottom line. Nowhere is this profit-driven reality more stark than in Oakland, California—a city which had been abandoned by its professional teams, all lured away by promises of greater financial gain. But in this city, despite the heartbreak endured, a defiant spark ignited. In Oakland, a new kind of team was born—not for profit, but for purpose. The Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul emerged with a mission to serve, inspire, and uplift their communities. In 2023, they shattered expectations and made history, raising $3 million USD from 5,000 supporters in the most successful community investment round in U.S. sports history.

Mike Geddes, co-founder and former Chief Purpose Officer of Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul, stands at the forefront of this revolution in purpose-driven sports. Now serving as Vice President of 17 Sport, Mike recently sat down with Bonito to reflect on the transformative journey of Oakland Roots & Soul—and to share his vision for a future where impact, not profit, becomes the true measure of success in the sports world.

Bonito: Mike, thanks so much for joining us! Tell us about how your passion for football began and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society? 

Mike Geddes: In 2005 I was in Northern Mozambique making a documentary for the BBC about how football was being used to heal the country after the civil war. We had got up to shoot the sunrise, and we noticed that dozens of kids had come out to sit in the dark with us. We thought they were there to look at the sunburned English people, but they were just waiting for the sun to come up. As soon as it did, they started playing football. And they didn’t stop again until it went down. Their community had few schools, no running water and a lack of most civic structures, but football was the thing that brought everyone together. That was the moment I decided that this was way bigger than just sport, and I had to quit my job as a reporter, and get involved in the game myself.

Bonito: That’s incredible Mike, Why do you think football particularly evokes such powerful sentiments with such a broad range of people all over the world?

Mike Geddes: Football connects us to our shared humanity. We have built a society which is designed to isolate us, extract from us and polarize us. Sport – and especially football – breaks down those barriers. It’s revolutionary. The most profound, cross-cultural connections I have had happened on a football pitch. It speaks to us on the most fundamental level, like music. But unlike music, football is the same wherever you go. If you were going to design a tool to connect as many people as possible across every boundary and barrier you can think of, you’d design something like football.

Bonito: You have had a wonderful career working previously for such organizations like Street Football World America, 17 Sport and the Third half. Football as a sport has obviously grown in America-would you say that the use of football as a tool for social impact has also had a correlated rise during the last 10-15 years?

Mike Geddes: Yes, and what’s interesting is seeing the growth of ‘purpose-driven’ pro teams. Pro sports in the USA are not like in other parts of the world. Teams come into existence because an owner wants to buy into a league so they can make money. Where that team plays doesn’t really matter, and if they can make more money by moving the team to another city, that will (and does) happen. Football – or soccer – has the chance to offer a different type of model, and it’s interesting (and inspiring) to see the growth of community-driven clubs like Vermont Green, Minnesota Aurora and Ballard FC in the US and Pacific FC in Canada. These clubs see purpose as a central part of their strategy to be both profitable and sustainable.

Bonito: How did the Oakland Roots project come about and what makes it so unique and successful as a project that bridges the gap between professional football and social impact?

Mike Geddes: Oakland Roots came about because myself and my co-founders thought there was room for a different model of pro sports – one which put the community first, and not the owner or the league. My co-founders are all from Oakland and they believed there would be demand for a pro soccer team in one of the most diverse cities in the United States. But they wanted to build it around a purpose – and they asked if I would be interested to help. Of course I was, because several years previously I had worked with a non-profit called Kick4Life FC in Lesotho. Kick4Life began as a soccer project using the game to teach adolescent health to underserved youth, but over time it turned into a professional club that used its profits to support the social mission. The fact that they had a ‘higher purpose’ than just winning games or making money made them a more successful club, and this was something of an inspiration to me and why I thought this could work in Oakland. Also, Oakland has lost all of its professional teams over the last 10 years – the Raiders (NFL), Warriors (NBA) and Athletics (MLB) have all been moved to other cities by their ownership groups. We thought that if we could give Oakland a team that cared about it, then they would care about the team. And it worked. The reason we have been successful is because we ‘walked the talk’ and stayed true to our promises, and we were able to do that because we found investors who believed in the idea that a club should have a purpose, and a Chief Purpose Officer, and that this would make us a more successful business.

Bonito: Incredible story- what a place to start it also in a city that has suffered so many heartbreaks due to the profit driven sports industry that is so prevalent everywhere but especially in North America. To move on to the broader football for good field- where do you see the football for social good field heading in the next years? Which thematic areas will be most important to deal with and what role do you think professional football clubs will have?

Mike Geddes: I think football is changing rapidly, driven by the hyper-commercialization of the top end of the game brought about by the shift to teams being private equity and sovereign wealth and multi-club ownership. The game is going to become something different, but i think that will create more space for community-focused models that are not just seeking maximal growth at all costs. I hope this means we’ll see a growth in more modest, more sustainable versions of the game. And I believe the most important thematic shift will, and has to be, towards sustainability. Football needs to take a more mature approach to understanding it’s climate impact and that it should embrace its power as a force for good, not continue to bury its head in the sand.

Bonito: Can you tell us about a moment in your football  for social good journey that has an extra special place in your heart?

Mike Geddes: There have been a lot. In 2021 I brought forward the idea that the club should open an equity crowdfunding campaign, which would mean that regular people (not just wealthy ones) could invest even small amounts to become part-owners of the club. It took two years, but we finally launched it in late 2023 with the goal of raising $2M, and just three weeks later we had raised over $3M from over 5,000 new investors, making it the most successful community investment round in US sports history. What touched me deeply about the campaign was the reason people gave for investing – which was the fact that we had put the community first. It was such a great feeling seeing the impact we had had on so many people.

Bonito: It really gives a whole new meaning to the badge of a team when its aim is to serve the community in which its home to. Is there one colleague at your organization or who you have collaborated with who maybe doesn’t always get the spotlight that you would like to shine today and why?

Mike Geddes: My co-founder and our Chief Marketing Officer Edreece Arghandiwal. He’s always positive, always creating and always kind and he embodies our motto – #OaklandFirstAlways

Bonito: Thanks so much for this Mike- this story is one that is close to all of us who believe in the true meaning of football. Also  looking forward to hear about your future endeavors now that you have returned to 17 sport!

Mike Geddes: Thanks and looking forward to follow the Bonito path as well- good luck!


About Mike

Organization (s): Formerly the Co-founder and Chief Purpose Officer at Oakland Roots & Soul Sports Club and currently Vice President at 17 Sport

Favorite Football  for good organization apart from your own: Kick4Life FC

Favorite Football Club: Leeds United / Oakland Roots & Soul SC

Dream sport for good organization that you would love to collaborate with on a project: Football for Future


JE
Jamie ElovssonNov 17, 2024

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