Like the rest of the world, normal life as I knew it halted at the end of March 2020 due to the global pandemic. Job opportunities were paused, the Olympics were postponed and plans were put on hold.
I couldn’t, and still can’t, control what was happening in the world, but I was able to control what I did in this period of uncertainty. I chose to immerge myself into a number of different learning opportunities over the past 16 weeks or so, and importantly, the majority of this content was free. It wasn’t all entirely sports law based either, there are little nuggets of general sporting content too. I enjoy the majority of sports, but a particular interest in athletics and football therefore recommendations are slightly geared towards both, but there is a plethora of other sports content online that will just be as accessible.
I’ve learned in life that you have to go after what you want. I am a huge advocate for this, although not the perfect example as I am still trying to make my way into this industry, but I will get there!
Here are a few of my recommendations from Lockdown:
Daniel Geey – Football Law
Daniel is one of the UK’s leading Sports Lawyers. He provided two You Tube courses, which I have linked here. The sessions are around 30 minutes long, 15 minutes of Dan chatting about the topic and 15 minutes answering questions from attendees who were watching at the time- a particular highlight as there was a lot of interaction. The first course, 12 sessions, offered an insight into the Football Industry, including player contracts, boot deals and image rights to name a few topics of discussion. The second course, 5 sessions, provides advice for pursing a career in sports law and provides really important steps to consider to enhance your own development and how to utilise your time. It’s a key reminder that it is all about the process. ‘Don’t worry about being the best- concentrate on being the best at getting better’. Both courses are invaluable, easily digestible chunks, very informative and I highly recommend both.
I will also mention Daniel’s own book ‘Done Deal’ which I have read during lockdown, a very interesting read about the issues on and off the football field. It covers so many vital areas of the business side of football from club finances, player transfers, broadcasting rights and so much more. A really enjoyable read for those with an interest in football, or sports in general.
You can follow Daniel on Twitter/Instagram @FootballLaw.
- Sports Podcasts
I am relatively late to the podcast party, however during lockdown I have found podcasts an excellent way to accompany me on my daily walks. Just plug in your earphones, press play, and away you go! Exercise and education at the same time! There are many different sports podcasts that are available on all the usual platforms. As mentioned in my previous article, The Ornstein & Chapman podcast is terrific for all things relating to football and they always provide a weekly update with the biggest stories in the sport. I have also listened to The High Performance Podcast by Jake Humphrey and Damien Hughes, which brings an intimate glimpse of the lives of high achieving, world- class performers who have all excelled in their field. As a Spurs fan, I have to say that the episode with Mauricio Pochettino is excellent! But there are interviews with different elite athletes and coaches from Robin Van Persie, Tracey Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Dame Kelly Holmes. All excellent and insightful podcasts and very easy to listen to!
Another recommendation is The Back Page by Sheridans Sport, which discusses everything from the fast growing sector of esports and the gaming business, to a chat with the CEO of British Athletics Joanna Coates and her vision for the future, but also the current impact of Covid and Project Restart.
- Women in Football Webinars.
Women in Footbal (WiF) are a network of professionals working in and around the football industry. Over the lockdown period they have held 9 webinar sessions with inspiring individuals from the Football sphere. Including conversations with, Sian Massey- Ellis about being a premier league referee, Caroline Weir (Manchester City midfielder) about her career so far and challenges faced in the women’s game, and also Emma Hayes, Chelsea FC Manager and current champions of the WSL. All of the webinars are available to watch on the WiF website. I am a member of WiF and I would encourage all women who have an interest in Sport to sign up and become a member too. It is such a friendly organisation to be apart of and there are always plenty of opportunities to learn about the game, and the team at WiF are very approachable!
- Netflix – The Last Dance
I’m just putting it out there; this is quite possibly the best sports documentary I have ever seen. Michael Jordan was a phenomenal athlete and without a doubt, one of the greatest sportsmen of all time.
The documentary tells the story of Jordan’s basketball career with the star studded Chicago Bulls who dominated basketball in the 90’s, with an all access film pass to the Bulls and a number of interviews with other members of the 6- time NBA winning team, including Scottie Pippen and Steve Kerr. Jordan is also one of the most marketed sports figures in history, and this documentary allows an insight in to his Nike journey with the Air Jordans, amongst other endorsement deals. I am not a huge follower of the sport itself, but equally found the 10 part series, really enjoyable and a must watch.
- Law in Sport
First things first, if you have an interest in Sport, sign up to this mailing list immediately. It is a vault for everything sports law related. Lots of free content and it’s a great community for aspiring sports lawyers/anyone with an interest in sports. Over lockdown, CEO Sean Cottrell ran a digital 2- week Football Conference; in usual circumstances this takes place in London every year in May. I attended the women’s football webinar with speakers from USA, Spain and Italy and discussions were had about the impacts if the sport due to Covid 19 and the affects on different footballing structures globally. Law In Sport also has an Annual Conference in September each year. Keep your eyes peeled for this. I attended last year’s conference and it was jam pack schedule with incredible panellists, engaging discussions and a wonderful learning opportunity. Law In Sport also run a mentoring scheme every year. I would encourage aspiring law students/professional to apply when applications open and to also keep an eye on social platforms for any upcoming sessions by mentees of the programme. A recent webinar included discussions on ‘Becoming a Sport Lawyer- Starting out.’ This is a fantastic initiative!
- Mishcon De Reya Sports Law Academy
I was extremely lucky to have been selected to participate in the Sports Law Academy run by the firm this year. It is monthly seminars and the Academy runs from November to March every year at their London office (so look out for applications opening for next years Academy!) Due to Covid, we had our remaining 2 sessions, on Commercial and Brand Opportunities and The Life of an In-house lawyer, on Zoom. The Academy itself covers a wide range of topics and are all led by the firm’s own leading lawyers. It is an incredible, and rare, opportunity to learn about a wide range of different sports law aspects. Apply. Apply. Apply.
- Essex Barrister- Alexandra Wilson
Alexandra has offered multiple virtual panels Q & A’s over lockdown aimed at aspiring barrister and sessions have included, human rights, Commercial and Media. I attended the Sports Law webinar, not necessarily because I want to be a barrister, but it was another opportunity to have this accessible educational insight. It was a 2 hour chat with QC’s including John Mehrzad, Jo Moore and Nick De Marco about career advice and their own journey in the sports law sector. I believe many of these webinars have been recorded, so it may be possible to listen again.
You can follow Alexandra on Twitter/Instagram @essexbarrister.
This is not an exhaustive list of my ‘lockdown learning’, but I wanted to share some of the content I have been reading/listening/watching, to help other aspiring sports lawyers, who may not have seen these resources above. I know research can be completely overwhelming and you never know where to start or what to do, but small steps are key and everyone has to start somewhere.
‘Aim for the stars, but keep your feet on the ground’.
A Sporting Insight 