Nicholas Grinde’s Post

Football isn’t just a sport in Africa—it’s a movement. And now, CAF is driving real change with the UN’s SDGs. The African Schools Program at Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) is a huge part of this initiative, empowering youth through sport. 🌍 Key highlights of the program include: ✅ Broad Participation: Over 800,000 students from nearly 29,000 schools across 44 African countries have engaged in the championship's second edition ✅ Capacity Building: Initiatives like the Young Referees and Young Reporters programs provide young aspiring individuals with skills beyond the pitch ✅ Gender Equality: The program ensures equal opportunities, with both boys' and girls' teams competing and receiving equal support By uniting with the United Nations with this "Football for the Goals" initiative, we are leveraging football's influence to advance Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on education, health, and social inclusion. Proud to be part of this, and using football to inspire positive change. ✨

🚀 investing in Africa's youth through the African Schools Football Championship! 🌍⚽️ The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF), African Schools Football Championship is more than just a tournament. It's a movement that's changing lives across Africa. With 804,480 young boys and girls from 28,862 schools in 44 countries. This initiative is skyrocketing → up 40% from last year! Jean Sseninde's words hit home: “This is the best investment we can do for youth for the betterment of Africa.” It's not just about football; it's about building skills and futures. 🌍⚽️ From the Young Referees and Young Reporters Programs to capacity-building initiatives, we want to make sure that these kids have a truly professional experience. It is now the final stages of the championship! And these young stars are currently heading to the finals in Zanzibar. Let’s support youth development and celebrate the future of African football! 🌟 What's your take on the impact of sports on youth development? Drop your thoughts below! 👇 #YouthDevelopment #AfricanFootball #CAF

The job hunt is over! ✅ After months of persistence, and countless applications. I have finally landed a job! I am excited to share that I've accepted a position at the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) as an African Schools Program – Officer. Where I will be involved in youth development in football across Africa. This position fits so well with my passion for football and my commitment to making a positive impact in the industry, and I couldn't be more excited to start this journey. 🌍⚽ On reflection, the job hunt was tough and I faced moments of doubt. But it's a reminder that perseverance, coupled with a clear vision of one's passions and goals, can lead to amazing outcomes. 💪 This adventure will take me to Cairo, which will be the 9th city I've called home. Joining an organization that has such meaningful values and a mission I deeply believe in, is a dream come true. 🌏❤️ To those still searching for their next opportunity, keep pushing forward. Your dedication will lead you to where you're meant to be, often surpassing your expectations. 🚀 Here's to the beginning of an amazing adventure with CAF, where I hope to contribute, learn, and grow, while being part of something much bigger than myself. Let the next chapter begin! 🎉 #youthdeveloment #careerjourney

Football evolves, and so must we. How to innovate like MLS? I recently found out that the MLS created an Innovation Lab. Which could be a great example for others in the industry to get inspired from Their strategy? Uniting tech startups with football to revolutionize the game. Here’s the play-by-play on how they’re changing the game: 1) Scouting Tech Talent: Hand-picking startups specializing in player development, fan engagement, and media consumption. → They're tapping into the potential of the digital age. 2) Real-World Testing: It’s a tech football trial → These tech companies are being tried out in league affiliated events. 3) Long-Term Vision: This is about shaping the future of football. The best innovations get to pitch to the league, with investment and partnership opportunities on the line. So, what can other leagues and clubs learn from MLS's approach❓ → Innovate Intentionally: Don’t chase after every shiny new tech. Find innovations that align with your club’s long-term goals. → Partner with Purpose: Collaborate with startups that understand the sport and share your vision for growth and engagement. → Test, Learn, Implement: Use the breadth of your events not just to showcase, but to refine and integrate tech that enhances the game. → Fan-Centric Focus: In the end, it's all about the fans. Any technology adopted should enrich the fan experience, making the game more enjoyable and accessible. This is a masterclass in innovation strategy from MLS, and it's something any club, regardless of size, can draw lessons from. keep the ball rolling, both on and off the pitch. What’s an innovative idea you think could change the game for clubs and fans alike? Drop your thoughts below! ⚽💡

Here's a playbook for football club success: Patience + Strategy = Winning Legacy 🏆 Imagine a club where players shine, coaches inspire, and executives drive growth. It's not a quick win. It is a legacy in the making. Here's how to get there: 1) Cultivate Patience: Like fine wine, excellence takes time. 🍷 Allow players to find their rhythm and coaches to implement their philosophy. This isn't overnight → It is over time. 2) Right Attitude: Being at the top is about mindset → Stay humble, stay hungry. 🦁 The right attitude keeps the club grounded and striving for more even when it is successful. Quick changes are a red flag. 🚩 Rapid turnover? It's a fast track to nowhere. Why? Because… → Players need space to be spectacular. ⚽ → Coaches need time to transform the team. 🧠 → Executives need time to build, not just to boast. 🏗️ Without patience, we're just chasing shadows. Without strategy, we're building on sand. But here is a secret ingredient ↓ Mix short term goals with long term goals. 💡 Think of it like a match: → Short-term goals are your match tactics. → Long-term goals are your season strategy. You wouldn't change tactics every 10 minutes in a game, so why change club strategies every few months? Here's the real talk: A club's strategy shouldn't be as temporary as a transfer window. It needs to be as solid as the club's foundation. 🏟️ All clubs aspiring for success should... → Set your club's North Star. 🌟 Keep it fixed, let it guide you. → Bring in talent that aligns with this vision → Not just names. → Remember, the most successful clubs are those whose strategies outlive their strategists. Apply your strategy with patience and watch your club grow. → It is better than having none Whether in football or life, patience and perseverance on the path we've chosen lead to the greatest victories. 🌟 #strategicgrowth #footballbusiness #sportsmanagement

Just completed my Strategy Consulting certification from Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Here's what I've learned and how it applies to the sports industry: 1️⃣ Problem-Solving: I advised a telco company to reverse a decline in their profits. In the process, I identified core issues and brainstormed strategic solutions. Similar approaches can help sports organizations or clubs navigate challenges, from revenue dips to fan engagement. 2️⃣ Market Research: I conducted thorough market research to validate proposed strategies. Understanding market dynamics is crucial, whether you're launching a new sports league, expanding into untapped markets, or creating new initiatives. 3️⃣ Data Analysis: Using Excel I modelled and forecasted potential outcomes. In sports, data-driven decisions can be a key tool to optimize team performance, enhance fan experiences, and improve financial health. 4️⃣ Communication: Finally, I presented my findings clearly to stakeholders. Effective communication ensures buy-in from all levels of a sports organization, from the boardroom to the locker room. The takeaway? Strategy consultants offer invaluable insights for driving sports organizations forward. Strategic planning isn't just about sustaining growth; it's about setting new benchmarks for success. Can't wait to apply what I have learned through this job simulation from Forage to practical use 🌟 #strategyconsulting #sportsindustry #strategicplanning #certification

Your mind is more powerful than you give it credit! 🧠 Ever thought your dreams were too big? Please change that thought. 🌟 There's an interesting concept from the book "Think and Grow Rich" Which highlights the power of your subconscious 🤔 This is something I've also learned through my professional football career: Your subconscious is your secret weapon. 🔑 It's not just about physical training. It's about the mental game too. Feed your mind with positivity and believe in your abilities 🏆 Visualization isn't just a trick. It is a powerful tool Imagine scoring that goal, acing that interview, or nailing that presentation. Your mind will start believing it's possible. And guess what? It starts happening. ✅ My journey taught me this: What you believe → you achieve. Sounds simple, but it's powerful. 💥 So, dream big. Then, dream bigger. The biggest battles are won in the mind. Remember that. 🧠💪🏾 Repost this ♻️ for others → spread positivity!

How can clubs leverage social media to connect with fans? 🎉 With the digital platforms available, football clubs have amazing opportunities to connect with fans and stakeholders. 🌐 Here are 8 ways ⬇️ 1️⃣ React in Real-Time: Leverage the emotional high of game day. Quick posts, live reactions, and engaging content during matches keep the fans hooked and increase engagement.⏱️ 2️⃣ Entertain to Reach More: Social platforms thrive on entertainment. Viral videos, behind-the-scenes looks, and fun videos of players create a spotlight for your brand, reaching not just fans but a broader audience on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reel. 🎬 3️⃣ Segment Your Audience: Tailor your social media strategy to specific fan bases. Create separate accounts for different segments like the first team, academy, or women's team to provide a personalized experience. 🎯 4️⃣ Live Streaming is King: With platforms like Twitter, Inc. hosting live events, fans enjoy real-time engagement. Streaming not only matches but also pre-game and training sessions can significantly boost fan interest. 🎥 5️⃣ Acknowledge Your Fans: Show appreciation for fan loyalty through social media shout-outs, engaging with their content, and highlighting their support. This personal touch strengthens the bond between the club and its supporters. ❤️ 6️⃣ Players' Point of View: Fans crave authenticity. Encourage athletes to share their personal moments and pre-game rituals through Stories and Reels, offering an intimate glimpse into their lives. 🔍 7️⃣ Support Social Causes: Aligning with causes your fans care about not only reinforces your brand values but also builds deeper connections. Whether it’s environmental initiatives or social justice, showing support can enhance your community's image. 🌍 8️⃣ Contests and Giveaways: Tap into the competitive spirit of your fanbase. Contests related to match predictions, "Fan of the Year", or merchandise giveaways can drive engagement and excitement around your brand. 🏆 ❓Question What unique social media strategy has made you feel most connected to a football club or brand? #footballbusiness #socialmediastrategy #fanengagement