Episode 27 of the Because Football Podcast takes us into a part of the football world that we haven't touched on too deeply so far: fan engagement for professional clubs, specifically through developing local football programs as a tool for community development.

Our guest is Peter Woolcock, a Sport Consultant whose CV boasts experience leading volunteer operations for the 2012 London Olympics, as well as being a Director of Gameday Operations and Fan Experience for Chattanooga Football Club, an NPSL club in the USA. Over a 20 year career, Pete has served in various community sports roles in China, India, the UK and the United States. Early on in the podcast, Pete talks about the importance of his local club, Exeter City FC of England's League One, and how match day experiences at the club were an important part of his childhood. After an elite water polo career, Pete's openness to adventure and pushing his comfort zone led him to work experiences in places like Namibia and Australia. But the core of Pete's expertise has come through developing community sports programs that make an impact on local communities. It is this power transformative potential of sport, and soccer in particular, that forms the core of our conversation. I love this episode because it combines the extraordinary power of soccer with ordinary people who truly need its presence in their lives. And, further, Pete shares how professional clubs can leverage these types of programs to grow their fan base and strengthen their financial sustainability long-term. It's a fascinating chat and Pete even shares about his family's unique experience traveling the world and building a Youtube channel of their own (check out @StephandPete for all the tips about traveling the world with a toddler!). And if you are in a leadership role with a professional football club, or building community programs through sport, be sure to get in touch with Pete: How to Connect with Peter Woolcock:

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peterwoolcock (@) gmail.com

Steph and Pete Youtube Channel

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