Reclaiming The Narrative: Playmakers Off The Pitch
Black excellence in sports goes far beyond the game. This week, we celebrate the remarkable individuals from our community who are making significant impacts behind the scenes...
Happy New Week,
I love sharing my story of how I got into working in sports, as it’s not the “I was an ex athlete who pivoted to stay in the game” story. For some people, their love for sports drives them to work in the field, but that’s not everyone’s path. Not everyone starts out as an athlete or grows up dreaming of a sports career, and that’s perfectly valid.
There are many ways to be part of the sports world without being on the field or even having prior experience in sports, yet this is a common misconception that stops young talent from exploring this industry. There are roles in management, marketing, analytics or other behind the scene roles that are open to people from any background. This newsletter is going to spotlight some amazing people in our community who are demonstrating the wide range of opportunities available in the sports industry.
Javan Odegah - Strategic Partnerships Manager.
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports?
The desire to have a career that spoke to all parts of my being, a true passion point that energises me, but can also pick me up. An industry where I felt I could be seen and heard and in doing so having a genuine impact that can create change and ultimately defines how I walk and see the world. In short a career in sport gives me purpose.
What does it mean to you to be a part of this industry as a Black professional?
It means being prepared to have the weight of being exemplary at times, which is a burden to carry, in a space which does have its challenges around representation, but it also allows for elements which are ubiquitous with black culture to be leaned into, such as community, connection and resilience. All synonymous with sport as a whole.
What skills do you think are essential for working behind the scenes in sports?
Not a skill as such but more so a mindset to adopt, which is a studious one. Be prepared to seek information and readily share it, that’s how you’ll be able to demonstrate and maintain value and ultimately a connector of things. Find your field of insight and become the go to for it.
What advice would you give to young Black professionals hoping to work in sports behind the scenes?
- Look to marry up practising and being brave + inquisitive, that’s where you’ll be able to find true insight which unlocks information, which ultimately aids your growth and professional development. Look to tap into the minds of those who’ve been there and done it, and always try to seek new challenges.
Joanna Sweeney, Data Analyst
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports?
It was actually an accident! I never set out to pursue a career in sport, I was fortunate enough to get an entry level role after graduating within a sports marketing agency and it turned out to be the best accident ever. I absolutely love the sports industry and cannot see myself leaving any time soon.
What does it mean to you to be a part of this industry as a Black professional?
Being a black professional in this industry means a lot as I can serve as an inspiration and advocate for other ethnically diverse people entering the industry. There is not enough black professionals within the industry which is shame considering our contribution towards sport.
What skills do you think are essential for working behind the scenes in sports?
Working behind the scenes, especially in high performance/elite sport, requires the following skills: problems solving, teamwork, adaptability and creativity. Unsurprisingly, a lot goes in to creating elite athletes.
What advice would you give to young Black professionals hoping to work in sports behind the scenes?
My advice would be make sure to do lots of research and look for organisations and agencies who work *with* the big clubs and agencies. There are SO many companies within the sports industry outside of the household clubs or big agencies!
Stephanie Ijoma, Consultant & CEO of NNESAGA. Gaming, sports and entertainment company
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports?
I’ve always been athletic and a fan of sports growing up. Played football for the first half of my life and still play from time to time now. I’ve always enjoyed watching to basketball and athletics, I just recently picked up NFL & F1.
What does it mean to you to be a part of this industry as a Black professional?
Being part of this industry means I can represent and open the door for so many underrepresented voices and talent in these spaces. I want to show people that there’s no traditional route into sports. Even though my professional career started in gaming, I’ve always wanted to make an impact in sports. However, timing is everything for me. Gaming and sports go so well so it was about making huge strides & impact in gaming, before merging sports into the NNESAGA world.
What skills do you think are essential for working behind the scenes in sports?
One of the biggest skills you’re going to need and I’ve learned is providing the balance of authenticity & adaptability. Although gaming and sports share similar methods, there are certain ways you need to navigate projects, campaigns etc that are different. So that brings the adaptability element into it and being able to adjust. On the flip side, remaining true to your brand, to your audience and the audience you are merging with, without compromise.
What advice would you give to young Black professionals hoping to work in sports behind the scenes?
Celebrate & collaborate with one another. Even though It’s a competitive scene, everyone can eat but don’t step on each others toes.
Bree Sesay, Sports Marketing Account Director
What inspired to pursue a career in sports?
My passion for a career in sports is deeply rooted in my lifelong love for football. Growing up in Germany, I played for both boys’ and girls’ teams simply for the joy of the game, football has been part of who I am since childhood.
However, as I got older and became more involved in the sport, I saw the lack of diversity within the industry. Football has long been a white, male-dominated space, and that lack of representation behind the scenes motivated me to pursue a career in sports. I want to amplify our voices and create a space where diversity is visible and valued, both on-screen and in the background, bringing new perspectives to the industry, so that diversity is reflected not only on the field but in decision-making roles and creative spaces.
What does it mean to you to be a part of this industry as a Black professional?
Being a Black woman in the sports industry is a significant milestone that holds deep meaning for me. It represents the opportunity to set an example for the next generation, showing young people especially Black girls that they belong in every space, even those traditionally dominated by others.
What skills do you think are essential for working behind the scenes in sports?
This is a fast-paced environment, so adaptability is essential, along with a readiness to embrace uncertainty and comfort with learning from failures.
What advice would you give to young Black professionals hoping to work in sports behind the scenes?
Don’t feel limited by your current role or your degree. It’s okay to try new things, pivot, and even start fresh in a different area if that’s where your interest lies. Diverse experiences will add to your skillset and help you find where you’re most passionate. Lastly, don’t be afraid to carve out your own space in the industry!
Ladi Ogunmekan, Sports Marketing Professional. Co-Founder and CEO of Black In Sport
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports?
My passion for playing and watching sports, combined with my curiosity about entrepreneurship, inspired me to pursue a career in the sports industry. I was keen to explore how I could nurture my entrepreneurial curiosity without letting go of my love for sports.
What does it mean to you to be a part of this industry as a Black professional?
Being a part of this industry as a Black professional allows me to step into a space that has traditionally remained unchanged at a macro level and bring my unique flair and perspective, shaped by my experiences as a Black person in life, to drive positive change. Change not just for myself, but honouring those who came before me and paving the way for those who will come after me. We get the chance to make the sports industry feel more like home.
What skills do you think are essential for working behind the scenes in sports?
You need to be diligent, tenacious, and skilled at building and maintaining relationships. It’s a highly relationship-driven industry where people invest in people. Staying diligent in your work is key to building those connections, which in turn drives your work forward.
What advice would you give to young Black professionals hoping to work in sports behind the scenes?
The sports industry is like any other, the work is just different. You have what it takes, but it's about knowing your skillset and finding the right space to adapt those skills and make it yours. Once you do, own that space and run with it. Reach out to people, don’t take things personal, get outside, and put in the mileage — strategically. Make sure it aligns with your goals in the industry.
Richard Sackey-Addo. Education Project Manager at The International Tennis Integrity Agency and Co-Founder of the Tennis Black List
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports?
I’ve always been passionate about sport for as long as I can remember. One of the first times I knew that I truly wanted to have a career in the industry was during London 2012. Seeing how much the Olympics and Paralympics brought people together for those few weeks made me think a lot about the power that sport has in society as a vehicle for uniting us and helping us to put aside differences when we all get behind something bigger than ourselves. That drives me a lot in this industry and doing what I can to contribute to a more open, accessible and fair sporting landscape.
What does it mean to you to be a part of this industry as a Black professional?
I feel blessed to have had so many incredible opportunities, met some amazing people and had some unforgettable life experiences in my career already that I wouldn’t have dreamed of when I was at school or uni. The fact that people might not have the opportunities to experience similar things because of existing barriers or adequate representation in the industry is something that I’m trying to do my part to help change so that more professionals from the black community can see and feel that having successful careers in sport are a possibility for them too.
What skills do you think are essential for working behind the scenes in sports?
I think that it’s essential to be able to work with a wide variety of people and be able to build and maintain relationships.
What advice would you give to young Black professionals hoping to work in sports behind the scenes?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there by attending industry events and networking. I know sometimes it can be hard to find the time or money to do so but, in my experience, sometimes these can be opportunities to lay the foundations for building professional relationships that could last for many years. Also, talk to people. If there are people that you would like to learn from or admire then be brave and make the effort to talk to them if you’re at an event in person or reach out to them online. I know that sometimes this can be daunting, but it makes a big difference having a face-to-face chat with someone or receiving a personalised message as opposed to cold LinkedIn requests with no introduction to yourself if you haven’t previously met. Above all, try and treat everyone around you respectfully.
Jamie Dapaah, Diversity and Inclusion at Fulham FC
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports?
Playing and watching football from a young age made it a part of who I am. The values, teamwork, and community in sport are powerful, and I wanted to contribute meaningfully.
What does it mean to be a part of this industry as a Black professional?
Positive representation matters. It’s crucial for young Black individuals to see themselves in various roles, showing them they belong in every space, not just on the field.
What skills are essential for working behind the scenes in sports?
Adaptability and communication are key in this fast-paced environment. Understanding both the business and community sides of sport helps connect with a broader audience.
Advice for young Black professionals?
Believe in your perspective and take initiative. Find mentors who support you and build relationships. A strong network can make all the difference.
Christina Taylor, founder of Aim Sky High
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports?
I never intended to pursue a career in sport but I saw the power that sport and physical activity has to bring people together.
What does it mean to be a part of this industry as a Black professional?
There aren’t many Black females in the spaces I’m in, so I want to open doors for other young Black individuals. Now that I’m through the door, it’s important I hold it open.
What skills are essential for working behind the scenes in sports?
Relationship management is very key. You need to have good negotiation skills and be creative in the ways you get things done.
Advice for young Black professionals?
Be tenacious. Reach out to people! Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
I hope this shines a light on various roles available in the sports industry and inspires you to explore the many paths within this exciting field. The sports industry needs more diversity to truly thrive; it must reflect the world we live in. It's crucial that the boardrooms mirror the diversity found on the court, pitch, and beyond, ensuring that all voices are represented and heard.