ISSPF Certificate in Soccer Business & Management
Course Provider
International Soccer Science & Performance Federation (ISSPF)
Module Presented by
Dr. Chrysostomos Giannoulakis
Module 3
Strategic Management of Soccer Clubs
Module Summary
Management Foundations in Soccer
The rapid global growth of the sport industry has created a need for a more commercial
approach to managing soccer clubs. These clubs are business organizations that
perform managerial functions similar to other industries. Intense international
competition and significant financial rewards for success—or high costs for
failure—have transformed management practices. Performance in this field is measured
by how effectively management achieves organizational objectives.
Sport management has emerged as a specialized, multidisciplinary field that integrates
the sport industry with general management. It is the study and practice of all people
and activities involved in producing or organizing sport-related business. A key
distinction in the field is that "Sport Management" is the correct term for the industry,
while "Sports" refers to specific types of play.
Management Skills and Functions
To be successful, managers must possess a specific set of skills and perform core
functions.
The required management skills can be remembered using the acronym TICC:
● Technical: Using specific methods, tools, and techniques to perform operational
tasks and daily work.
● Interpersonal: Working effectively with people, collaborating, and managing team
relationships to complete tasks.
● Communication: Getting ideas, tasks, and information across clearly and
effectively.
, ● Conceptual: Applying critical thinking, solving complex problems, and
understanding organizational concepts.
Research shows that the three most important traits for success are integrity,
industriousness, and the ability to get along with people.
The primary management functions are remembered by the acronym POLC:
● Planning: Setting general goals and specific objectives for the club and its
stakeholders to guide future actions.
● Organizing: Breaking down the total work into specific jobs, roles, and structured
tasks.
● Leading: Motivating, influencing, and guiding members to achieve the club's
goals.
● Controlling: Assessing, measuring, and evaluating performance to ensure the
club achieves its intended outcomes.
These skills and functions are applied differently depending on the level of management
within the club.
Management level Primary management skills Primary management functions
needed performed
Top Conceptual and Planning and organizing
Communication
Middle Balance of all skills Balance of all four
First line Technical and Interpersonal Leading and controlling
Strategic and Operational Planning
Planning is a conscious and systematic decision-making process focused on the club's
future and how to reach its goals. It provides three major benefits: faster
decision-making, better resource management, and clearer identification of the steps
needed to reach goals. While goals represent general targets, objectives are specific
and measurable.
Management uses two types of planning: Strategic planning involves long-term
decisions made by top management regarding the club’s interaction with the external
environment and requires large resource allocations. In contrast, operational planning
Course Provider
International Soccer Science & Performance Federation (ISSPF)
Module Presented by
Dr. Chrysostomos Giannoulakis
Module 3
Strategic Management of Soccer Clubs
Module Summary
Management Foundations in Soccer
The rapid global growth of the sport industry has created a need for a more commercial
approach to managing soccer clubs. These clubs are business organizations that
perform managerial functions similar to other industries. Intense international
competition and significant financial rewards for success—or high costs for
failure—have transformed management practices. Performance in this field is measured
by how effectively management achieves organizational objectives.
Sport management has emerged as a specialized, multidisciplinary field that integrates
the sport industry with general management. It is the study and practice of all people
and activities involved in producing or organizing sport-related business. A key
distinction in the field is that "Sport Management" is the correct term for the industry,
while "Sports" refers to specific types of play.
Management Skills and Functions
To be successful, managers must possess a specific set of skills and perform core
functions.
The required management skills can be remembered using the acronym TICC:
● Technical: Using specific methods, tools, and techniques to perform operational
tasks and daily work.
● Interpersonal: Working effectively with people, collaborating, and managing team
relationships to complete tasks.
● Communication: Getting ideas, tasks, and information across clearly and
effectively.
, ● Conceptual: Applying critical thinking, solving complex problems, and
understanding organizational concepts.
Research shows that the three most important traits for success are integrity,
industriousness, and the ability to get along with people.
The primary management functions are remembered by the acronym POLC:
● Planning: Setting general goals and specific objectives for the club and its
stakeholders to guide future actions.
● Organizing: Breaking down the total work into specific jobs, roles, and structured
tasks.
● Leading: Motivating, influencing, and guiding members to achieve the club's
goals.
● Controlling: Assessing, measuring, and evaluating performance to ensure the
club achieves its intended outcomes.
These skills and functions are applied differently depending on the level of management
within the club.
Management level Primary management skills Primary management functions
needed performed
Top Conceptual and Planning and organizing
Communication
Middle Balance of all skills Balance of all four
First line Technical and Interpersonal Leading and controlling
Strategic and Operational Planning
Planning is a conscious and systematic decision-making process focused on the club's
future and how to reach its goals. It provides three major benefits: faster
decision-making, better resource management, and clearer identification of the steps
needed to reach goals. While goals represent general targets, objectives are specific
and measurable.
Management uses two types of planning: Strategic planning involves long-term
decisions made by top management regarding the club’s interaction with the external
environment and requires large resource allocations. In contrast, operational planning
