The Beautiful Game Plan Podcast

🎙️ S3 EP09: The Power of Sport with Nick PayneWelcome to The Beautiful Game Plan Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with the new MD at Brains Brewery, Nick Payne, and talk about the power of sport to connect and inspire. Hosted by Daniel J. Harris, we explore how football isn’t just a game—it’s a movement for equality, sustainability, and real impact.🔑 Nick shares insights on:🚀His amazing career so far and when the call came to offer him the Brains opportunity.🏆How sport has shaped his outlook on life and work.🏉His love of rugby and how sport has helped bring together communities during the worst of times.🍻And... how important sport is to brands like Brains when communicating with the masses! 📽️ Produced by Focus Shift Films (FSF), experts in storytelling & engagement. 🎬 Learn more at www.focusshiftfilms.com🎉 Sponsored by Welsh Sports Fans – Celebrating the spirit of football & community! Explore their award-winning sports bar at www.facebook.com/riversidexwsf👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us for more inspiring stories on football, business, and social impact!#BrainsBrewery #beer #rugby #thepowerofsport #dontbeadick #community #leadership #empowerment

Welcome to The Beautiful Game Plan Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Maggie Murphy, former CEO of Lewes FC, Director of Communications at Equal Playing Field, and host of the Expected Goals Podcast. Hosted by Daniel J. Harris, we explore how football isn’t just a game—it’s a movement for equality, sustainability, and real impact.🔑 Maggie shares insights on:🏟️ The business realities of running a football club🌍 How football connects people worldwide regardless of background💰 The financial challenges clubs face and why most live hand to mouth🤝 The importance of trust, culture, and values in football⚖️ The gender divide in football and how the women’s game often leads in activism and change📽️ Produced by Focus Shift Films (FSF), experts in storytelling & engagement. 🎬 Learn more atwww.focusshiftfilms.com🎉 Sponsored by Welsh Sports Fans – Celebrating the spirit of football & community! Explore their award-winning sports bar atwww.facebook.com/riversidexwsf👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us for more inspiring stories on football, business, and social impact!#FootballForChange #WomensFootball #TheBeautifulGame #FootballIndustry #FanEngagement #MaggieMurphy #LewesFC #SportsBusiness

S3 EP07: The Psychology of Fandom with Dr. Georgia Carroll🎙️📢Welcome to The Beautiful Game Plan Podcast! This week, we dive into the world of fans, fandom, and the psychology behind connection with Dr. Georgia Carroll, a specialist in fan and celebrity studies. Hosted by filmmaker & entrepreneur Daniel J. Harris, we explore how authenticity, community, and passion drive fandom. ⚽🎭🔑 Key Topics Discussed: How attention & authenticity fuel fan culture 🔥 Why we seek personal connections with sports & celebrities 🏆 The power of community in women’s sports 🙌 Why we’re drawn to content creators who reflect our passions 🎥📽️ Proudly produced by Focus Shift Films (FSF), experts in storytelling and engagement. Learn more at www.focusshiftfilms.com 🎉 Sponsored by Welsh Sports Fans, celebrating the power of sport & community! Check out their Award-Winning Sports Bar:www.facebook.com/riversidexwsf👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us for more inspiring conversations on sports leadership, branding, and the business of sport!#Fandom #SportsCulture #FanPsychology #TheBeautifulGamePlan #Authenticity #Community #WomenInSport

S3 EP06: Sports, Hustle & Innovation with Andy Marston 🎙️📊🚀 Welcome to The Beautiful Game Plan Podcast! This week, we sit down with Andy Marston, Founder of Sports Pundit, to discuss how inspiration from outside of sports, helped him carve a unique space in the sports industry. Hosted by Daniel J. Harris, this episode explores youth perspectives in sports media, fan engagement, and how brands can leverage sports for growth. 🏆📈🔑 Key Takeaways from this Episode:✅ The power of hustle—how Andy’s drive started beyond sports✅ A fresh perspective—offering insights as a younger voice in the industry✅ Engaging new audiences—making sports content interesting for those unfamiliar✅ The gender debate in sports—changing gender roles doesn’t automatically create new fans✅ The business of sports—how brands can use reward & loyalty schemes to grow their fan base📽️ Proudly produced by Focus Shift Films (FSF), experts in sports content and storytelling. Learn more at www.focusshiftfilms.com🎉 Sponsored by Welsh Sports Fans, celebrating the power of sport & community! Check out their Award-Winning Sports Bar: www.facebook.com/riversidexwsf👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tune in for more insightful conversations on sports, business, and branding!#SportsTech #FanEngagement #SportsMarketing #BrandLoyalty #SportsIndustry #TheBeautifulGamePlan

S3 EP05: From Dance to Leadership – Rebecca Edwards-Symmons on Sports, Value & The Commonwealth Games 🎙️ Welcome to The Beautiful Game Plan Podcast! This episode is a deep dive into sports leadership, community impact, and knowing your worth with Rebecca Edwards-Symmons, CEO of Commonwealth Games Wales. Hosted by filmmaker & entrepreneur Daniel J. Harris, we explore her incredible career journey from dancer to advertising professional to leading one of Wales’ most significant sports organisations. 🏆🌍 🔑 Rebecca shares key insights on:💃 From the dance floor to the boardroom—how her career pivot led to sports administration.💰 How the Commonwealth Games is funded—the crucial role of the Welsh Government, Sport Wales & the National Lottery.🏀 Why basketball is the next big thing—how Welsh sports authorities are investing in the game’s future.💡 Know your worth, know your value—the mindset every professional should embrace.🌍 The Commonwealth Games: More than just money—why teachers, doctors, and everyday athletes make it special.🙌 How sports provide an outlet for expression—why so many communities turn to sport as their creative and emotional release. 📽️ Proudly produced by Focus Shift Films (FSF), experts in sports content and storytelling. Learn more at www.focusshiftfilms.com🎉 Sponsored by Welsh Sports Fans, celebrating the power of sport & community! Check out their Award-Winning Sports Bar: www.facebook.com/riversidexwsf 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us for more inspiring conversations on sports leadership, branding, and the business of sport! #CommonwealthGames #SportsLeadership #WomenInSport #BasketballGrowth #KnowYourWorth #SportsBusiness #FanEngagement #TheBeautifulGamePlan

S3 EP04: Inspiring the Next Generation of Sports Content Creators with Joe Towns 🎙️ Welcome to The Beautiful Game Plan Podcast! This episode is a masterclass in sports media, digital storytelling, and carving your niche in the industry with Joe Towns—Senior Lecturer at Cardiff Met University and experienced Sports TV Producer. Hosted by filmmaker & entrepreneur Daniel J. Harris, we dive into the evolution of sports content, the power of storytelling, and the real challenges of live sports broadcasting. 🎥⚽ 🔑 Joe shares key insights on:📈 The growth potential of women's football and why young professionals should expand their expertise beyond just football.🎲 Why taking risks and putting yourself out there can lead to unexpected opportunities.🎥 How sports documentaries have become one of the most powerful storytelling formats.💡 Why content is king and why students today are already digital storytellers.⏳ Debunking the myth: Do young people really have shorter attention spans?📡 The challenges of live-streaming sports and the future of sports broadcasting. 📽️ Proudly produced by Focus Shift Films (FSF), experts in sports content and storytelling. Learn more at www.focusshiftfilms.com🎉 Sponsored by Welsh Sports Fans, celebrating the power of sport & community! Check out their Award-Winning Sports Bar: www.facebook.com/riversidexwsf 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us for more inspiring conversations on sports content, branding, and storytelling! #SportsMedia #DigitalStorytelling #ContentIsKing #LiveSports #SportsBusiness #FanEngagement #PodcastEpisode #TheBeautifulGamePlan

🎙️ Welcome to The Beautiful Game Plan Podcast ! In this episode, we sit down with Aimee Howells, Cardiff University graduate, former Director of Global Sponsorship at Manchester United, and advertising professional, for a fascinating look into the emotional side of football and what it takes to engage a global audience. ⚽🧠 Hosted by Daniel J. Harris, this episode offers Aimee Howells' unique insights into connecting with global fan bases while maintaining authenticity. She dives into the psychology of choice, exploring the emotions that drive fan loyalty, and shares her journey from her Welsh roots to her work at Manchester United. If you're a fan, marketer, or curious about the human side of sports, this episode is full of valuable takeaways you won’t want to miss! 📽️ Proudly produced by Focus Shift Films (FSF), experts in storytelling and engagement. Learn more at www.focusshiftfilms.com 🎉 Sponsored by Welsh Sports Fans, celebrating sports culture and community! Explore their Award Winning sports bar at www.facebook.com/riversidexwsf 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us for more inspiring conversations and actionable insights for creating and branding impactful sports content. #FootballPsychology #FanEngagement #SportsCulture #GlobalAudience #TheBeautifulGamePlan #Manchesterunited

🎙️ Welcome to The Beautiful Game Plan Podcast! This episode takes you from the rugby field to the boardroom with Leigh Hussain, owner of Inspired Business Media and investor in Focus Shift Films. Hosted by filmmaker & entrepreneur Daniel J. Harris, we uncover how resilience, community, and lessons from sports can shape entrepreneurial success. 🏉💼 🔑 Leigh shares his journey from playing for Pill Harriers RFC to enduring 5 knee reconstructions, transitioning from rugby to business, and his passion for supporting grassroots sports and hiring veterans and athletes. 📽️ Proudly produced by Focus Shift Films (FSF), experts in storytelling and engagement. Learn more at www.focusshiftfilms.com 🎉 Sponsored by Welsh Sports Fans, celebrating the spirit of sports and community! Explore their Award Winning sports bar at www.facebook.com/riversidexwsf 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us for more inspiring stories and actionable insights for creating and branding impactful sports content. #RugbyToBusiness #SportsContent #FanEngagement #Entrepreneurship #GrassrootsSports #TheBeautifulGamePlan

🎙️ Welcome to The Beautiful Game Plan Podcast ! This week, we’re joined by Premier League legend John Salako as he reflects on his incredible journey in football and shares his unfiltered take on how the sport has evolved over the years. ⚽🔥 Hosted by Daniel J. Harris, this episode dives into John Salako’s thoughts on the evolution of football, from how it’s changed as entertainment to the impact of VAR on the game. He shares his unfiltered views on modern football, including the influence of Guardiola’s tactics and the decline of iconic players in favor of personal branding. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply curious about the inner workings of football, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss! 🚀 📽️ Proudly produced by Focus Shift Films (FSF), experts in storytelling and engagement. Learn more at www.focusshiftfilms.com 🎉 Sponsored by Welsh Sports Fans, celebrating the passion and culture of the beautiful game! Explore their Award Winning sports bar at www.facebook.com/riversidexwsf 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us for more fascinating insights and debates about football’s past, present, and future. #FootballLegends #PremierLeague #FootballCulture #VARDebate #TheBeautifulGamePlan

This week, we're joined by Rob Young, MBE, the CEO of Switch The Play, a charity that assists professional athletes in transitioning to civilian life. Rob shares his journey from his childhood in Norwich to working on the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics and eventually setting up Switch The Play. Dan and Rob discuss the challenges athletes face when their sports careers end, the importance of developing transferable skills, and the role of sports in bridging societal gaps. Rob also highlights the holistic approach his charity takes in supporting athletes in aspects such as identity, mental wellbeing and financial stability. Interested in becoming a Switch The Play trustee? Learn more here!

This week, we're joined by Ria Burrage-Male, a former multidiscipline athlete, former CEO of Hockey Wales and Director/founder of KIBO. Ria shares a detailed history of her illustrious career in sport, highlighting her experiences in hockey, rugby, kickboxing, and football. She also discusses her transition from being a professional athlete to a business leader, touching upon key life lessons and principles that drive her success. Ria talks about the foundation of KIBO, a wellness and mindset business - emphasizing the importance of self-care, resilience and diverse thinking both in sports and business.

This week, we dive into the world of event management with Paul Butterworth, CEO at Chambers Wales. From Champions League finals to FA Cup spectacles, Paul shares insights into the meticulous planning and seamless execution required to make these events unforgettable. Learn how hosting major sports events transforms cities like Cardiff, boosting economies and leaving lasting legacies. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, event planner, or simply curious about behind-the-scenes operations, this episode offers valuable perspectives on strategy, fan engagement, and the intersection of sports and urban development!

This week we're joined by Adam Thomas, CEO of Genletics to uncover how genetic testing can help prevent injuries and enhance performance in sports. Learn about the innovative methods being used to tailor training schedules based on individual genetic profiles and the broader implications for the future of athletic training. Reserve your free ticket for Genletics x Kyra Edwards: Tracking Biology for Olympic Success here!

Step into the business side of grassroots football with Will Morgan, Director of Tor Sports, as we uncover the art of kit design, sponsorship deals, and club management. From creating unique kits to forging partnerships, gain insights into the entrepreneurial spirit driving clubs like Rogerstone AFC forward. Follow Tor Sports: on Facebook on Instagram on X/Twitter

This week, we take a deep dive into the inner workings of rugby officiating with James Jones, Head of Match Officials for Wales Rugby League and the world's first dual code rugby union and rugby league international referee. Join us as James candidly discusses the intricacies of making split-second decisions, managing player interactions, maintaining composure under pressure and inspiring the next generation. Follow James Jones: on LinkedIn on Twitter/X on Facebook

This week we delve deep into the world of sports content creation with special guest Daniel Simmons, founder of Populate Social. The results-driven creative social agency that's taken the world by storm, winning 2023's Digital Business of the year at the Cardiff Business Awards and a finalist at this year's Global Social Media Awards. Discover the strategies and insights behind elevating fan engagement, building a winning social media strategy, and creating compelling sports stories. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, content creator, or social media marketer, this episode offers valuable tips and game-changing tactics to take your content game to the next level. For industry-leading social media marketing without the fluff, check out https://populate.social/

This week we're joined by legendary broadcaster and journalist Harry Harris. With over 40 years of experience covering sports, Harry shares insights into the evolution of sports journalism and the impact of social media on content consumption. The Harrises (no relation) also chat about the changing landscape of football, from the rise of gambling to the financial struggles of clubs. Discover the intersection of sports and art as Harry discusses his latest project, a unique history of Spurs in collaboration with renowned sports caricaturist Paul Trevillion. Learn more about SmartFrame and how you can get involved: https://smartframe.io/

Ever wondered what goes into pulling off hilarious pranks on your favourite footballers? Join us as Andy Scott lifts the curtain on his early days on Banzai to executive producing Defoe for Amazon Prime, Andy shares insights into his 30-year career journey. We explore the art of crafting engaging sports content, from Player Pranks' outrageous gags to the inspiring stories of aspiring footballers in The Football Academy on CBBC. Got a project you want to pitch to Andy? Get in touch at https://babywolf.productions/

Explore the role of philanthropy in sports with former Wales Rugby League CEO Gareth Kear as he highlights the significance of giving back to the community and supporting grassroots initiatives. Discover how partnerships between sports organizations and philanthropic entities can drive positive change and leave a lasting legacy. Follow Gareth Kear on Twitter Connect with Gareth on LinkedIn

This week, we're joined by Roopa Vyas, one of the dynamic forces behind Her Game Too. From her unexpected journey into football fandom to her groundbreaking initiatives tackling sexism in the sport, Roopa shares her inspiring story. Discover how Her Game Too is making football a more inclusive space, one partnership at a time. Plus, get insights into the challenges of running a volunteer-led organization alongside a full-time job and learn how you can support their mission. Tune in for a conversation that celebrates passion, perseverance, and the beautiful game. It's #HerGameToo: https://www.hergametoo.co.uk/ Learn how you can help: https://www.hergametoo.co.uk/cymru

When a football club has as many highs and lows as CCFC, it’s important that their marketing team is able to ride the wave of fan trends to help keep them engaged when a season isn’t going quite right. This week, we’re joined by James Askey, CCFC’s Head of CRM, Marketing and Insight to discuss the importance of understanding your audience, the challenges of engaging fans in the digital age for match day experiences and Cardiff City’s surprising season. Follow James: on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/james-askey-94262377 Follow Focus Shift Films: on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOCUSSHIFTFILMS/ on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/focusshiftfilms

Are brand partnerships the future of football? We sat down with James Watts, the (now) Chief Commercial Officer at Swindon Town FC to discuss the club’s lofty plans to establish a global fanbase. He and Dan also reminisce about classic kits and the power of nostalgia in shaping football clubs’ content strategies. Follow James: on Instagram: https://instagram.com/mc.wotsee on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/wattsjames on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mcwotsee Follow Focus Shift Films: on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOCUSSHIFTFILMS/ on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/focusshiftfilms

How does the FAW use football as a unifying force for Welsh identity? We sat down with Rob Dowling, the Head of Content & Engagement for FA Wales and the Welsh national football teams to explore how football unites the Welsh community. From the overlooked grassroots teams to the rise of streaming services, discover the FAW's efforts in driving positive change and amplifying Welsh football beyond traditional platforms. Watch exclusive documentaries, features, coaching masterclasses and international match highlights for free on RedWall+: faw.cymru/redwallplus Follow Rob: on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Rob_Dowling on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/robdowling on Instagram: https://instagram.com/robdowling Follow Focus Shift Films: on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOCUSSHIFTFILMS/ on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/focusshiftfilms

What legacy does Worcester City Women FC’s owner and CEO want to build?  Nicole Allison (a wearer of many hats who’s also a Football Consultant, Educator and Talent Manager) joins us to discuss the unique needs of women's football and the long-term investment required for its growth. Follow Nicole: on Instagram: instagram.com/nasport_ on Twitter/X: twitter.com/NicoleAllison2 on LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/nicole-allison-she-her-708b382b Follow Focus Shift Films: on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOCUSSHIFTFILMS/on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/focusshiftfilms

Welcome to the first episode of The Beautiful Game Plan Podcast with your host Daniel J. Harris! He's a filmmaker, an entrepreneur working across sport and a huge fan of sports content. This podcast is our chance to meet some amazing people who are doing amazing things in the sports content space, and to share their stories with you in the hope that it inspires ideas! Ever wondered how Manchester City’s content game is always on point? Or how Adidas always manages to nail their ad campaigns? Our first guest is Creative Director and lifelong Bradford City fan Julian Gratton to discuss the evolution of sports marketing and the many untapped revenue streams for football clubs, at all levels of the game. Don’t forget to like, share and follow the podcast so you never miss an upload! Follow Julian on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/juliangratton Follow Focus Shift Films: on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOCUSSHIFTFILMS/ on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/focusshiftfilms