For the first episode in a series where we explore the collaboration between brands and sport and what best practice looks like, we were delighted to have Lorna Danaher, Sponsorship Manager for Energia, as our guest.Energia is one of longest providers of green energy across the island of Ireland, and has over 250,000 customers, and as a brand, it has a strong history of aligning with sport. Lorna's experience around sponsorship for both Energia, and companies she worked with before, mark her out as an authority on sponsorship, working with sport, and how to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.Show Notes:01:17 Lorna's involvement in sports02:09 How to stay motivated03:16 What makes Energia special04:10 Current partnerships05:58 Grassroots approach08:02 Stacey Flood and Hugo Keenan as brand ambassadors10:09 Most satisfactory collaboration to-date17:25 Yes/No on social media19:24 TikTok Six Nations a good thing21:00 The team in Energia that make the sponsorship’s succeed24:15 Mitigating risk in sponsorship27:17 Can sport work for different industries29:33 Does sport transcend cultures31:10 Challenges or innovation in sport32:49 Measuring ROI on sponsorship35:51 Best sporting moments to-date38:24 Tough moments40:10 Funniest sports person42:43 Nerves of steel sports person43:26 Biggest sports fan in the office44:40 Sporting hero, best sports event ever, favourite way to relax, best things to happen so far this week47:14 Hopes for the rest of 2023

It was great to talk with Muhmmad Azmi, Founder of GYMZYG, a new UK based brand that aims to give people improved confidence by ensuring that the gym gear they wear fits properly. We discuss why Muhammad founded GYMZYG, what the aims for the brand are, why sports people make sense to help promote the range, and how AI is helping the brand to differentiate itself in what is a crowded market.Show Notes:01:17 Muhammad's involvement in sports03:37 Why GYMZYG was founded05:17 Delivering value to customers07:37 Brand values10:35 What's behind the name GYMZYG13:07 Core products at the moment and plans for product range17:18 Importance of technology to the business19:38 Biggest challenge to-date21:23 Best success so far24:12 Staying motivated26:34 Managing currency exposures28:25 Purpose and aims for the brand31:29 Sporting hero33:14 Favourite way to relax33:39 Favourite music35:01 Favourite meal37:29 Languages spoken38:57 Complexity around sizing42:23 Open to discussion with athletes

It was a pleasure to talk with Mike Flowers, a talented American basketball player who attended Western Michigan University, played for the South Alabama Jaguars, and also Washington State. A D1 Scholarship athlete, Mike was named the Sun Belt Conference's Newcomer of the Year in men's basketball in 2020-21 and currently plays for the VfL Kirchheim Knights in Germany as a combo guard. Hear how he has adjusted to Europe, his advice for collegiate players, and more about his story.

In our latest podcast, you will hear a great story about one of our rights holders in professional motorcycle sports - OMG Racing. Declan Bourke, our co-founder, talks with Si McNally, Head of Communications at OMG Racing.You'll learn how OMG Racing went from being new kids on the block in 2018 to championship winners in 2022.You’ll also hear Si’s views on rider mindset, what makes the sport so engaging with over 9.4million viewers of the championship in 2022, and what’s in store for the 2023 season. Learn how your business could benefit from partnering with a champion team with a fan base that reaches from the UK to Asia - contact us at partnerships@sportendorse.com now Enjoy the listen!

Cross country runner and England international athlete Alex George talks to Sport Endorse Co-founder, Declan Bourke. Alex attended the University of Arkansas in America, where he was an NCAA All-American, SEC Champion, and Runner of the Year in 2016. He was also the European junior 5000m champion in 2015 and recently finished Milano Cross Challenge as champion in the 5K XC. Listen to Alex's experience as a full scholarship student athlete in America, his passion for books, his interest outside of sports and the kind of sponsors he thinks make sense.

In this episode of The Sitdown With Sport Endorse podcast, we feature the story of an Irish female athlete with a bright future in competitive football. In addition to playing college football in America, Hayley is now a professional football player for London City Lionesses. Hayley is available for partnerships and collaborations on the sport endorse platform for sponsors to unlock the potential of sports ambassador marketing. In spite of the record ticket sales and live global audience during this year's Women's Euro 22, the sponsorship dollars that go to women's sports and female athletes are still a small fraction of those allocated to men's sports and athletes. With this episode, we hope to contribute to changing this by getting more brands to listen in.  Show Notes :2:00 Childhood motivation to get involved in sports3:20 First itch to play professional football 4:50 Competitive rivalry among siblings acted as the driving force to be a professional athlete6:00 Decision to moving to America to play college football is one I recommend to other teenage girls 8:00 America has many successful role models in female football to learn from9:15 Influence of Head Coach Lisa fallon to join London City Lionesses 11:00 Embrace the opportunity to move to new places and learn from the different sporting in ideologies 13:00 Mentality it takes to return to playing after a serious injury15:00 Understood a gap in the market to launch a side business with her sister 17:00 Lack of female participation in sport at a young age is something to remedy19:00 Euro 22 witnessed a transformational landscape encouraging women's football21:00 Personal aspirations on sponsorship & resonance with like minded partners24:00 Open to promotional opportunities in person, social media, podcasts & events26:00 Experience of being on TV series on a BBC show on football26:45 In order for women’s football to catch up to men’s, the media can help promote the women’s game across social media, notice boards, radio stations, and buses. Links: Hayley Nolan’s InstagramSport Endorse WebsiteSport Endorse InstagramSport Endorse LinkedIn About Sport Endorse:A revolutionary sports sponsorship platform that facilitates end-to-end sport endorsement opportunities by connecting elite athletes with brands.About Manav Bhatia : Learn more about Manav, your host and the Marketing Manager at Sport Endorse, by clicking here.

Tune in to this episode, where we speak with professional footballer Georgie Kelly, the centre-forward from Rotherham United and leading Irish goal scorer in 2021. Georgie discusses some of the motivations, inspirations, and achievements as a professional football player and talks about some of the challenges of being a professional athlete while studying in University. He shares his thoughts on environmental sustainability and the role athletes and clubs can play in protecting our planet.Social Links-IG: @georgie_kelly_IG: @sport_endorseShow notes:1:33 Inspiration for becoming professional footballer3:00 Favourite players and clubs growing up3:33 Motivations for becoming a professional athlete 5:25 Playing professional football in the UK 7:05 Highlights of being a professional athlete8:00 Achieving sports and career goals8:35 New teams, trades, and locker room dynamics11:09 English Football League championship12:01 Athlete superstitions and pregame rituals12:53 Advise on balancing education and professional athletics15:16 Value of renewable energy and environmental finance 19:05 Improving environmental sustainability practices for athletes and clubs23:05 Raising consciousness about environmentally safe practices and individual habits25:11 Role of sponsors in sports 26:25 Environmentally friendly brands and sponsors33:00 Bridging the gap between athletes and sponsors through Sport Endorse

Joel is an Olympic medalist who has excelled at elite level in Athletics and Bobsleigh, representing Great Britain on the world stage in both sports. Joel won Olympic bronzein the 4-man Bobsleigh event at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. He also claims a place in the history books when he clocked 9.96 seconds in the 100m at an English championships in Bedford On this episode, Joel opens about his friendly, family-man side and on how he enjoys motivating the next generation to achieve the pinnacle in sport Listen to the whole conversation with Manav Bhatia available on your favourite streaming platform now! Instagram@joelfearon6

On this episode, listen to the ever determined Shelayna OSKAN-Clarke who is a professional middle distance athlete. Shelayna is a multiple 800m British indoor and outdoor champion and has represented Great Britain on numerous occasions at the European, World and Commonwealth championships and the 2016 Olympic Games. She is also 2x European medallist (Gold and Silver) and World Bronze Medallist. Outside sport, Shelayna has a BSc in Sports & Exercise Science and is a personal trainer.   Social Links:Instagram LinkedIn  Show Notes:  1: 36 My School teacher got me first involved into athletics3:03 What made me choose middle distance running 4:30 Looking back at Rio 2016 with a smile on my face5:50 An injury setback led me to miss 2020 Olympics7:50 Looking forward to the World Championships in Oregon in 2022 8:45 What were the difficulties in staying motivated during the pandemic10:20 Moved personal training business online which clients enjoyed13:20 Having Sponsorships, allows me to give my full focus to my training, physically and emotionally 16:30 The Sport Endorse Platform is very visual and you can see what is available currently and then decide to work with brands that you like18:30 Bridging equality gap is all about visibility19:30 Long term aspirations beyond sport – mentoring, supporting people from disadvantage background22:00 How I want to be remembered as an athlete23:30 Favorite career moments25:00 Advice for young athletes

Buckle up for a thrilling episode featuring the commercial & communications manager of a professional motor-sports racing team. Listen to Declan Bourke chat with Si McNally on Power Maxed Racing (PMR), a team part of the lucrative British Touring Car Championship. You will find out what makes BTCC the third biggest motor sport in the world in audience numbers and the value Team PMR can deliver for its strategic partners and sponsors.  Social Links:@Si McNally@Power Maxed Racing@Declan Bourke@Sport Endorse  Show Notes : 1:30 Si’s Early Career in motorsports2:30 Family of petrol heads3:20 Si’s Role with PMR4:00 Winning races and being part of the team is what keeps Team PMR motivated5:30 Why racing car drivers are also athletes 7:30 PMR’s environmental protection efforts9:45 BTCC as a sport is spectator friendly and relatable11:30 What is British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)?13:00 Types of sponsors you will find in BTCC15:30 BTCC media coverage: Live broadcasting on free-to-air (iTV), In 2019, Around 20 million individuals watched the sport in UK and around 76 million listened to it live on the radio17:00 About Team PMR - Power Maxed Racing19:00 People part of the Team PMR 21:00 Jason Plato – one of the most successful British car racers ever22:00 10 race weekends a season23:10 International audience coverage26:30 PMR Engagement program examples29:15 PMR Partners case study32:00 Fan engagement examples 34:30 Amazon Prime is filming a documentary on Team PMR 38:30 Cost of running a BTCC team44:00 Brands want a tangible benefit from sponsorship46:00 Si’s Top 3 moments with Team PMR48:30 Rapid Fire: Si’s impression on the individuals at Team PMR

On this episode, we have Eamon Donoghue, Irish Times Journalist sit-down with the supremely talented Orla O'Dwyer, Irish female multi-sport athlete from Tipperary.  Come along for the ride and learn out about the mentality and inspirations needed to compete and win at elite sport, at an international level.Social Links:Orla InstagramEamon InstagramSport Endorse Instagram

On this episode, we chat with Stephen Budde of SB Sports on how he launched and scaled his business during the pandemic and on developing strategic partnerships with sporting associations and athletes. He also shares his market research on the impact of elite athletes as social media influencers. Social Links: SB Sports InstagramSB Sports TwitterManav Bhatia Twitter Show Notes: 3:30 Starting a business during Covid 6:30 Growth through partnerships  9:30 Focusing on gap in markets like Ladies GAA 10:30 Aspirations to have SB Range fully sustainable in 5 years’ time 13:00 Brand positioning and values 17:00 Relationship with SB Sports ambassadors  19:00 Social media as a driver of advertising 26:00 Exclusive Partnership with Basketball Ireland for Kit 30:00 Technology make it easier to find athlete ambassadors 33:30 Aspirational ambassadors for SB Sports products 36:00 Deal with academy of sport & education in London 39:15 Market value of famous social media athlete influencers  41:00 Calculating ROI for Instagram sponsored content 46:45 Sports as a conversation starter for business relations 50:00 Evergreen commercial opportunities for athletes

Born in New Zealand, James is one of Irelands top sporting talents. Initially making a name for himself as a scoring winger for Leinster and then going on to make his international debut for Ireland vs Wales in 2020. You are sure to enjoy this chat. Instagram Links: James LoweConor NolanSport Endorse Episode Transcript: 1:45 As a child played every sport under the sun, but it always came back to Rugby4:50 Pathway for kids to play Rugby in New Zealand5:30 Turned down a 2-year contract to play in the league at 18 as didn’t want to leave home8:30 Starting winger for the ‘Chiefs’ (NZ Professional rugby union team) for 3 years12:40 Leo Cullen (Irish Rugby coach and Professional Rugby player) brought me to Leinster Rugby in Ireland16:52 Representing affiliate clubs in Dublin with passion 19:25 Phone call to join camp before International debut for Ireland25:00 Dealing with scrutiny after losing is part of job description27:00 Looking forward to another opportunity to represent Ireland and perform consistently 31:00 Sponsorship is the thing keeping us above water34:20 Sports people can offer so much value to environments, workplaces, businesses38:30 Advise to athletes looking for sponsorship: Be a nice person and engage with people on a personal level42:00 People think athletes get product for free but we benefit the brand we work with   44:00 Supporter of Tackle your feelings campaign around mental health, go check out their app on Instagram51:00 At a stage where I’m figuring out my post rugby plans with my mentor57:00 Advise to aspiring professional athletes: Be ready for a roller coaster career58:00 Light hearted Q&A on Leinster & Irish teammates

On this episode, we speak with Maria O'Donnell, Sales & Marketing Manager at Nuasan, about her company's growth aspirations, her experience on the Sport Endorse platform and her views on the value offered by elite athletes for brand’s marketing objectives. Social links -IG: nuasan__ IG: sport_endorseWeb : Sport Endorse PlatformShow notes:2:06 Nuasan – Natural, Sustainable and functional products for active people and those involved in sport6:45 How Nuasan found Sport Endorse8:15 Involvement with professional sports people as part of marketing strategy12:35 Athletes deal with brands that tie well with their sporting side14:50 The aspirational element of a sports fan to use the product a sports person uses herself15:50 Finding genuine brand ambassador that love their products beyond social media promotions17:22 Surprised with ability to access many professional athlete on the platform18:20 Personalised support and fair treatment on the platform19:25 Finding the right match and building connection with athletes on the platform21:30 Expectation setting and planning comms. with the booked athletes23:45 Working with international athlete tie in with brands global aspirations25:15 Expansion and growth for Nuasan across European & UK markets27:32 Nominated in the V Awards 2021 (Fave Beauty Category)29:30 “No matter what size your business is, there is a potential opportunity for collaboration with an elite athlete”

Check out this episode with John Porch, Connacht and Australian Rugby Union Player. Conor Nolan sits down with John to chat about all things rugby, his incredible return from injury to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics, positive experience of the Sport Endorse Platform and his aspirations for future. Enjoy!Instagram Links:@jhonnyport_@mrconornolan @sport_endorseShow Notes :1:35 Grassroots - Where it all began2:15 Rugby League VS Rugby Union3:20 Serious Setback - Avoiding amputation and returning to play against the odds5:55 The Comeback - Australia 7’s and selected to represent Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics7:30 The Olympic Opportunity9:16 Family First - Jersey presentation at Sydney 7’s tournament11:14 Learning about Connaught Rugby and catalyst for moving to Ireland12:36 Kick First, Run Second - Northern Hemisphere style of play14:33 Positives of the current climate and staying motivated by honing in on skills15:40 How training has been affected?17:40 Pre-match routine18:50 Importance of sponsorship for athletes to succeed at an elite level19:20 Difficulty for athletes to secure sponsorship or gain the attention of brands?20:05 The Sport Endorse Platform20:55 Working With Nuasan, Irish Biltong & Apex Nutrition22:05 Everyone Should Join Sport Endorse!22:30 Aspirations - Developing the next generation of indigenous Australian Wallabies24:05 Transition - Rugbys not here forever25:08 Legacy - Giving 110%, Loyalty, Honesty25:40 A Trip Down Memory Lane - Favourite sporting moment26:25 Advice For Aspiring Athletes - Have fun!26:50 Quickfire Questions - Connaught Teammates

Discover what serial entrepreneur, Kevin Griffiths (Leguano & FoodForSport Ireland) has to say about building consumer brands & booking and working with elite athletes on the Sport Endorse Platform.Instagram - @leguanoireland @foodforsport2021 @sport_endorseTwitter - @followteamgb @manbhatia8 Show notes:1:41 – Former station manager for Clare Morris community radio in Mayo4:20 – Motivation to bring Leguano barefoot shoes to Ireland & UK markets6:40 – A food range that is part of daily routine and is not separate from other nutrition required for training8:00 – Venturing into influencer promotion to expand market for products9:20 – Empowering athletes to supplement their training and get traction on sponsorship11:35 – Daughter is an all-Ireland medal winner in 60m and Long jump13:50 – Attraction to the Sport Endorse Platform15:05 – Elite athletes offer understanding and passion towards products17:50 – Olympic athletes should not have to worry about financial burden that comes with competing20:55 – Sponsorship experience on the platform22:20 – Working experience with elite athletes booked on the platform24:40 – Transparent flow to select athletes26:00 – Awareness marketing is key to building long term position for brand

You are in for a treat with this bonus episode where Sport Endorse Co-founder Declan Bourke speaks with Doug Ryder, Team Principal of Team Qhubeka Assos, a UCI World Tour Team, on a rights holder's perspective into the world of sport sponsorship, and how his team's purpose is changing lives in Africa. Social Links :@dougryd@Team Qhubeka Assos@DeclanBourkeIRE@SportEndorse Show notes : 1:35 - Born in Capetown, South Africa1:50 - British team tour to SA got him interested in cycling3:00 - Captained SA cycling team at 96' Olympics4:10 - Why he set up a professional cycling team5:20 - Link with Qhubeka charity7:50 - What sets cycling apart from other sports10.20 - Growth of cycling in the African continent12 :15 - Values and purpose of Team Qhubeka Assos14:25 - Influence of purpose on the drivers and team16:25 - Pathway for riders from the continental team to step up into 1st division world tour team19:00 - Diversity and size of the team20:30 - Individual meal customization for the riders24:08 - Makeup of the team’s fanbase25:20 - Not having a win at all cost culture26:00 - Opportunity for sponsors/ partners to engage with team27:30 - Impact days for sponsors and for companies28:30 - Example of sponsor activation of high standard 30: 30 - Team where drivers from different nationalities are connected by English32:00 - Cost to keep a cycling team running 33:00 - Budget to win a Grand Tour36: 00 - What is being done for Cycling in Africa37:00 - Things we focused on for our partners during pandemic in 202039:00 - Trends in sponsorship, what sponsors look for? 42: 00 Rapid fire round -Team JokerTeam DJBest linguistPerson with biggest appetiteSporting heroIf not cycling, favourite sportBest thing that has happened to you so far this week

Tune in to this entertaining chat with Ireland women's rugby union international, Hannah Tyrrell. Episode hosted by Conor Nolan, Athlete & Partnership Manager at Sport Endorse. Social Links @hannahtyrrell21@mrconornolan@sport_endorse Show Notes2:51 mins – Got into Rugby after playing Gaelic football for 10 years1:52 – First call to represent Ireland6:40 – Transitioning from Rugby Sevens to Rugby Union7:25 – Moving into the no. 10 role for the current team10:00 – Motivation against odds to qualify for world cup 2020 11:10 – Typical pre-match routine13:08 - Pre-match playlist 14:00 – Bridging the gender equality gap 16:40 – Taking on professional teams 17:40 – Need for extra support from companies for women’s sport18:30 – Sport Sponsorship makes a massive difference to athletes19:00 – Majority of women players on team have to buy their own kits20:45 – Favorite brands I use daily 21:25 – Mental health ambassador and playing a part24:05 – Future beyond sport28:00 – Sacrifices players make when playing for country 31:00 – Legacy  32 :10 – Favorite sporting moment  33:40 – Advice for aspiring athletes 34:40 – Quick fire questions on the Irish Women's Rugby Team·best dancer·worst fashion sense·best fashion sense·dress room DJ·most likely to sleep through alarm·most likely to not answer the phone·who is the fastest·team joker·late for training·who thinks they are the most intelligent

Don’t miss listening to the National Karate Champion and Former World European Kickboxing champion on this explosive episode. She talks about her childhood dream of representing Ireland at the Olympics, difficulties she encountered from sport governing bodies while competing at highest level, what she does to right those wrongs and how sponsorship is of massive importance to an elite athlete.This Interview was conducted by Elaine Stenson, Radio broadcaster at Classichitsradio & Sunshine1068fm.Quotes“From a very young age I realised that having a say is not possible in sport. Certainly, not the way the structures were, as you are expected to just go in, train, do what you are told, stay quiet, perform, win and then leave again”“Facility wise its quite poor, I’ve never had access to a changing room, never had access to a shower and in 2021 you would think things would get better ““For sports that are not funded without sponsorship it’s almost next to impossible to compete all the time” “Sponsorship is one of the most important areas for an elite athlete after their talent and hard work”“If you are a martial artist or if you are in any sport that hasn’t made the cut yet, there is no pathway for you to go in and get funded”- Caradh O’DonovanShow Notes1.34 Presents a sport show every weekend on iRadio4.08 World champion in Kickboxing switched to Karate in 20166.18 Living with Crohn’s disease flare ups9.35 Meditation to manage stress12.00 Founding member of ‘Global Athlete’ (a startup that improves conditions in sport for athletes)13.50 Ambassador for Equity Sport (charity that brings about equal opportunity for all in sport)15.30 Constant unfair treatment and covert punishments by governing body of sport16.45 Issues in funding of less mainstream sports18.10 Discrimination through the two-tiered sports system 19.20 Political agenda rather than a transparent system for sports and athletes21.40 High performance elite athletes ignored due to profile of sport 22.35 Gender equality issues in Kickboxing25.08 My sport hugely affected due to Covid26.02 No specifics in health and safety outlined by IOC for athletes going to the Olympics28.10 Loosing double income when competing, due to travel and inability to work28.30 Favorite 5 brands32.45 Long term plans and athlete transition programSocial(IG) Links@caradhodonovan@elainestenson@sport_endorse

Listen to Ireland's World Cup Gold medal winning Canoeist talk about his motivations to get into professional sports, how having the right sponsors backing him improves his performance and his interests beyond sport. Liam is looking for brands to support him in 2021 for competitions at Tokyo, Paris and LA. This Interview was conducted by Elaine Stenson, Radio broadcaster at Classichitsradio & Sunshine1068fm.Quotes"I love cruising around in my van, so if Renault wanted to hook me up with a kitted-out van I wouldn't say no"- Liam JegouShow Notes1.50 – World cup final winning run 4.10 – Multicultural upbringing 6.45 Work feels like a game 10:00 Olympics delay meant an extra year to peak 13.30 Additional discipline to compete in 2024 Olympics 14.40 Change in sponsorship 16.29 Dream Sponsor 18.00 Difference brands and equipment makes to performance 19.20 Volunteering plans post Olympics 22:55 Interest & Hobbies Social links@liam_jegou@elainestenson@sport_endorse