Have you ever wondered what the role of a sports director is in a women’s soccer team? In 90min we had the opportunity to talk with Marisa González, who served as sports director of Club Puebla in her women’s branch and told us about everything that is done as such.
What does a sports director do in a professional women’s soccer team?
The sports directors see all the sports issues of the team, it is a link between the women’s team and the club. We looked at different areas such as marketing, social networks and operations. You are part of the board and make the necessary decisions, as well as prepare the templates for the following season together with the coaching staff. You create the project, take the needs of the team and try to see how to solve them within your budget. In addition to sports, he is in charge of salaries, contracts, the medical area, nutrition, props, food, etc.
Why is a sports management important in a club?
It is important because it goes hand in hand with the development of the league. At first it was logical that the teams did not have sports directors because everything happens very quickly. In this natural development that exists, new needs begin to arise and the project begins to grow. Many clubs now have it, others have only sporting coordinators and they, unlike sporting directors, cannot make decisions. But there will come a point where all all teams will have to have sports management to have a much more solid project.
What is the biggest challenge for a sports director?
The complete learning or transition, especially from the first season. You arrive at a position that did not exist, to a structure to which you have to adapt and that has to adapt to you. The day to day with the group, how to manage emotions when things are going well and when things are not. It is also important to understand the club’s project and that you have its support.
How far does the role of sports management go with the team’s players?
Personally, I got along very well with them, I had a close relationship with the team, with a lot of education. Shaking hands, saying good morning, but yes, they never touched on court issues with them, that is discussed with the technical director. However, I didn’t really like to get into those topics because I consider they are part of the coach’s job. With them it is about talking about their day to day, personal issues, being that support and knowing about their daily needs.
What message can you give to the teams that still do not have a sports management?
Cheer up, do not see it as an expense but as a long-term investment. See that the future is going there and take that step. Create all the necessary structure so that the women’s team can be self-sufficient, not just stay in the sports management. There are great results, Chivas and America are doing very well. Look for your growth and understand the players. We function differently men and women and we must understand the needs of each one.
What can we expect from this Clausura 2022 tournament?
The 2021 Opening had an excellent final that had us on the edge of the seat. There will be a lot more competition because there are teams that are doing very well and working for the long term, teams that have excellent squads. Chivas and America are going to be scary. Pumas will also do things well. I am excited to see the movements that will take place and I think there will be many surprises. Teams like Santos, Cruz Azul, Xolas, who had great campaigns, give a lot of hope for what they have done.
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