Sportidealisten

Europe Smash Sweden 2025 Crowned “Sports Event of the Year”

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europe smash sweden 2025 arena view

Europe Smash Sweden 2025 — the historic table tennis Grand Smash held in Malmö — has been officially recognised as the Sports Event of the Year at Sport & Affärers Year-End Celebration in Stockholm.

The award highlights one of the most exciting sports moments in Sweden during 2025, celebrating the tournament’s success in bringing global elite competition and unforgettable experiences to fans and local communities alike.

A Historic Week of Table Tennis in Malmö

From August 14 to 24, 2025, Europe Smash — the first WTT Grand Smash ever hosted in Europe — transformed Malmö Arena and Baltiska Hallen into the centre of world table tennis. Top-ranked players from across the globe battled over eleven intense days, showcasing elite athleticism and high-quality competition.

The event generated an electric atmosphere with packed stands throughout the tournament. Local star Truls Möregårdh captured international headlines with an incredible performance that energised Swedish fans and brought significant attention to the sport.

Recognition on a National Stage

At the Sport & Affärers awards ceremony on January 15, Europe Smash Sweden 2025 was selected from among Sweden’s top sporting events of the year. Vice Chairman Kristina Alvendal accepted the award on behalf of Svenska Bordtennisförbundet, describing it as “a wonderful acknowledgment of this summer’s success in Malmö.”

Impact and Legacy

Europe Smash not only delivered world-class sport for thousands of spectators, but it also demonstrated Sweden’s capability to host major international sporting events. As the first Grand Smash held on European soil — joining Singapore, Beijing, and Las Vegas — the tournament affirmed Sweden’s place on the global table tennis stage and contributed to growing interest and participation in the sport nationwide.

Want to get help with your sporting event? Sportidealisten can be your solution

At Sportidealisten, our focus was to make sure all the moving parts worked seamlessly:

  • Venue setup – Ensured signage was placed strategically and all areas functioned as planned.
  • Transport coordination – Supported smooth transfers for players and VIP guests.
  • Facility upkeep – Cleaned and prepared ping-pong tables between matches.
  • Volunteer management – Trained and guided volunteers to perform confidently.
  • Real-time problem-solving – Solved logistical challenges as they happened.
  • Event teardown – Dismantled and cleared everything after the final match.

Learn more about our work with the Europe Smash:

Behind the Smashes: Sportidealisten’s Role at Europe Smash Sweden 2025

Europe Smash 2025 Generates Strong Tourism Impact in Malmö — Proud to Support a Successful Event

Get in touch if your club, federation, or organization wants world-class support for your sports events.

From Philosophy to Performance

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Jakob Wikenstål, Sport Views Podcast and Bjørn Ekeberg, FlexBeam

How Bjørn Ekeberg and Recharge Health Are Redefining Sports Recovery

What happens when philosophy, elite sport, and cutting-edge technology collide?

The answer is Bjørn Ekeberg, Co-founder and CEO of Recharge Health, and the mind behind FlexBeam, the world’s first targeted red light therapy device designed specifically for active people and athletes.

In the latest episode of the Sport Views Podcast, we dive into Bjørn’s unconventional journey and explore how recovery technology is becoming a decisive performance factor in modern sport.

This is a story about curiosity, recovery, and building the future of sports health.

A Career Path You Don’t See Every Day in Sports

Bjørn Ekeberg did not start his career in a traditional sports or medical environment. With a PhD in Philosophy of Science, his early work focused on understanding how we build knowledge and make sense of the world.

Why was recovery still treated as an afterthought in sport, despite being crucial for performance, longevity, and well-being?

Before founding Recharge Health, Bjørn also worked in creative industries, including screenwriting and storytelling. Today, that ability to translate complex ideas into clear narratives plays a key role in how Recharge Health communicates science to athletes, teams, and everyday users.

The Rise of Recovery as a Competitive Advantage

In elite sport, marginal gains matter. Training, nutrition, sleep, and mental health are now deeply integrated into performance models.

Recovery is the next frontier.

Athletes are no longer asking if they should invest in recovery, but how.

This shift is where Recharge Health enters the picture.

Their flagship product, FlexBeam, is a wearable device using red and near-infrared light therapy, a technology originally researched by NASA and widely studied in medical and scientific contexts. Recharge Health has refined and targeted this technology specifically for muscles, tendons, and joints stressed by training and competition.

The result is a portable, athlete-friendly solution that fits modern, demanding sports lifestyles.

What Is FlexBeam and Why Is It Different?

FlexBeam is designed to deliver targeted red light therapy directly to the area that needs recovery, whether that is the lower back, knees, hamstrings, or shoulders.

Instead of static treatments or clinic-based solutions, FlexBeam allows athletes to recover while moving, resting, or traveling. This flexibility reflects a broader trend in sports technology: solutions must integrate seamlessly into everyday routines.

Professional athletes, clubs, and active individuals across different sports have adopted the technology, helping to push recovery further into the spotlight as a performance enabler, not a luxury.

Bridging Science, Sport, and Accessibility

One of the biggest challenges in health and sport tech is trust.

Athletes want solutions that are evidence-based, not hype-driven.

Recharge Health has taken a science-first approach, grounding its product development in peer-reviewed research while working closely with athletes to refine real-world usability.

This balance between credibility and usability is becoming increasingly important in the sports ecosystem, where technology adoption depends as much on trust as on performance outcomes.

Entrepreneurship Lessons from the Sports Tech Space

Bjørn’s journey also highlights several lessons relevant to anyone working in or aspiring to work in sports, innovation, or entrepreneurship:

• Non-linear career paths are becoming a strength, not a weakness
• Athletic experience can be a powerful driver of innovation
• Understanding users deeply is as important as advanced technology
• Storytelling matters when introducing new ideas to traditional environments

For students, professionals, and organizations within sport, Recharge Health serves as a strong example of how interdisciplinary thinking can unlock new opportunities.

Why Recovery Matters Beyond Elite Sport

While elite athletes often lead adoption, recovery technology is increasingly relevant across all levels of sport and physical activity.

As participation increases and people train later into life, tools that support sustainable movement, injury prevention, and long-term health will play a bigger role.

This aligns with a broader shift in sport: performance and health are no longer opposites. The future belongs to solutions that support both.

Sport Views Podcast: A Conversation Behind the Scenes of Sport

In the Sport Views Podcast, the aim is to explore perspectives from sport that you rarely hear about. Bjørn Ekeberg’s story is a perfect example of how sport intersects with philosophy, science, entrepreneurship, and technology.

His journey shows how innovation often happens at the crossroads of disciplines.

Final Thoughts

Recovery is no longer optional.

It is strategy.

And as sport continues to evolve, the people shaping its future may come from unexpected backgrounds, bringing fresh perspectives that challenge established norms.

Bjørn Ekeberg and Recharge Health remind us that sometimes, the most impactful innovations in sport don’t start on the field, but with a question.

Transforming Sports with Data: A Deep Dive with Stefan Lavén, CEO of Data Talks

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Podcast interview with stefan lavén, ceo of data talks

In the latest episode of Sport Views Podcast, we take listeners behind the scenes of the sports industry through the lens of data, technology, and leadership. Our guest is Stefan Lavén, a visionary leader with more than 25 years of experience in the tech industry and the CEO and Founder of Data Talks.

This episode explores how sports organizations can turn supporter data into real business value, how a SportsTech company scales internationally, and what the future holds for fan engagement in sports.

Who Is Stefan Lavén?

Stefan Lavén is a seasoned tech leader who has spent over two decades building, scaling, and advising technology-driven businesses. As the founder and CEO of Data Talks, he leads a people-centric organization delivering a world-class Sports Customer Data Platform (CDP) used by hundreds of sports organizations globally.

Beyond Data Talks, Stefan is also a co-founder and advisor at SportsTech Sweden, where he works closely with startups, investors, and stakeholders to elevate Swedish SportsTech to a global standard.

He is also the author of More Supporters. Superior Sales. Real Revenue, a book that outlines four fundamental principles for increasing ticket and merchandise sales in sports.

From First Sports Experience to Founding Data Talks

One of the most personal moments in the episode comes early on, when Stefan reflects on his first sports experience and how it shaped his understanding of fandom, community, and emotion in sports.

That foundation later became crucial when he identified a major gap in the sports industry:
sports clubs were collecting huge amounts of supporter data, but had no structured way to activate it.

This insight became the starting point for Data Talks.

“Clubs were sitting on a goldmine of supporter data, but lacked the tools to turn it into growth.”

What Does Data Talks Actually Do?

At its core, Data Talks helps sports organizations turn supporter data into revenue and stronger relationships.

Their Sports CDP is built around four key principles:

  • Increasing ticket sales
  • Boosting merchandise revenue
  • Improving supporter engagement
  • Creating long-term, data-driven growth

Instead of fragmented systems, clubs get one unified platform that connects data across ticketing, CRM, marketing, and digital channels, making it actionable for both commercial and sporting departments.

Going International: Scaling a SportsTech Company

A major topic in the episode is how Data Talks successfully expanded beyond Sweden and became an international SportsTech player.

Stefan shares:

  • How early customer validation shaped the product
  • Why scalability and simplicity were critical from day one
  • The importance of understanding different sports markets while keeping a global mindset

Today, Data Talks serves more than 500 customers and has grown into a scalable SaaS business with strong recurring revenues.

Success in Practice: AFC Wimbledon Case

One concrete success story discussed in the episode is the collaboration between Data Talks and AFC Wimbledon.

By implementing Data Talks’ Sports CDP, the club was able to:

  • Strengthen fan engagement across digital channels
  • Improve supporter communication and personalization
  • Support long-term commercial growth without losing its community-driven identity

The case highlights how data and tradition can coexist when technology is implemented with the right values and leadership.

Leadership: Team First, Always

Leadership is another recurring theme. Stefan describes his approach as team-first, emphasizing:

  • Trust and autonomy
  • Clear purpose and shared goals
  • Maintaining a startup mindset, even while scaling

This leadership philosophy has helped Data Talks grow while preserving a culture of innovation and curiosity.

SportsTech Trends and the Future of Fan Engagement

Looking ahead, Stefan points to several key trends shaping the future of SportsTech:

  • Deeper personalization driven by data
  • Smarter use of AI and automation
  • Stronger alignment between commercial and sporting strategies
  • Increased focus on lifetime supporter value rather than single transactions

For sports organizations, the message is clear: data is no longer optional, it is a strategic necessity.

What’s Next for Data Talks?

In the final part of the episode, Stefan shares his vision for the future of Data Talks:

  • Continued international expansion
  • Deeper partnerships with clubs and leagues
  • Constant product evolution driven by real club needs

The ambition remains the same: helping sports organizations grow sustainably while keeping supporters at the heart of everything they do.

Listen to the Full Episode

This episode of Sport Views Podcast is a must-listen for anyone working in:

  • Sports business
  • SportsTech
  • Fan engagement
  • Data and digital transformation in sports

🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Stefan Lavén on Sport Views Podcast and gain rare insights into how data is reshaping the sports industry from the inside.

Want to get more insights about people in the sports industry or similar topics? Head over to:

Sport Views Podcast archive

SportsTech & Innovation articles on Sportidealisten

From Argentina to Sweden: Jaime Segura on Football Scouting, Data and Modern Analysis

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jaime segura

What does it really take to work with scouting and video analysis in today’s football industry?

In this episode of the Sport Views Podcast, we take you behind the scenes of modern football with Jaime Segura, Technical Director at Malmö FF and former Swedish champion with BK Häcken.

Jaime’s journey into elite football is anything but traditional. He left Argentina for the United States on a university and sports scholarship, without knowing that this move would eventually lead him to Scandinavia, Swedish championships, and a leading role inside one of the biggest clubs in Swedish football.

Today, Jaime works at the intersection of scouting, player evaluation, video analysis, data, and long-term sporting strategy. In this conversation from Sport Views Podcast, we explore not only what he does — but how modern football decision-making actually works behind closed doors.

This is an episode for anyone curious about how clubs identify talent, use technology, and stay one step ahead in a highly competitive football landscape.

Key Topics & Highlights from the Episode

  • 01:50 – Jaime’s first sports experience
  • 05:50 – Leaving Argentina and moving to the U.S.
  • 08:40 – Arriving in Scandinavia and handling visa challenges
  • 16:10 – Cultural differences in football environments
  • 18:20 – Early career lessons in professional football
  • 24:00 – The move to Malmö FF and winning the Swedish title
  • 29:30 – How players are graded and evaluated in scouting
  • 36:10 – What a typical week looks like as a Technical Director
  • 38:20 – Technology, video analysis, and decision-making tools
  • 42:30 – Managing different football calendars in Sweden and Europe
  • 45:20 – Advice Jaime would give his younger self

Why This Episode Matters

Football is becoming faster, smarter, and more data-driven. Roles like Technical Director and Head of Scouting are no longer just about football instinct — they are about processes, analysis, collaboration, and long-term vision.

Jaime Segura offers a rare, honest perspective on:

  • How modern clubs work internally
  • How careers in football can develop across continents
  • Why video analysis is no longer optional, but essential

About the Guest – Jaime Segura

Jaime Segura is the Technical Director at Malmö FF, working with scouting, player analysis, and sporting strategy. He previously won the Swedish championship with BK Häcken and has built his career across Argentina, the United States, and Scandinavia, combining football knowledge with modern analytical tools.

🔗 Connect with Jaime Segura:

Management in Spanish football

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Patricia Barrios

In this episode of the Sport Views Podcast by Sportidealisten, we explore a groundbreaking journey in European football management. Patricia Rodríguez Barrios has built one of the most impressive leadership careers in Spanish football. From becoming the first woman to manage a club in La Liga to advising top football organizations today, her story reflects ambition, resilience, and strategic excellence.

This episode uncovers what it’s really like to lead professional football clubs, navigate financial transformations, and open doors for future generations in sports management.

Who Is Patricia Rodríguez Barrios?

Patricia Rodríguez Barrios joined SD Eibar in 2014 as a financial director during a crucial moment in the club’s history. Only two years later, she made national history by becoming the first woman to serve as a managing director of a men’s First Division club in Spain.

Her leadership journey then continued at Elche CF and Granada CF, where she played a key role in strengthening sporting success, financial stability, and organizational growth.

Today, Patricia works as a consultant and advisor, supporting football clubs, leagues, and sports organizations worldwide. She collaborates with the SportsTech accelerator Sportboost, serves on the Advisory Board of World Football Summit, contributes to the Spanish Sports Marketing Association, and teaches at the European University, Loyola University, and the LaLiga Business School.

Her story is not only about career progress—it is about transforming football through innovation and inclusive leadership.

Episode Highlights

Here are the key topics you’ll hear in the episode:

Early Beginnings

  • 2:00 – First sports memory
    Patricia reflects on the childhood experiences that shaped her love for sport.

Stepping Into the Football Industry

  • 4:00 – Why football and how she entered the industry
    She explains her motivations and the skills that opened the door to professional football.

Building Something New at Eibar

  • 17:10 – First tasks at SD Eibar
    From financial restructuring to strategic planning, Patricia shares what her first months looked like.

Becoming a Role Model

  • 23:30 – The first woman in Spanish football management
    What barriers did she face? How did she overcome them? And what responsibility comes with being a pioneer?

Managing Three La Liga Clubs

  • 32:00 – Differences between Eibar, Elche, and Granada
    Unique cultures, budgets, sporting ambitions, and leadership challenges.

Audience Q&A

  • 40:40 – Listener questions
    Insightful perspectives from Sport Views Podcast listeners.

Why Patricia’s Story Matters

Patricia’s career offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in:

  • Football management
  • Leadership in high-pressure environments
  • Gender equality in sports
  • Strategic transformation of sports organizations
  • Career pathways in European football

Her journey illustrates how leadership is built through preparation, bold decision-making, and a commitment to evolving the sports industry.

Listen to the Episode

Tune in to hear the full conversation and learn from one of the most influential leaders in Spanish football.

👉 Listen to Episode #64 – Patricia Rodríguez Barrios – Management in Spanish Football

How Better Communication Can Transform the Future of Sport

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Dan Tunna sports media professional

Featuring Dan Tunna – Sports Communications Expert

How can we tell the story of sport in a more meaningful, impactful, and engaging way?
In this episode of the Sport Views Podcast, we dive into the world of sports communication with Dan Tunna, a seasoned communications specialist helping some of the world’s biggest sports organisations shape their message and reach diverse audiences.

Dan holds a Master’s degree in Sports, Culture and Media and began his career in PR and communications within the insurance industry. In 2012, he made the leap into the sports world with Sky Sports—and he has never looked back. Today, he runs his own consultancy and supports major organisations including The Football Association, PUMA, and New Zealand Rugby.

If you want to understand how storytelling, communication, and audience insight shape modern sport, this episode is for you.

Why Sports Communication Matters

In today’s fast-moving sports environment, communication is more than press releases and match reports. It’s about building trust, engaging fans, supporting athletes, and driving long-term impact. Dan Tunna shares his perspective on how sports organisations can tell better stories and why communication is a strategic tool—not an afterthought.

Episode Highlights

Why Study Sports, Media and Culture?

04:40 — Dan reflects on the early spark that led him to study sports and media at university and why understanding culture is essential for communicating sport effectively.

First Sports Memory

08:40 — A personal and nostalgic look at the moment that first connected Dan with sport.

Tailoring Communication to Different Audiences

14:00 — Sports fans, governing bodies, athletes, and commercial partners all require different communication approaches. Dan shares how he adapts messages for each target group and why nuance matters.

Leading Communication at the English FA

17:40 — Insights into initiating and managing communication for new projects at The Football Association, including the challenges of working within a large, complex organisation.

Pro Bono Work with Tackle Africa

28:45 — Dan’s passion for purpose-driven communication shines as he talks about supporting Tackle Africa, an organisation using sport to drive health education across the continent.

Current Challenges in Sports Communication

32:30 — From misinformation to audience fragmentation, Dan explains the biggest obstacles the industry faces and how communicators can navigate them.

Who Is Dan Tunna?

Dan is a UK-based sports communications consultant working with global clients across football, rugby, and sportswear. His expertise spans media relations, content strategy, crisis communication, and building communication systems for growing sports organisations.

Connect With Dan Tunna

Instagram
Email
LinkedIn
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Learn More About Tackle Africa

Website

If you work in sport, media, fan engagement, or athlete support, this episode is filled with insights that help you communicate with impact.
For more conversations like this—exploring unique perspectives from the sports world—visit Sportidealisten or listen to the full episode of the Sport Views Podcast.

How to Build a Career as an Introvert in Sports

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Person introvert looks down

Do you hate networking events or feel drained after too much small talk? You’re not alone. According to leadership expert and author Linus Jonkman, being introverted can actually be a superpower in your career — especially in the sports industry, where reflection, empathy, and focus are often underrated skills.

Understanding the Introvert Advantage

An introvert is someone who recharges by spending time alone, rather than in social interaction.
“Everyone needs social contact,” explains Jonkman, “but introverts gain their energy differently — from reflection and solitude.”

While extroverts may thrive in large meetings or spontaneous social settings, introverts tend to excel in preparation, deep work, and genuine one-to-one communication. These qualities can make them highly valued teammates and leaders when used strategically.

Why Introverts Can Succeed in Sports Careers

In sports organizations — from clubs and federations to startups — success is not only about being loud or outgoing.
Introverts are often better listeners, more analytical, and more consistent under pressure. They prepare thoroughly before meetings, focus deeply, and build trust over time.

Jonkman adds:

“You don’t have to shine at every networking event. Focus on the environments and people that truly matter to your work and values.”

Networking Without Losing Energy

Traditional networking can feel exhausting for many introverts. The good news? You don’t have to attend every industry event to build strong professional relationships.

Today, platforms like LinkedIn allow introverts to connect in more thoughtful ways.
Instead of constant self-promotion, write insightful posts, comment with genuine reflections, and share stories that align with your expertise. Authenticity always wins over loudness.

And when you do attend in-person events, plan your energy: pick one or two key conversations, then allow yourself recovery time afterwards.

3 Ways to Grow as an Introvert in Sports

  1. Play to your strengths – Use your ability to focus, prepare, and listen deeply. In a noisy sports world, calm and clarity stand out.
  2. Choose your networking style – You don’t have to attend every after-work event. Instead, connect intentionally on LinkedIn or join smaller, purpose-driven meetups.
  3. Reflect and recharge – Schedule downtime after social interactions. Recovery is part of your performance — just like an athlete resting after a game.

Final Thoughts

The modern sports workplace is changing. The ability to think deeply, communicate thoughtfully, and stay consistent is now more valuable than ever.

Being introverted doesn’t mean being shy or passive — it means leading differently.
So, embrace your quiet strengths. The sports industry needs professionals who listen, reflect, and build meaningful impact — one genuine connection at a time.

How the Future of Sport Can Become Greener

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Ioannis Konstantopoulos

How can we make the world of sports more sustainable?

In episode #50 of the Sport Views Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most important topics in today’s sports industry — sustainability. The guest is Ioannis Konstantopoulos, a leading voice in the global movement toward more responsible and environmentally conscious sport.

Ioannis holds a Master’s degree in Sports Administration, works as a sports and sustainability consultant, and is a member of the Sports Ecology Group. He is also the Founder and CEO of The Sports Footprint, an environmentally focused startup committed to implementing sustainable practices across the sports ecosystem while actively engaging fans, clubs, organizations, and decision-makers.

This episode from Sport Views Podcast is a must-listen for anyone working in sports management, sports events, sustainability strategy, club development, or innovation.

Episode Highlights

Here are some of the key moments and questions explored in the conversation:

  • 03:00 – First sports memory
  • 04:10 – How Ioannis got into sports and sustainability
  • 06:20 – Why sustainability matters in the sports world
  • 08:00 – Does sport have a better sustainability impact than other sectors?
  • 10:45 – Real examples of sustainability in sports today
  • 16:30 – What defines a “sustainable sport”?
  • 18:20 – The most common questions people ask about sustainability in sports
  • 25:20 – Ioannis shares three actionable tips for becoming more sustainable
  • 28:30 – Listener questions

This episode provides both strategic insights and concrete examples, making it highly valuable for clubs, federations, sportstech companies, event organizers, and anyone passionate about sustainability.

Why Sustainability Matters in Sport

As Ioannis explains during the episode, sport has a unique power to influence millions of people. With massive cultural reach and global fanbases, sport can drive meaningful change faster than many other industries. From climate action and waste management to transportation, facility operations, and community well-being, sustainability touches all corners of the sports world.

Sustainable sport is not only the future — it is an essential part of securing long-term growth, social impact, and credibility for the industry.

About Ioannis Konstantopoulos and The Sports Footprint

Ioannis Konstantopoulos
Instagram | Email | LinkedIn

The Sports Footprint
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Email | Website

The Sports Footprint works with sports organizations to integrate sustainability into daily operations, long-term strategy, and fan engagement. Their mission is simple: help sport reduce its environmental footprint while strengthening its social and economic impact.

Listen to the Full Episode

If you want to explore sustainability from a fresh angle and learn how sports can lead global change, this episode is for you. You can find the Sport Views Podcast on your favorite podcast platform — just search Sport Views Podcast.

Behind the Scenes and Contact

Have feedback or a guest recommendation?

Learn more about the podcast show here.

Top Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

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question marks

When preparing for a job interview, most candidates focus on answering the recruiter’s questions. But a job interview is a two-way conversation. It is also your chance to evaluate the organization, the manager and the role, and to decide whether this opportunity fits your values and long-term ambitions.

At Sportidealisten, we support sports professionals and students in building sustainable careers in the sports industry. Based on our experience, these are the key questions you should ask in a job interview for a sports job.

1. What will be my main responsibilities and goals in the first 6–12 months?

Start by clarifying expectations. Ask what you will be responsible for and what the organisation expects you to achieve during your first months.

This gives you a concrete picture of the role, the level of responsibility, and how quickly they expect you to deliver results. It also helps you judge whether the role matches your skills and career stage.

2. What does a typical day and week look like in this role?

Once you know the goals, you need to understand the daily reality. Ask how your time is usually spent across tasks such as planning, meetings, administration, events, or direct work with athletes, clubs, or partners.

This helps you see whether the job is more strategic, operational, or a mix. It also reveals the pace of work and whether the role fits how you like to structure your days.

3. How is success measured and how do you give feedback?

This is a crucial but often forgotten question. You want to know how your performance will be evaluated, how often you receive feedback, and what support is offered if you face challenges.

In the sports industry, goals can range from ticket sales and participation numbers to community impact and athlete development. Understanding the metrics and feedback culture helps you decide if this is a place where you can grow.

4. How would you describe the internal culture and ways of working?

Company culture shapes your everyday experience. Ask how colleagues collaborate, how decisions are made, and how the organisation handles pressure around matches, events or campaigns.

Follow up with a request for concrete examples, such as how the team celebrates success or supports each other during busy periods. This helps you see if the culture aligns with your own values and preferred way of working.

5. Is the work based in the office, remote or hybrid?

The modern sports workplace can look very different depending on the organisation. Some clubs and federations want staff on-site, especially around events and match days, while others offer hybrid arrangements.

Clarify how often you are expected to be at the office, at arenas, or working from home. This gives you insight into work-life balance, commuting, and how the organisation handles communication and inclusion across locations.

6. Are there opportunities for professional development and learning?

If you want a long-term sports career, development opportunities are essential. Ask about internal training, external courses, conferences, mentorship programmes or the possibility to take on new responsibilities over time.

You can phrase it like this:
“I am very motivated by continuous learning. How do you support employees in developing new skills or moving into new responsibilities within the organisation?”

Their answer will show how seriously they invest in staff development.

7. Is the position based on fixed hours or trust-based working time?

Sports organisations often work outside traditional office hours due to training, events and match days. Ask whether the role follows fixed hours or is based on trust and flexibility.

Fixed hours give you clear boundaries, while trust-based time offers more freedom but also responsibility for planning your own schedule. Make sure the model fits your personal life and energy levels, especially if evenings and weekends are involved.

8. Do you have a collective agreement or similar employment benefits policy?

Employment conditions matter for your long-term security. Ask whether the organisation is covered by a collective agreement or uses an equivalent framework for things like sick pay, overtime compensation, pension and insurance.

If there is no collective agreement, ask whether they follow similar standards and whether you can see them documented. Clear and transparent policies are a strong sign that the employer takes responsibility for their staff.

9. What unique value do you think I could bring to your team if I join?

Finish by inviting the interviewer to reflect on your strengths. This question shows confidence, self-awareness and genuine interest in contributing to the organisation’s goals.

It can also give you helpful feedback on how they see your profile and whether they view you as a strong match. This information is valuable both if you get the job and if you continue your search elsewhere.

Final thoughts from Sportidealisten

Asking the right questions in a job interview helps you make an informed decision about your next step in the sports industry. It shows that you take your career seriously, that you care about sustainability in your work life, and that you are looking for the right match rather than just any job.

Sportidealisten offers career coaching, interview preparation and advisory services for sports professionals, students and organisations. If you want support in preparing for interviews, evaluating job offers or planning your next move in the sports world, we are here to help.

Learn more and contact us to build a successful and sustainable career in sports.

From Sierra Leone Streets to Global Football – The Remarkable Story of Alhaji Kamara

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Alhaji Kamara at Randers FC

In this two-part episode of Sport Views Podcast, we dive deep into the incredible journey of Alhaji Kamara, a professional football player from Sierra Leone whose story is nothing short of extraordinary.

A Journey of Passion, Resilience, and Unstoppable Spirit

In this two-part episode of Sport Views Podcast, we dive deep into the incredible journey of Alhaji Kamara, a professional football player from Sierra Leone whose story is nothing short of extraordinary.

From playing barefoot on the streets to representing top clubs across continents — Kamara’s path is a true testament to perseverance, hope, and the power of believing in yourself, even when the world tells you it’s impossible.

Diagnosed with a defective heart and banned from playing football in Europe, Kamara defied all odds to continue his career around the world. Today, he’s still playing the game he loves — and inspiring thousands along the way.

🎙️ Part 1: The Dream Begins in Sierra Leone

In Episode #44, Alhaji takes us back to where it all started — the dusty streets of Sierra Leone, where football was more than a game; it was a dream of freedom and opportunity.

Together with his friends, he formed a small team called “Young Lions”, which became the launchpad for his professional career. His talent soon caught the eye of FC Kallon, one of the biggest clubs in Sierra Leone, leading to his first professional contract.

Highlights include:

  • 3:00 – His first sports memory and inspiration to play
  • 5:35 – The creation of Young Lions
  • 11:40 – Getting the ticket to Europe through FC Kallon
  • 14:30 – First move abroad: Sweden
  • 19:40 – Becoming Swedish Champion and a move to Malaysia
  • 29:00 – The life-changing moment: discovering a heart defect and being banned from playing football

💬 “When they told me I couldn’t play again, I didn’t believe it. Football is my life.”

⚽ Part 2: Overcoming Tragedy and Returning Stronger

In Episode #45, the story continues with even more emotional depth. After moving abroad for a fresh start, Kamara faced unimaginable loss when his brother passed away on the football pitch.

Yet, his story didn’t end there — it evolved into one of resilience, healing, and redemption. Kamara shares what it took to find joy in football again, return to Europe, and keep inspiring others who face similar obstacles.

Highlights include:

  • 44:00 – Starting a new life and career abroad
  • 58:00 – Losing his brother during a football match
  • 1:07:00 – Playing again after his brother’s death
  • 1:12:00 – Returning to European football
  • 1:18:30 – Answering listeners’ questions

💬 “Football gave me everything. Even after losing so much, it’s what keeps me alive.”

🌍 A Global Story with Universal Lessons

Alhaji Kamara’s journey is not just about football — it’s about human resilience, mental strength, and the courage to never give up. His experiences offer a powerful reminder to athletes, fans, and professionals alike: that passion and purpose can overcome any limitation.

🔗 Listen to Both Episodes

👉 Episode #44 – Alhaji Kamara: Professional football player with a defective heart (Part 1)
👉 Episode #45 – Alhaji Kamara: Professional football player with a defective heart (Part 2)

Follow Alhaji Kamara on Instagram and Facebook.

🎧 About Sport Views Podcast

The Sport Views Podcast takes you behind the scenes of the sports world through deep and personal conversations with athletes, leaders, and innovators. The podcast brings unheard stories that inspire the next generation of sports professionals.

Follow on Instagram: @sportviewspodcast

Europe Smash 2025 Generates Strong Tourism Impact in Malmö — Proud to Support a Successful Event

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Inside Baltiska Hallen arena during SMASH 2025

Strong results for Swedish Table Tennis and Malmö tourism

The Svenska Bordtennisförbundet (SBTF) has released new insights from the Europe Smash 2025 tournament in Malmö, showing impressive visitor and tourism results. According to SBTF’s report, “Stark besöksstatistik för Europe Smash i Malmö”, the event attracted a majority of visitors from outside the city — 71 % came from other municipalities, while 29 % were Malmö residents.
👉 Read the full SBTF article here.

These results highlight how international sports events can bring not just sporting excitement, but also measurable economic and social value to host cities.

Tourism-Economic Evaluation: Key figures

The full analysis, “Turistekonomisk utvärdering – Europe Smash Malmö 2025”, conducted by Upplevelseinstitutet, reveals several key takeaways (download the report here):

  • 71 % of the audience came from outside Malmö municipality
  • 542 visitors (aged 15+) were interviewed during 27 Aug – 17 Sep 2025
  • Overnight visitors: average stay 4 days / 3.2 nights
  • Average spending: SEK 5 938 per overnight visitor; SEK 1 844 for day visitors
  • Total tourism turnover: ≈ SEK 29.1 million
  • Visitor satisfaction: NKI 86 / 100 and NPS 73

These numbers clearly demonstrate how a well-planned sports event can generate substantial benefits for local hospitality, retail, and transport sectors.

Why impact measurement matters in sports

At Sportidealisten, our mission is to help sports federations, clubs, and event organizers maximize their economic, social, and environmental impact.
The Europe Smash 2025 case is a perfect example of how strategic planning, data collection, and evaluation can provide clear evidence of success and long-term value for stakeholders.

We are grateful to have been part of this assignment alongside SBTF and local partners, contributing to a project that strengthened both Swedish Table Tennis and Malmö’s position as a leading sports city.

From Malmö to your next event: let’s build lasting impact

Now that these results are public, we encourage other sports federations and event hosts to take the next step — to measure, prove, and communicate the value their events create.

Whether it’s a national championship, a youth festival, or an international tournament, Sportidealisten can help you:

  • Develop a clear event planning
  • Conduct build up and wrap up procedures
  • Present results that attract sponsors, media, and funding

If your organization is planning an upcoming event and wants to show measurable return-on-investment (ROI) and sustainable community benefits, we’d love to collaborate.

📩 Get in touch with us at sportidealisten.se to explore how we can help you build a successful and sustainable event legacy.

🔗 Useful links

Discover the potential of your brain

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discover the potential of your brain

Can you train your mind like you train your body? And how can an athlete develop a winning brain?

We got Thomas and Sachin from CURVEX in an episode from Sport Views Podcast. The COO and the scientific director have a long experience from both playing sports as well as studying mental health and more specific cognitive neuroscience. They have developed a headset in order to train and control your brain like you train your body. CURVEX want to put an increased focus on your mental well-being, and thus give you a tool that can help prevent stress and other mental problems in your everyday life.

Here are some highlights from the conversation:

4.30 – What is CURVEX?

7.30 – The brain and mental health and the Olympics?

11.50 – Mental health, why now?

15.15 – How to help youth with mental health?

18.00 – Avicii Arena and school’s awareness

24.20 – Sports benefits and challenges, should sports clubs do anything?

29.00 – How can athletes develop a winning brain?

36.45 – What is a flow state?

42.50 – What is neuroscience?

46.35 – Tips on free resources for mental health

Contact info CURVEX

⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Website⁠

Want to join behind the scenes?

Join us and Sport Views Podcast behind the scenes on Instagram, find them @⁠sportviewspodcast⁠.

Find the podcast at your favorite podcast platform, search Sport Views Podcast.

What is fan engagement and how to apply it with the fan engagement expert

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what is fan engagement and how to apply it with the fan engagement expert

What is fan engagement and why should all sports work with it every week?

Today’s post and inspiration from Sport Views Podcast is Bas Schnater, who got hooked into fan engagement at a conference in Australia and is nowadays​ one of the best-known experts on fan engagement and CRM in Europe. He basically applies data analytics & science to improve fan engagement and to improve revenues in sports clubs. He has been and still is a consultant for football leagues throughout Europe and the UEFA, as well as a guest speaker for various educational institutions. Here are some highlights of the show:

4.40 – He got into fan engagement at a conference in Australia

9.55 – Got a job at AZ, but how?

16.10 – Data and methods you need to know

23.25 – What is fan engagement?

28.21 – Walk the fan journey

31.40 – Listeners questions

46.20 – How to work with fan engagement with minimal resources

55.40 – Data maturity model

1.05.40 – Fan engagement with NFTs?

1.13.40 – Trends

Contact info Bas Schnater

⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠Website⁠

Want to join us behind the scenes?

Join us and our guests behind the scenes on Instagram, find us @⁠sportviewspodcast⁠.

If you got any feedback or want to recommend any future guests feel free to let us know on Instagram or send us an email at ⁠info@sportviewspodcast.se⁠

Find our podcast at your favorite podcast platform, search Sport Views Podcast.

Learn how to negotiate and why a multipotentialite is your potential for everything

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learn how to negotiate and why a multipotentialite is your potential for everything

Let us introduce you to Alex Sinatra. She grew up as a gymnast and transitioned from being an athlete to working with them. She has a double bachelor’s degree in marketing and law, and has been a counsel for different sports businesses and teams.

Today she is the CEO & Founder of Your Potential for Everything, a strategic sports consulting business specializing in helping women & women-owned businesses in the sports & esports industries gain clarity, confidence, & grow their businesses.

If you want to craft innovative and proactive plans in the sports industry and want to get great negotiation tips, then you better sit down and be ready to take notes when we talk with Alex Sinatra.

Here are some highlights:

3.15 – Who is Alex Sinatra, depends on the audience

4.15 – What is a multipotentialite?

9.00 – Adopting to different cultures

11.00 – Are there differences between gymnastics and rodeo

14.10 – Early specializing vs. late specializing in sports

19.00 – Why transitioning from gymnastics to diving is frightening

24.40 – What was it like to become a sports agent?

27.05 – Getting a mentor is vital for networking and work and how to ask for help

35.43 – Negotiation skills, what to think about

48.25 – Alex best career advice

52.30 – Why you should listen to her podcast

Contact info Alex Sinatra

⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠Website⁠

Want to join behind the scenes?

Join the podcast and their guests behind the scenes on Instagram, find us @⁠sportviewspodcast⁠.

If you got any feedback or want to recommend any future guests feel free to let them know on Instagram or send them an email at ⁠info@sportviewspodcast.se.

Find the podcast at your favorite podcast platform, search Sport Views Podcast.

Exploring innovations in sports and life as a PhD student

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exploring innovations in sports and life as a phd student

It is time for an insightful conversation in English about sports innovation ecosystems and why teams or leagues should focus on creating innovative products, services, and processes.

In this interview from Sport Views Podcast, we will listen to the Ph.D. student, Benjamin Kinsky. He is fascinated by innovations in sports and related startup initiatives and ventures and he is an expert in Open innovation in sports business. They also talk about his journey from a football career to studying innovation in sports. And there are of course much more, here are some highlights:

8.40 – The difference between Bachelors and Masters

15.40 – What is it like to do a Ph.D. and why Benjamin do it

24.50 – What is an innovative ecosystem in sports?

29.00 – Good practices in Europe

48.00 – Key for innovative teams

52.50 – Best career advice

54.00 – Where are we 10 years from now?

Benjamin’s tips of club to check out in Germany: ⁠TC Freisenbruch⁠

Benjamin’s tips on good resources: ⁠EPSI⁠, ⁠SportsTechX⁠

Question to the audience:

Have you done any innovative projects? Let Benjamin know!

Contact info Benjamin Kinsky

⁠LinkedIn⁠

Want to join behind the scenes?

Join the podcast and their guests behind the scenes on Instagram, find us @⁠sportviewspodcast⁠.

If you got any feedback or want to recommend any future guests feel free to let them know on Instagram or send them an email at ⁠info@sportviewspodcast.se.

Find the podcast at your favorite podcast platform, search Sport Views Podcast.

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