In this episode of the Indie Football Podcast, we explore how Step-Out is transforming the Indian football landscape with insights from their Business Expansion Lead. From navigating the challenges of the sports ecosystem and fostering innovation, we uncover what it takes to create a successful sports startup in India. Whether you're an aspiring sports professional or a football enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration. From transitioning from sales to leading business growth, and scaling sports events, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities in the Indian sports startup ecosystem. Our guest shares valuable insights on sales strategies from his experience, innovations in sports technology, and practical advice for aspiring sports professionals. Plus, we discuss how organizations like Step-Out can drive football development in India and tackle the challenges facing the sport. If you're passionate about football, sports business, or innovation, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and inspiring stories!

Looking back to our journey, we’ve averaged more than 2 episodes monthly in these 3 years which honestly is pretty impressive because just the other day, we saw a statistic that said most podcasts don’t make past the 10th episode because of various reasons but here we are, entering our 4th year with something that’s very close to our heart. This podcast has given us a great identity every time we walk into a social environment. But the biggest achievement for us along the way has to be the people that we have come to know about. We’re hardly anything if we take out the different kinds of football fans who’ve crossed our paths, specially over the last 12 months. A large part of this conversation between the Co-hosts is the wonderful souls that have shaped our lives. As we look forward to what lies ahead of us in this beautiful journey of ours, we talk about the potential opportunities for writing a book, connecting further with people working in football, doing more physical projects. If you are someone who has been with us for a while, do share your top moments and episodes with us because that’s what our affable hosts have done in this episode as well.

We’re going closer to the century mark in terms of our episodes in our podcast and for the first time, we were grateful to get in conversation with a FIFA referee. Dr. Errol Sweeney is a World Cup referee, coach and mentor, psychologist and broadcaster. But this is what his LinkedIn profile would say. What we also dug deeper into the 90 minutes conversation was about his time in South Africa between 1985 to 1998. We asked questions about different referring stories, some specific incidents of referees having to undergo not so finer moments of their career. Having plied his trade across different continents, we touch base on the ever controversial issues of VAR - how technology is playing an impactful role in the growing landscape of the global sport. Before this episode, only 3 others had made it past the hour mark in terms of it’s duration. The lengths of each of those were an hour, an hour and a minute, an hour and a couple of minutes. So the fact that this one went well overboard should suggest how much we enjoyed having this conversation with the effervescent Errol Sweeney. We hope you enjoy it to an equal or greater measure.

In this special episode of the Indie Football Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Shaji Prabhakaran, the former General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), for an in-depth conversation about his ambitious vision for the future of Indian football. Shaji has been at the forefront of football development in India, and his journey to the helm of the AIFF is both inspiring and deeply influential. With years of experience working behind the scenes, he has been instrumental in pushing the growth of the sport in a country where cricket has traditionally reigned supreme. We explore how his passion for football began, what motivated him to take on the massive responsibility of leading the AIFF, and how he plans to steer Indian football towards a brighter, more competitive future. In our discussion, Shaji talks about the critical importance of grassroots football and how developing talent at the local level is key to India's rise on the global stage. We delve into the initiatives he has spearheaded to build stronger infrastructure in his time managing footballin Delhi, better coaching systems, and youth development programs that can nurture India’s next generation of football stars. He shares his insight into the structural reforms that are being implemented within AIFF, and how they aim to boost participation in football across all regions of India, including rural areas that have historically been underserved. We also dive into the impact of the Indian Super League (ISL) and how it has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of Indian football domestically and internationally. Shaji offers his take on how the ISL teams are integrating with grassroots initiatives and how AIFF is working to bridge the gap between professional clubs and youth academies. He sheds light on the AIFF's long-term plans to make Indian football more competitive on the global stage, including efforts to increase international exposure for players, improve the quality of domestic competitions, and set new benchmarks for excellence. Whether you're a passionate fan of Indian football or curious about how the game is growing in one of the world’s most populous nations, this episode offers an exclusive look into the future of the beautiful game in India.

We have had wonderful people from the world of professional football join us in recent times and this episode proves to be no different. This week, we bring to you an in-depth conversation with Anand Vardhan, a seasoned performance analyst with experience working with Sudeva, the Indian Women's Team, and the Indian Youth National Team. In this episode, we delve into the world of Indian football, exploring the role of performance analysis, the challenges faced by women's football in India, and the state of grassroots and youth development. From his journey into performance analysis to his insights on the Indian football ecosystem, Anand shares his expertise and passion for the sport. Tune in for a fascinating discussion that covers: The evolution of performance analysis in Indian football. The unique challenges faced by women's football players in India. The current state of grassroots and youth development in India and so much more! Follow us for more conversations with experts and thought leaders in the world of football.

Join us for an exclusive conversation with renowned Liverpool journalist, David Lynch! With over 100,000 followers on Twitter, David shares his fascinating journey, from his early days as a journalism student to becoming a respected voice in the Liverpool FC community. In this episode, David takes us through his remarkable experiences, including his interactions with celebrated Liverpool figures and his insights on the current squad's title chances. His passion, expertise, and love for the Reds shine through in this captivating conversation. Tune in to discover to David's inspiring journey in journalism, his unique perspective on Liverpool FC's past, present, and future. As you make your way through this very interesting episode, you will also be uncovering valuable advice for aspiring journalists And much more! Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the most respected voices in Liverpool FC journalism.

In this episode of the Indie Football Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Farrell, the Deputy Editor of *Empire of the Kop* (EOTK) and a die-hard Liverpool fan. Farrell has a rich history of football writing for both *EOTK* and *CaughtOffside*, along with experience contributing to various football publications. Join us as we dive deep into Farrell’s passion for Liverpool FC, exploring how his love for the club began and how it has shaped his life. We’ll also get an insider's look at his role at *Empire of the Kop*, discussing what it’s like to work for one of the most beloved Liverpool fan platforms in the UK. We’ll break down Liverpool’s recent thrilling victory over Manchester United, examine the club’s momentum for the season, and explore Farrell’s dual life as a fantasy novelist. Hear how he juggles writing about football and weaving captivating fantasy stories, while also managing his personal and family life. We round off with a nostalgic reflection on Liverpool icons like Steven Gerrard, followed by a discussion on the evolving business of football globally and its impact on the Premier League and clubs like Liverpool. Expect plenty of insightful stories, reflections on modern football, and how platforms like *Empire of the Kop* stay ahead in the ever-changing football landscape. Tune in for an episode packed with stories, analysis, and passion for the beautiful game!

Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Pranay Chaturvedi as we delve into the fascinating world of football, content creation, and cultural connections! From his childhood in India and how his father played a role in helping him follow the sport, this Manchester United fan shares his inspiring journey of growing up with a love for football and turning it into a creative career. With a unique blend of engineering and writing skills, he reveals how he balances art and analysis to create engaging content for their massive Instagram following of 181K! The tales of him visiting the American stadiums for Pre-season games will leave you with a story to share with your football circle! We explore the intersection of music, football, and culture, and get exclusive insights into the current state of the Premier League and future predictions. Our guest also opens up about their experiences collaborating with other creators, staying connected to Indian football culture, and offers valuable advice for aspiring content creators from diverse backgrounds. Tune in for a captivating discussion that will leave you feeling inspired, informed, and eager to share your own football story!