Why My Career Changed After One Face-to-Face Conversation
In 2022 I found myself at the Statsbomb conference in Wembley, surrounded by football professionals.
A conversation I had changed my career. I met with the Head of Recruitment at a club, we were meeting face to face for the first time. He knew about me through my online portfolio.
We discussed his vacant analysis role, data, methdologies and connected as a people. This ultimately led to my position at a professional club.
In our increasingly AI-driven world, this type of genuine human connection isn't becoming less valuable, it's becoming irreplaceable.
The Digital Paradox We're Facing
As AI chatbots integrate into our daily workflows, and digital communities continue to thrive, we're spending more time connected than ever before.
Yet many of us feel increasingly isolated. The screens that bring us together are simultaneously keeping us apart.
Football is a game fundamentally built on relationships, this disconnect creates a significant challenge.
Working in football requires personal skills that simply can't be automated:
- Building trust with players and colleagues
- Communicating complex ideas clearly and empathetically
- Developing the critical thinking that comes from collaborative problem-solving
These aren't just nice to have qualities, they're essential competencies for anyone hoping to succeed in the industry.
When Online Communities Aren't Enough
Don't get me wrong.
Online communities have tremendous value. Without digital connections, I wouldn't have developed the analytical skills that got me into football in the first place. It's precisely why I created the Recruitment Room Membership Community, to provide aspiring analysts and scouts with a space to share ideas and learn together.
But something magical happens when you take those relationships offline.
At the Work in Football event in Manchester, conversations with aspiring scouts gave me insight into the impact of my work and business.
During a SkillCorner event, I connected with analysts from Championship and League One clubs, exchanging knowledge that has directly improved my work and gave me inside knowledge.
These face to face interactions create a depth of connection and new relationships that digital communication simply can't replicate.
The AI Authenticity Problem
I've noticed a troubling trend on LinkedIn lately.
AI-generated comments, templated outreach messages, and copy-pasted DMs where senders forget to even personalise the recipient's name.
While AI has undoubtedly improved workflows and knowledge access, it's made many people lazy about building genuine connections. In an industry where relationships are currency, this approach is counterproductive.
In-person events provide a crucial solutions to this problem.
They allow you to experience someone's communication style, thought processes, and personality in ways that are impossible to fake. You can assess their emotional intelligence, communication, and personal skills in real-time.
Creating Opportunities Through Connection
Looking ahead, I'm planning a Recruitment Room live event for early 2026 focused on our four pillars, featuring guest speakers and interactive tasks.
The goal is to create a space where aspiring football professionals can network with industry insiders in a meaningful way.
Because here's what I've learned: doors open when people connect authentically.
My advice? If you're serious about a career in football:
- Prioritise in-person events whenever possible (conferences, courses, networking meetups)
- Focus on building deeper relationships rather than collecting superficial connections
- Practice authentic communication that demonstrates your genuine interest in others
- Use online communities to supplement, not replace, face to face interaction
- Remember that the relationships you build may be more valuable than the technical skills you develop
The Future of Football Is Human
As AI continues transforming workflows and digital communication becomes increasingly efficient, our uniquely human capacity for connection becomes our most valuable asset.
The future leaders in football won't necessarily be those with the best technical skills or the largest online followings. They'll be the ones who excel at building genuine relationships, fostering trust, and communicating authentically.
In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms, your humanity is your competitive advantage.
What in-person football events have made the biggest impact on your career? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments.
Have a great week and go well.
Liam
Whenever you’re ready, there are two ways I can help you:
- Free 1-2-1 Breakthrough Call - Frustrated trying to break into football recruitment? Tired of rejection after rejection? No idea how to get your first role in professional scouting or analysis? Get your free Football Career breakthrough Call to create a clear pathway to reach your goals in the football industry.
- Recruitment Room - My online membership community helps aspiring and new football professionals secure jobs working in recruitment. Master the four pillars of scouting, analysis, online portfolio, and employment. Learn from industry experts through our workshops, hot seats, and live sessions.
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