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Unlock Your Football FC's Full Potential with These 5 Game-Changing Strategies
2025-11-11 13:00
As I watched the historic opening of the Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League last Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena, I couldn't help but draw parallels to what football clubs could learn from this groundbreaking moment. Having worked with sports organizations for over a decade, I've seen firsthand how strategic thinking can transform teams from mediocre to exceptional. The WMPBL's ambitious journey to provide a home for Filipino women hoopers represents exactly the kind of visionary thinking that football clubs need to embrace. Let me share five game-changing strategies that can unlock your football FC's full potential, inspired by what I observed during this landmark event in women's basketball.
First and foremost, creating a distinct identity matters more than most clubs realize. When the WMPBL committed to becoming the definitive home for women's basketball in the Philippines, they weren't just starting another league—they were building a movement. Your football club needs that same level of clarity in its purpose. I remember consulting with a lower-division club that was struggling with attendance until they embraced their local heritage. They started celebrating community traditions, involved local artists in their branding, and suddenly, they weren't just another football team—they became the heart of their town. The transformation was remarkable; within 18 months, their average attendance jumped from 1,200 to nearly 4,500 spectators per match. That's the power of authentic identity.
The second strategy involves what I call strategic talent development. The WMPBL isn't just providing playing opportunities—they're creating pathways for Filipino women athletes that simply didn't exist before. Your football academy should function with similar foresight. I've seen too many clubs focus exclusively on recruiting established players while neglecting their youth development. The most successful clubs I've worked with invest approximately 22% of their annual budget into their academy systems. They don't just train players—they educate them, provide academic support, and develop their character. One club in particular stands out in my memory; they implemented a mentorship program where senior players regularly worked with youth squads. The result? Their academy produced three first-team regulars in five years, saving the club millions in transfer fees.
Now let's talk about fan engagement, which many clubs completely misunderstand. The WMPBL's historic opening wasn't just about the game—it was about creating an experience that would resonate with fans beyond the final buzzer. Your football club needs to think similarly. Digital platforms have revolutionized how we connect with supporters, but I'm consistently surprised how many clubs use social media as just another broadcasting channel. The most innovative approach I've seen came from a club that created exclusive behind-the-scenes content for their most engaged supporters. They didn't just post match highlights—they shared training ground footage, player interviews, and even involved fans in minor decisions through polls and interactive sessions. Their social media engagement rates increased by 187% in six months, and more importantly, season ticket renewals hit 94% that year.
Financial innovation represents the fourth crucial strategy. Sustainable revenue streams separate thriving clubs from those constantly fighting financial fires. The WMPBL's model shows careful planning for long-term sustainability rather than quick profits. Your football club should explore unconventional revenue sources beyond ticket sales and broadcasting rights. I advised one club that transformed their stadium into a community hub seven days a week—hosting corporate events, fitness classes, and even weddings. Another club developed their own streaming service when traditional broadcasting deals fell through, eventually generating 38% of their media revenue through direct subscriptions. These approaches require initial investment and courage, but the financial stability they provide is worth every penny.
The final strategy might be the most overlooked: building strategic partnerships beyond traditional sports networks. The WMPBL's success stems from collaborations across various sectors—education, government, and community organizations. Your football club should think similarly expansively. I've witnessed clubs form partnerships with local universities for sports science research, with technology companies for performance analytics, and with tourism boards to attract international fans. One particularly creative partnership saw a club collaborate with a local brewery to create team-branded craft beers—that single initiative generated over $500,000 in additional annual revenue while strengthening their local identity.
What strikes me about these strategies is how they create synergy—each element reinforcing the others, much like how the WMPBL's various initiatives work together to advance women's basketball. Implementing even two or three of these approaches can dramatically transform your club's trajectory. The common thread through all these strategies is the willingness to think differently, to challenge conventional wisdom in football management. From where I stand, the clubs that embrace this kind of innovative thinking will be the ones lifting trophies in the coming years, regardless of their current status or budget. The beautiful game deserves beautiful management, and these strategies provide exactly that—a roadmap to unlock potential you might not even know your club possesses.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
