The Chris Gill Podcast Head of Football @ Right to Dream (Scouting in Africa) - Mads Davidsen #67
Jan 13, 2025
Mads Davidsen, an experienced football executive and coach, shares his journey as the Group Head of Football at Right to Dream, an impactful academy that started in Ghana. He discusses their innovative scouting methods, talent development strategies, and how they overcome local challenges in West Africa. Mads highlights the academy's expansion into MLS and the importance of aligning play styles across regions. He also delves into the vital role of a sporting director and offers tips for building a career in football.
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Purpose-Driven, Reinvesting Football Model
- Right to Dream combines football training with education to guarantee every student-athlete a long-term pathway.
- The organisation reinvests all player-sale revenue into locations under non-profit ownership to sustain growth.
A Grandmother's Thank You
- While visiting Ghana, a grandmother grabbed Mads's arm and thanked him for Right to Dream's impact on children.
- That moment convinced Mads the organisation's purpose gave deeper meaning than previous wins.
Be Present: Scout The Market Constantly
- Scouts must live the market and run local sweeps to find talent rather than rely on remote tools alone.
- Build benchmarks from long-term local experience to spot top youth prospects early.
