Created nine years ago, Sports Business Consulting is unique in the European landscape. The EDHEC association is soon closing applications for the Sports Business Challenge, a major flagship event which punctuates a very busy year. Its president, Charles Everling, tells us more.
Can you tell us more about your association, Sports Business Consulting?
It is the first junior agency specializing in sport in Europe. We carry out missions for players in the world of sport: clubs, federations, organizations, etc. We are organized around five areas of expertise: study, communication, graphic design, events and commercial prospecting. We are a fairly young association with 50 students.
We have a local impact. We have carried out missions for the Roubaix town hall and the Roubaix tennis club. Last year we organized a charity Thai boxing gala with a boxing club from Tourcoing. Our work also has a national scope. We carried out a mission to canvass sponsors for the French snowboard team.
The organization of these missions is done with our flagship event in mind, the Sports Business Challenge, which aims to bring students closer to sport business.
Can you give us more details about the Sports Business Challenge?
It is an inter-student innovation competition around sport. Every year, we invite them to set up a project around an issue linked to sport. This year, the subject is: “How to make the sport of tomorrow more sustainable?” » It takes place in three phases:
- Sports Business Tour. It is a communication campaign usually carried out in physics. We go to engineering and business schools and universities in France to pitch our challenge to students and make them want to set up a project.
- The semi-finals. We support students throughout the construction of their project. The 15 best are asked to pitch in front of members of Sopra Steria.
- The finale. The 7 best candidates will pitch their project in front of a jury of experts. This event takes place on the premises of the French Football Federation (FFF), our partner for 2 years. The final is also an opportunity to organize meetings between students and sports business, an attractive but sometimes closed environment. A networking cocktail is offered to participants who meet companies and startups from the world of sport.
How do you support students who participate in the Sports Business Challenge?
Sports Business Consulting remains at their disposal throughout the creation of the project, answering their questions. During the semi-finals, members of the consulting firm Sopra Steria will provide feedback to the candidates. The jury for the grand final also guides the participants in their projects. A business forum is also present and students can contact directly with sports stakeholders to obtain personalized support.
What do the big winners win?
They win prizes from Sports Business Consulting and the FFF. Beyond material rewards, they gain privileged access with companies and personalities from the world of sport.
What is the 2021 schedule for the Sports Business Challenge?
Registrations will close on February 7. The semi-finals will take place on March 11 and 18 at the Sopra Steria premises in Paris. The grand final will take place at the FFF premises on April 17, in Paris.
How did Sports Business Consulting adapt to the particular situation?
We held a 100% online Sports Business Tour. We communicated school promotions directly on the walls by contacting the BDS and BDE. This allowed us to expand the number of schools reached. There were fewer physical and financial constraints.
We also organized a digital round table. It was the first edition. The goal was to reach a large number of students. Three speakers were able to discuss the issues of CSR in sport. This allowed students to get an idea of the theme and start developing their innovative ideas and projects.
The final is maintained in physics for the moment, but we have considered several scenarios. We do not rule out a digital format, like last year, if the situation does not allow us to organize a face-to-face event.
How do you integrate Sports Business Consulting?
The recruitment processes are classic. In September, we carry out two maintenance phases. The first concerns the candidate’s motivation and their knowledge of the association. The second revolves around a role-play, within the association, based on the areas targeted by the student.
Why should you join your association?
Sports Business Consulting is an excellent way to get a first foothold in sports business. This association is not only intended for sports fans, but above all it is a group of friends, a big family.
To submit your application, go to the Sports Business Consulting website!
