Off the Pitch Podcast By Matt Cunningham and David Kinnear cover art

Off the Pitch

Off the Pitch

By: Matt Cunningham and David Kinnear
Listen for free

About this listen

A podcast where we chat with individuals working within and shaping the game of soccer from Off the Pitch.

© 2025 Off the Pitch
Economics Soccer
Episodes
  • Storytelling Mastery in American Soccer: Brendan Hannan | Ep. 27
    May 28 2025

    In this episode we are joined by Brendan Hannan, the managing partner of media production company Skylark, a former MLS executive and sports entrepreneur. In this episode, Brendan shared with us his unique path to end up in sports, which led to a career working on some of the most exciting projects in American Soccer.

    Brendan recounted his career step-by-step, detailing some PR stunts that were pulled, and revealing details about some of the marketing campaigns behind MLS’ biggest signings. Couple that with the logistics of navigating a growing digital landscape and Brendan shows exactly why he was at the fore-front of his field.

    Brendan spoke to the importance of marketing to the business of sports organizations, as well as how important it is that they are working cross-functionally with the entire office to ensure consistent and cohesive messaging across the organization. He also highlights how necessary it is to have good team members behind these major projects.

    Brendan’s journey to and time within the league are nothing short of inspiring. Check out this episode to hear behind the scenes of marketing growth within American Soccer.

    Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else.

    #OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast

    ----------------------------------------------------

    Subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

    Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/

    Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
    http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

    Follow Brendan Hannan on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-hannan-0825258/

    Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/

    Follow David Kinnear on social:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkinnear/

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Life Lessons from Liverpool's Former CEO: Peter Moore | Ep. 26
    Mar 13 2025

    In this episode, we are joined by none other than Peter Moore, a legend in both the gaming and sports worlds, who has embarked on his latest venture of founding Santa Barbara Sky FC. In this episode, Peter recounted his dynamic career trajectory, starting from his influential roles at Sega and Microsoft, through his transformative tenure at Liverpool FC, to laying the groundwork for his own USL Championship team.

    Peter shared insights from his days driving the Xbox 360 to success and reviving Liverpool FC’s global brand and on-field success, emphasizing the leadership principles and strategic thinking that have guided his career. He reflected on the lessons learned in the high-stakes environments of gaming and European football, and how these experiences prepared him for his current challenge.

    Peter dove into the reasons behind choosing Santa Barbara as a base to create a new club from scratch, the community-focused vision he has for the club, and the steps he’s taken so far to turn a blank slate into a promising soccer franchise. Peter discussed the excitement and hurdles of building a team from the ground up, from crafting the club’s identity and culture to engaging with fans and the broader soccer community.

    Peter’s journey is a testament to his ability to shift gears and dive into new challenges with enthusiasm and strategic foresight. Tune in to this episode to discover how a veteran of digital entertainment and sports management is now looking to help shape the future of American soccer with his latest venture.

    Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else.

    #OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast

    ----------------------------------------------------

    Subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

    Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/

    Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
    http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

    Follow Peter Moore on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-moore-36827b233/

    Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/

    Follow David Kinnear on social:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkinnear/

    Show more Show less
    57 mins
  • From Courtrooms to Soccer Pitches with Atlanta United's SVP of Strategy: Dimitrios Efstathiou | Ep. 25
    Mar 6 2025

    Grab a pair of headphones and join us for a chat with Dimitrios Efstathiou, Senior Vice President of Strategy at Atlanta United FC. Dimitrios, a seasoned strategist in the world of Major League Soccer, took us through his unique journey from legal courtrooms to the soccer pitches of the US and beyond, shedding light on the intersections of law and sport through his own experiences.

    Dimitrios recounted his transition from working as an Investigative Analyst at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to diving into the sports industry, revealing what it was like to switch from a strictly legal career to one deeply embedded in the dynamic world of soccer. He shared the challenges and surprises that came with moving into his role at Atlanta United FC, especially as he shifted from focusing on soccer operations to a broader strategic outlook.

    Ever wondered how a legal mind tackles sports strategy? Dimitrios broke it down for us, offering stories from the frontline that illustrate how legal thinking can significantly enhance sports management and operations. He highlighted some groundbreaking projects he's championed that have not only spurred Atlanta United's growth but also pioneered new ways to engage fans and succeed as a club on and off the pitch.

    Dimitrios also gave us a glimpse into his vision for the future, discussing the trends that excite him most and his predictions for the evolution of soccer in America over the coming years.

    This episode is full of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and forward-looking thoughts that make Dimitrios' story a compelling narrative of strategic mastery in the world of professional soccer.


    Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else.

    #OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast

    ----------------------------------------------------

    Subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

    Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/

    Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
    http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

    Follow Dimitrios Efstathiou on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitriosefstathiou/

    Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/

    Follow David Kinnear on social:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkinnear/

    Show more Show less
    1 hr
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro805_stickypopup
No reviews yet