The Sports Career Podcast

From Jordan International to Football Coach: Shahnaz Jebreen Journey After 17 Years as a Player This week's podcast guest is Shahnaz Jebreen, known as Shari, a former professional footballer who represented Jordan 133 times and played for 17 years. After moving from Jordan's Orthodox Club to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, she transitioned from playing into coaching. She now leads an under-15 team, having helped guide the team to a Saudi girls' under-15 tournament win. In this conversation, Shari reflects on her journey from being scouted at school in Jordan to representing her country, and on finding a new purpose in coaching. She shares how discipline, patience, empathy, and a focus on helping young players understand the game have shaped her approach. During the podcast, we discuss: From school football to the Jordan national team – How Shari was discovered in five-a-side competitions and supported by her family as she began playing for a club A 17-year playing career – What it meant to earn 133 caps for Jordan and the discipline that helped her stay committed Learning to read the game – Why football development goes beyond fitness and technique to include awareness, finding space, and understanding the "why" Leadership through empathy – Lessons Shari learned from coach Kelly Lindsay about communication, managing emotions, and staying true to herself Preparing for what comes next – How working as a PE teacher, gym instructor, and physical coach helped Shari think beyond her playing career Taking the step into coaching – How mentors and early assistant-coaching experience helped her move into a head-coach role Coaching young players with patience – Why development can be uneven, and how coaches can encourage players to enjoy the game and keep improving Talent, hard work, and a safe environment – Shari's perspective on effort, building player confidence, and using small gestures to create connection—and much more! How To Connect With Shahi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shahnaz_jebreen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahnaz-jebreen-0184ab17b/

Building a Women's Football Programme: The Life of a General Manager at Al-Ittihad This week's podcast guest is Abdulaziz Al-Gosaibi, known as Aziz, General Manager of the Al-Ittihad Women's First Team. His football journey began nearly a decade ago, when he joined Jeddah Eagles as an assistant coach. Since then, he has helped develop Al-Ittihad's women's programme, including its first team and academy, through a period of rapid growth in Saudi women's football. In this conversation, Aziz discusses the realities of building a women's football programme, the lessons he learned from early mentors, and how trust, adaptability, and a shared sense of purpose help a team grow. During the podcast, we discuss: From industrial engineering to football management – How Aziz's education shaped his approach to processes, time management, and improving the player experience The early days of women's football in Saudi Arabia – His experience coaching Jeddah Eagles and witnessing the game's development The details behind a team's preparation – How planning travel, facilities, and match information helps players feel prepared and focused Learning through mistakes and adapting – Why there is no single playbook for football management, and how experience builds good judgment A service-minded approach to leadership – How listening to players and staff helps create an environment where they can thrive Ubuntu and growing together – How a collective mindset can strengthen a team on and off the pitch Sustaining a career in sport – Why patience, belief in the women's game, and finding a healthy work-life balance matter for the long run and much more! How To Connect With Aziz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/algosaibi_aziz/ Al-Ittihad Women's Team on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ittihadladiesclub/ Al-Ittihad Women's Team on X: https://x.com/ittiladiesclub

How to Tell Stories That Inspire: The Power of Storytelling in Women's Football with Firdose Moonda This week's podcast guest is Firdose Moonda, an acclaimed journalist, author, broadcaster, and long-form sports writer specializing in women's football and cricket. She's the co-author of 185: The Janine van Wyk Story, a groundbreaking narrative that explores South Africa's highest-capped footballer and one of Africa's greatest pioneers.  Through her work in journalism, broadcasting, and research in yoga, embodiment, and cultural practice, Firdose brings a unique lens to storytelling in sport. In this conversation, Firdose shares why storytelling is essential for inspiring the next generation of girls in women's football, how she brought Janine van Wyk's legacy to life, and what it truly takes to capture the human story behind the sport. During the podcast, we discuss: Why storytelling is a tool to support society – How sharing authentic narratives builds culture and creates belonging in women's football Starting a career as a sports writer and cultural commentator – Firdose's journey from journalist to author, and how sport intersects with embodiment and identity The power of capturing the untold story – What lies behind 185 caps, and why the human moments matter as much as the achievements How sport can develop the next generation – Why girls need to see themselves in the stories of pioneers like Janine van Wyk Long-form storytelling in women's football – The craft of bringing legacy to life through narrative 3 tips for aspiring sports writers – Firdose's guidance for anyone wanting to tell powerful stories in sport The intersection of embodiment, culture, and sport – How deeper narratives create lasting impact Building legacy through storytelling – Why Janine's story inspires, and what happens when great careers are finally told Connect with Firdose Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firdosemoonda/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/firdose-moonda-9b6497172/ Website: https://firdosemoonda.com/ Grab A Copy of 185: The Janine van Wyk Story Here: Link: Get Your Copy!

How to Develop Self-Discipline in Football: 20 Years at the Top with Onome Ebi This week's podcast guest is Onome Ebi, a true legend of African women's football. She's the most-capped player in Super Falcons history with over 100 international caps, a six-time FIFA Women's World Cup participant (the only African player—male or female—to achieve this), and a four-time AWCON (Africa Women's Cup of Nations) champion. She's also a former Super Falcons captain, Nigeria Women's Footballer of the Year, and recent graduate of the FIFA Player Executive Programme. In this conversation, we explore why self-discipline is a skill you can build, how writing goals down shaped her two-decade career, what it truly takes to lead a team, and how she found new purpose after retiring with gratitude, purpose, and love for African football. During the podcast, we discuss: Discipline is a daily standard, not an on-off habit – Turning professional made discipline non-negotiable in every area of life Write your goals down, even before you know what they mean – Her diary entries (play for the national team, play abroad, become the best) became self-fulfilling prophecies Adaptability is a superpower – Moving from centre forward to utility defender showed her the power of flexibility Do the extra to stay in the team – Her "5% + 3-4% more" rule kept her competing at the top for two decades Lead before the armband – Emotional intelligence and creating safe environments for teammates shaped her leadership long before becoming captain Culture and legacy make a team – The Super Falcons' singing, her iconic number 5 shirt, and the handover of her legacy to Ashleigh Plumptre OON Retirement is an identity shift – Finding purpose again after facing online abuse and a brush with depression through the FIFA programme and coaching education A vision for African women's football – Her five-year goal for players across Africa to have a safe, supportive environment to play, speak freely and much more! Coonect with Ebi Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onosky5/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onosky58 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebi-onome-4245b8368/ Podcast's Mentioned: 440: Rasheedat Ajibade OON - What does it take to be a Female Professional Footballer in Nigeria? 434: Ashleigh Plumptre OON - How can Trust, Leadership & Resilience Develop Success Teams in Football & Business?  

This week's podcast is a solo episode from Ed Bowers, the host of The Sports Career Podcast. You will learn: Authentic Networking in the Sports Industry Nurturing Professional Relationships in the Sports Industry Introverted vs. Extroverted: How to Play to Your Strengths When Networking Job Shadowing as the First Step Into Athlete Youth Development Case Study: Ed's Current Trip to Saudi Arabia and What It's Teaching Him About the Women's Game Resourses: 370: How To Maintain Meaningful Relationships In The Sports Industry? Let's Connect! Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edbowers101/ Follow Ed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edbowers101/