As we enter a new year, the MIP Alumni Association reflect on what has been a positive 2023.
With the establishment of a new board and much improved communication, the MIP Alumni Association have worked hard to ensure it represents and serves its members effectively.
We sat down with MIP Alumni Association Board Member, Joao Neves Benedito to look back on an incredible year.
Tell us about the alumni in 2023 and the things that have happened?
The strategic plan pillars for the association (engage, improve, communicate and motivate) guided our actions throughout 2023.
This year our engagement with the alumni community was vibrant and dynamic. We actively facilitated events and initiatives, providing opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange. The establishment of a new MIP Alumni board marked a significant achievement, showcasing the association’s dedication to motivation and progress.
The creation of the new MIP Alumni board has been an exciting and positive development. Meetings with the group have been dynamic, fostering a productive environment that reflects the commitment of each board member to enhance the association’s initiatives.
The diversity of skills and experiences brought by the board members has led to constructive discussions and effective decision-making.
New members joined in 2023, enriching the community with diverse experiences.
What are the major improvements that the MIP Alumni has made in 2023?
We worked to enhance our communication channels through the introduction of refined newsletters and strategic social media strategies. These played a role in fortifying bonds among our alumni members – creating an engaged network.
We made a deliberate effort to spotlight the accomplishments of our members. Through featured success stories and insightful interviews with accomplished individuals, we sought not only to share narratives but also to establish a profound sense of connection within our community.
These stories allow for members to envision new possibilities and opportunities within the dynamic football ecosystem and help to provide our members with pathways to success.
The improvements we made in 2023 embody a commitment to building a community that thrives on shared successes, interconnected opportunities, and a collective journey toward excellence within the football ecosystem.
Why is the MIP Alumni important and how can it impact football?
This board holds the vision that football players are critical for the sustainability of the football ecosystem, possessing unique knowledge and experience that benefits the game.
The MIP Alumni represents a distinctive group of people who have not only excelled on the pitch, but have also undertaken the UEFA MIP programme, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make a significant contribution to football beyond the pitch.
These individuals bring a player’s perspective to football administration and management, ensuring a well-rounded and informed approach to decision-making.
The MIP Alumni works to promote these opportunities within the industry and ensures the alumni are prepared for them.
Our mission is to advance alumni members into the key roles within the football industry.
How important is it for the MIP Alumni to grow its voice in football?
It is paramount for MIP Alumni to elevate its influence within the football landscape. As our voice amplifies, so too does the capacity to mould the future of football, ensuring that decisions are informed by a profound understanding of the game.
The wealth of the expertise within the MIP Alumni holds the potential to transcend global perspectives. We stand, uniquely positioned, to contribute to the progressive evolution of football on both local and international scales.
What goals do you have for MIP Alumni Association?
We aim to offer meaningful assistance and establish ourselves as a cornerstone for our members. We want to focus on the continuous growth of our esteemed alumni, we envision a vibrant network that thrives on shared experiences and mutual support.
Strengthening educational initiatives is at the forefront of our objectives, with the aim of providing a robust foundation for ongoing professional development. We want to empower alumni members at every stage of their career.
Fostering partnerships and collaborations within the industry is another goal for us as we seek to extend the impact and influence of the MIP Alumni in the broader football landscape.
We hope this will create a ripple effect, where the positive contributions of our alumni elevate both the individual and the association as a whole.
In essence, we want to propel the individual careers and the collective influence of MIP Alumni to new heights.
What do you hope for MIP Alumni in 2024, in what is a big year for football?
In 2024, our aspirations are elevated. We aim to expand on opportunities for our esteemed alumni to ascend to leadership roles.
2024 is a year poised to be transformative for football on a global scale, we recognise the significance of key competitions and overarching themes that will shape the narrative of the sport.
Euro 2024, sustainability and social responsibility, innovations in fan engagement, clubs World Cup, and the ongoing Super League debate, alongside potential VAR improvements, are expected to dominate discussions and influence the trajectory of football throughout the year.
We aim to actively engage with these themes, harnessing the collective expertise and insights of our alumni to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse. We aspire to be at the forefront of discussions that will not only define the immediate future of football but also contribute to its sustainable and inclusive growth over the years to come.
As we embrace the challenges and opportunities that 2024 brings, MIP Alumni remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a community of knowledgeable and influential football administrators, ready to make a lasting impact on the beautiful game.
What message would you like to give to members of the alumni?
I want to express my utmost appreciation to every member hailing from the four programmes and extend a special acknowledgment to the UEFA Academy. Their exceptional contributions have played a pivotal role in providing former players with the knowledge needed to seamlessly blend their years of on-field experience. This harmonious fusion of expertise not only enriches our community but is poised to redefine its future significance.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year!
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