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We’re living in unusual times that require actions that are going to make a difference, and ISL recognize that we can aid in the efforts. In partnership with Innjoo, ISL will be working to distribute Innjoo’s healthcare products to the sports industry and other businesses within the United States of America.
ISL will use it’s network within different American institutions to help prepare leagues, federations, sports commissions, and governments with Innjoo’s healthcare equipment, ensuring people have access to safe, reliable and certified products when sports and life return to normal.
With the current climate of COVID-19, we have all come to truly value the power of sports and the way it brings people together. We all miss cheering on our favorite teams and players with thousands of other spectators and staff. Someday soon players, fans and staff will be able to return to sporting events, enjoying the pastimes that have built relationships and connected communities to one another. When we are able to return, things may look a bit different than before with social distancing protocols becoming a fabric of our society for some time. The protocols will require products that keep us all safe while enjoying our favorite sporting events and quotidian moments. Face masks, protective gloves, thermometers and hand sanitizer will become a part of our “new normal”.
ISL hope we can all work together in order to prepare ourselves for when life goes back to normal. If you believe you can aid in ISL’s efforts to supply healthcare products and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Sporting, Healthcare or any other organization in need, please contact us below.
Innjoo are a global technology and healthcare products provider who have been invested in the sports industry for some time, exemplified in their jersey sponsorship of RCD Espanyol. They are also the official healthcare provider of the Spanish government, and have been on the front lines combating the COVID-19 crisis and keeping healthcare workers safe. The variety of product Innjoo offers varies from different facial masks (Surgical, KN95, 3M), gloves, Rapid COVID-19 test and other Personal Protective Equipment. All of Innjoo’s products are FDA Approved, and meet all of the legal requirements for use in the American Market. Innjoo can supply large product quantities in less than a week as they are manufacturers of these products and have their own fleet of cargo planes.
Innjoo and ISL are looking forward to providing solutions to our communities that will help us all return to a life we all miss.
Learn more about Innjoo here www.innjoo.com
It’s been a little over four weeks now since what seemed like just another news story playing in the background from a different part of the world, has now made its way to every corner on earth. Global events of this magnitude seem like something we’ve read about in history books or even seen in blockbuster science-fiction movies, but to actually live it out in real life is nothing short of surreal. It truly gives us a better perspective that we are all a part of something bigger now than just our own myopic worldview we typically live in.
Temporarily we are all on hold. Activities have been suspended and scheduled events have been pushed back to dates that are still to be determined. For the most part everyone is complying with the universal stay at home orders, in helping the greater good. Neighbors are once again being neighborly and doing their part to combat the spread of COVID-19. That said, the earth is still rotating on its axis, and life continues on.
None of us know when we will be able to return back to “business as usual,” but it is certain that we will not be starting over from scratch, but rather adapting to new topography. This is a seemingly daunting thought to wrap your mind around no matter the industry you find yourself in, but just like our ancestors, we adjust and fight on.
ISL’s primary focus is sports, which when cancelled around the globe made the whole coronavirus pandemic very real, not just for us, but for every walk of life as we are all vested in it one way or another. Be it cooler talk at the office amongst peers or simply a way to bond with loved ones, sports and sporting events are unifying.
“No one in our lifetime has ever experienced extraordinary events like this. We are all learning how to move forward by trial and error in each of our respective businesses.” – Alex Isern (CEO of ISL) “Start where you are and with people you have on your team. Be bold enough to take risks, even now, but more importantly if those efforts fall short, get up, dust yourself off and try again.”
So, what does this mean specifically for sports marketing? Two of the most affected continents in this global crisis are Europe and America, where ISL holds 100% of its operations. The postponement of most soccer leagues and federations worldwide, coupled with our vast Travel, Talent and Tour and Friendlies Management arm, has put our families, clients, and partners on the bench.
For all, this disruption means rethinking how to manage upcoming scheduled activities, messaging for marketing campaigns and the events associated with them, and of course, how this will affect everyone financially. Some companies are in reactive mode, while others are in survival mode, but either way you look at it we are all in an adaptive mode, trying to get a better grasp of when things will resume back to normal. It’s during this time however that companies, like ISL, dig in and pivot.
This means recognizing what is going on currently, adjusting strategies and looking down the road. We are not naive to the gravity of this crisis. We know that this current situation is monumental, but the ISL team remains steadfast and positive. Our outlook is laser focused on continuing to change the global soccer landscape and more than ever we are committed to our players, our clients and our partners in delivering unparalleled experiences and solutions. We take pride in what we do and in servicing our customers, because at the core of everything we are is ultimately you.
“We are one in this! From our early beginnings, ISL have always been there for its team, families and clients. In these uncertain times, we need you more than ever to sustain all that we have built together.” – Marc Segarra (Co-Founder of ISL) adding, “These are unprecedented times, so please stay home and be patient. Take this time to spend with family and loved ones. Sooner than later we will get the (soccer) ball rolling again, together.”
So for now, home field advantage is global and the rules are universal. Although we may be rooted separately, our paths will ascend together. We are one team. Will you wear the home shirt?
Same team. Same goal.
In the past little had been known about this fast growing sport, or as some have referenced it as the little brother of soccer, but futsal is the only form of indoor soccer endorsed by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). It earned the status of FIFA’s official form of indoor soccer in the 1980s as it was recognized as a scaled down version of outdoor soccer played indoors. It is a 5 v 5 small-sided game played on a hard surfaced, basketball sized court with a smaller, heavier low bounce ball. Great soccer superstars such as Pele, Zico, Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka and Katia grew up playing the game and credit futsal with developing their skills.
The mission of our indoor program is simple, develop top tier players and people through the uniqueness of this sport, all the while providing a comfortable platform for all to learn and advance on and away from the court. The philosophy is unconventional in that the overall approach is holistic and centers on the encouragement of individual creativity and player intelligence. In itself, futsal is a very distinctive game, and often takes players out of their comfort zones in order to stretch their skills to reach their next level. The goal in these circumstances is to help ensure players are constantly striving for loftier goals and succeeding.
Since forming, Futsala has experienced a string of rapid successes for both players and coaches. It has even gained national and international attention for top level play on the court. Recently our ‘03 Team were crowned the National Champions In addition, there has been recognition at National ID’s, with six of our players getting invited to participate with the US National Youth Team.
Programs vary, depending on interest and individual development within the game, but can be specialized to fit specific needs of the player. There are 2 core categories that are open to players, with a week long summer camp option for all skill levels looking to continue to refine their techniques or simply check out the sport for the first time.
Trips that were once just a short drive from home to the courts are now around the country and abroad to compete against the best the nation and world have to offer. It is a far departure from its humble beginnings, but a journey that is just beginning and with a big, bright future ahead.
As a sports marketing agency, our portfolio is diverse and consists of an array of projects, clients and partnerships here in America and around the globe. A lot of our work revolves around youth soccer and futsal for both boys and girls, but in addition, we recently launched a brand new offering with professional clubs throughout Europe looking to break into the U.S. market, spearheaded by Bruno Diaz, Director of Sponsorships.
Bruno joined the ISL family midway through the fourth quarter of 2019. His background and reputation for being an executive liaison between corporations and professional soccer teams is well known in Spain, France, Portugal and the U.K. His ability to marry corporate sponsorships with the right clubs is well documented and continues to reach new heights.
As we continue to expand opportunities for athletes to compete in high levels of competition domestically and abroad, we have found that there are ways to for corporations to be a part of these future stars journeys and helping each fulfill their dreams of taking it to the next level.
Here are just some of the reasons why businesses should be involved in athletic sponsorship:
The reasons are countless to sponsor a team, an academy, a tournament or a pro team, but in the end it comes down to philosophical alignment and vision of how these partnerships can be mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
To learn more about how you can be a corporate sponsor and what tiered packages are available across ISL programming, please contact Bruno Diaz at ISL Agency.
During our 6 year history as a company, we’ve continually built strong relationships throughout the soccer community, including with professional players.
Tandhem is the culmination of years of hard work navigating the sports business landscape, and valuing the relationships we’ve built. Tandhem is a global player management agency which offers a 360 degree management service to help athletes reach the levels in their career they deserve. Tandhem is built on 4 primary services; representation, intermediation, marketing, and legal/financial support.
We have been working with professional players for years in developing bespoke events relevant to player brands and aided in driving their marketability. But now we are lucky enough to take it to the next level with a full offering of professional services for players.
Tandhem’s roster of players will feature a mix of current professional players and young talented players with a big future in the game. The professional roster includes players plying their trade in the MLS, Serie A, Liga MX and several other top leagues which features Mexican International and LA Galaxy star, Jonathan Dos Santos. The young talented players are currently learning their craft at top Academies like FC Barcelona, RCD Espanyol, UE Cornella and Girona FC.
Key to building a player management agency is providing the transparency to our clients and partners which can often be neglected in the industry. This is of vital importance, and in order to do this we will be applying the same values which ISL pride itself upon to the management of Tandhem. We want our clients and their families to feel they can approach us with anything and know our team will take on every day with the intention of providing a complete, professional and transparent service which gives the priority of our interests to the athlete.
Perhaps the most interesting attribute to Tandhem is its link between European soccer and the the Americas. Over the years ISL have built a proven track record of linking European soccer cultures, most notably Spanish, to the American market. That union of cultures is a positioning that sets Tandhem apart from others in the market, and will be a unique selling proposition through the years.
Alex Isern, ISL CEO, said of Tandhem, “With Tandhem we make a big step as a global sports management company. After launching a few months ago with our new tours & Friendlies division, we now get into the representation industry. We understand the challenge and that’s why we put a team of experts, from inside and outside the company, leading this project. Or goal is to leverage our positioning in the United States and bring great players to a market that is continuously growing, especially with the new MLS franchises and the 2026 World Cup.”
Tandhem’s home base will be stationed in Barcelona, Spain, but will have representation in 3 other strategic cities. Los Angeles, Miami, and Madrid will be the key placeholders for Tandhems global business.
We are extremely excited to the opportunities Tandhem have already and will continue to create. Tandhem will only be as successful as its team and partners, like Borja Garcia, who is an expert in the space and has partnered with Tandhem. With 7 years experience in the global player management business, he has been managing the career of top players like Enzo Perez, Gustavo Cabral, Elieas Pereira as well as recently sealing the deal of Christian Espinoza for San Jose Earthquakes.
For many the Christmas season is a time to take a break from the busyness of the year and relax with family and loved ones. For others, it’s the chance to experience a once in a lifetime trip to Barcelona with their extended futsal family, all the while taking in rich Spanish culture and showcasing their indoor prowess by playing against the highest level of international competition.
If you didn’t know already, futsal is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing youth sports in America, for boys and girls, and beyond that the U.S. is producing some of the best talent in the world.
As a global sports marketing company, with a heavy focus on soccer, we pride ourselves in being involved in this alternative to the beautiful game, additionally running two successful futsal academies in Austin, TX and Charlotte, NC as part of our portfolio, spearheaded by ISL Director, Adam Brundle.
In the world of Futsal ISL has quickly aligned itself with the game’s heavy hitters, including the USYF and Keith Tozer – the Commissioner of the Professional Futsal League. It was through this relationship that the idea of putting on a trip together for a sizable group of boys and girls in conjunction with USYF to Barcelona was birthed. This is no easy feat, but the task of seasoned professionals like our Travel Management and Experience Team, headed up by Achille Obougou.
From the planning stages to the execution, it all came and went in the blink of an eye. Over the course of 10 days, 250 plus players and family members made the inaugural USYF/ISL joint international trip from different parts of the U.S. to the Catalonian city of Barcelona. Aside from being a highly immersive training and competitive playing trip, where the USYF played the likes of the Catalan National team, players and guests had the chance to take in the historical sights, take an all access tour of Camp Nou, dine at the many wonderful eateries around the city, but best of all they all had the great fortune of being able to participate in a FC Barcelona Futsal – First Team practice, as well as the chance to meet their heroes and grab pictures with them.
“From the time we landed in Barcelona until the time we headed back to the States, the ISL team had seamlessly organized and executed a non-stop, fun and action packed itinerary for the players and family members.” – Keith Tozer. He added, “We are very excited about the partnership the USYF have with ISL, and look forward to many trips together in the near future.”
What better way to feel the Holiday Spirit than to give back to our communities, and help those in need. This was the vision when putting together the ISL Foundation Holiday Kickoff Charity Food Drive. ISL Foundation exists to improve our communities through the power of sport, and during the holidays this is even more important.
In total, the Academies and Experience Trips collected and donated over 1,000 pounds of goods to local charitable organizations. We’d like to thank all players, coaches, directors and families for helping ISL Foundation improving our communities through sport. Lastly, we thank the Salvation Army, Loaves and Fishes, the Greater Chicago Food Depository and every organization for their help and all that they do not just during the Holidays, but all year.
Over the past year ISL have worked with BK2 in order to aid young soccer players in their journey to play at the next level. While some players have the rare gift of beginning a professional career at a young age, many others find the option to play collegiately as the best fit for them. Playing collegiate not only allows a young player to keep chasing their dream of playing professionally, but provides a valuable education if a professional playing career doesn’t materialize. Not to mention, the academic and athletic scholarship options that come with playing college soccer go a long way.
BK2 are a college counseling organization who work to support young students in the process of American University recruitment, offering services that will position its students in the best possible scenario. The education of applicants and their professional development are the basis of all their efforts. BK2 helps athletes find the best athletic and academic scholarships available to them, and make the process understandable for families who may not be familiar with the American recruitment system.
We look forward to many more years working with BK2 in achieving academic and athletic success for young players around the world!
ISL continues to exceed expectations and clear loftier benchmarks each time a trip is planned and executed. Our ultimate goal for our clients is to give them the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime, and this past week was no exception as our Travel Management Team wrapped up another successful international trip, only this time they were in two separate countries at once. The scale of an undertaking like this can not be understated as ISL Travel Management once again set higher expectations.
That said, over the course of 10 days close to 1,000 players and their family members made the trip from different parts of the U.S. to one of two destinations, Barcelona and Manchester, for a whirlwind of a trip. ISL’s strong partnerships with Manchester City FC and FC Barcelona, it provided opportunities unmatched to anywhere else in the world. Players were treated to training at world class facilities in preparation for tackling top European academies while representing Team ISL, and lastly taking in cultural activities, sightseeing and enjoying local fair.
As soon as it all started, it was quickly over, but not before new friendships were formed over a common passion for the beautiful game, making this trip that much more memorable for all involved.
We love what we do in making an impact on the lives of our clients and we look forward to the next trip coming up soon. See how you too can experience the ISL difference and have the soccer trip of a lifetime with your loved ones.
