We
breathe
soccer
breathe
soccer
Historic La Liga team Real Betis, commonly known as Betis, was on a recent postseason tour in the U.S. and around the globe as part of an aggressive growth strategy to expand into foreign markets to gain a larger fan base. The tours focus was to give current fans the opportunity to see them play locally, but also to test their futbol prowess against international clubs from around the world.
It was upon learning that the team would be stopping off as part of their travels in the nation’s capital to take on Wayne Rooney and D.C. United for an exhibition match that Toni Ortega, the International Business Manager for Real Betis and (long time ISL friend) Marc Barta, reached out to our Events Team to put together an itinerary for the players during their brief stay in Washington.
ISL Relationship Director, Pere Segara, arranged full access activities for the club. For many of the Betis players this was their first time to the Washington, D.C., let alone traveling to the United States, so what better way to experience America than taking in the countries traditional past time, baseball. Betis took in a Washington Nationals game to cap off a memorable trip for the club, players, and Betis fans.
Typically, it’s difficult for American soccer fans to connect with international soccer stars in intimate, grassroots settings. Players are often either competing for their European clubs or their international teams, meaning the closest they get are through a TV screen. However, the summer brings a welcome opportunity for players and American soccer communities to connect while players are on their vacations and staying in shape outside of the public eye.
Recently, ISL were able to help some of the biggest names in soccer connect with the Los Angeles soccer community. Romelu Lukaku, on vacation after recently wrapping up the UEFA Nations Cup, traveled to California and connected with ISL to put on grassroots opportunities over 2 days of soccer and community.
The Belgian and current Manchester United forward took time out of his vacation to put on pickup matches open to the LA soccer community in tandem with ISL. Lukaku’s management team, and ISL connected the LA community with Lukaku and his fellow professional soccer playing friends like Ben Arfa, and Jerome Boateng.
Over 2 days, Director of Talent Relationships for ISL Pere Segarra, helped the stars with private facilities to train and keep sharp as well as play grassroots pickup games with the L.A. Community. For the local L.A. players it was a truly once in a lifetime opportunity to play alongside some of the biggest stars of soccer in an intimate setting. It was a great couple of days for everyone involved, and ISL continued to strengthen it’s connection with the biggest names in the world of soccer. We wish the best of luck to new friend, Romelu Lukaku, on his upcoming season.
ISL’s clients, Jonathan and Giovanni Dos Santos, wanted to create a global brand that would represent themselves as soccer players, community leaders, and business men.
Through a unique relationship, ISL were entrusted by the Dos Santos brothers to develop a comprehensive brand strategy for them which could be used as a versatile, timeless, and limitless image of the brothers to be used now and after their playing careers are over.
Jonathan and Giovanni Dos Santos are two of the most recognizable and popular Mexican National team players. Both of their careers include time spent at some of the largest soccer clubs in the world including FC Barcelona, Villarreal, Tottenham Hotspur, and LA Galaxy. As well as illustrious club careers, both Jonathan and Giovanni Dos Santos have featured in the the FIFA World Cup for the Mexican National Team.
The two brothers now are key players for the LA Galaxy of the MLS. Both players are strong, marketable assets for the Los Angeles Galaxy. The city is one of the strongest soccer markets and one of the most heavily populated Hispanic-American markets in the United States.
Jonathan and Giovanni wanted to create a marketable brand encompassing the Dos Santos values and image. The brand needed to be relatable for both a Mexican and Hispanic-American market, as well as youth and adults. In order for execution of this goal, the brothers needed some one to develop, market, and manage the roll out of the brand.
When the clients came to ISL, they didn’t have a name or image in mind; just this intention of developing a lasting, versatile, and timeless brand. It fell on ISL to turn the dream into a reality.
Our clients, including the legendary Spanish soccer player Xavi Hernández, wanted to create a product to help the next generation of players improve their ball control and passing technique.
ISL provided comprehensive product and brand development expertise, creating a sound business model and strengthening the brand of Xavi the athlete.
Xavi Hernandez is one of the worlds greatest players of his generation. His career is studded with silverware, including 8 domestic league wins and 4 Champions League wins with Barcelona FC, and one World Cup title and two European Cup titles with the Spanish National team.
He is internationally renowned as one of the greatest central midfielders and playmakers in the history of the game.
Together with a group of Spanish investors, Xavi wanted to create a revolutionary training device to develop the soccer skills of young players.
Xavi wanted to use this product to leave a legacy behind to future generations that focused on the skills that he was most famous for. Voted best playmaker four times throughout his career, those were his incredible abilities to control and pass the ball.
When the client came to ISL, they didn’t have a name or a product in mind; just this intention. It fell on ISL’s shoulders to turn that dream into a reality.
Thiago Alcantara and his partnered charity, Zikkomo, were seeking the opportunity to put together a special benefit event with the ultimate goal of raising donations for underserved students in Malawi. In order to achieve their vision, ISL Foundation were trusted to develop, plan, organize, and execute their vision.
Thiago Alcantara is one of the worlds biggest soccer stars. The Spanish National team player has played at some of the worlds biggest clubs like FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Thiago, with his wife, is passionate about giving back to those less fortunate.
Thiago Alcantara’s partner charity, Zikkomo, is a non-profit charitable organization with the aim of improving and financing the education of children in Malawi and Catalonia. Zikkomo believe that quality education is the building block to the strength of a nation, and helping children achieve their education will help improve their country.
Thiago Alcantara and Zikkomo had a vision to put together a special soccer event that would raise funds for children’s education in Malawi. The clients knew they wanted to put on a special event, but were unsure what kind of soccer event to put on. They knew an organization experienced in event management, among other capabilities, was needed to execute their vision.
Utilizing the services of ISL and ISL Foundation, Thiago Alcantara and Zikkomo achieved their goal of hosting a soccer event which would raise funds for education funding in Malawi, successfully raising over $20,000.
