How a Financial Services Manager Became CEO of a Football Consultancy Firm, VP of Sporting Division and Managing Partner
“The FBA isn’t just for those starting out, it’s for anyone ready to make a meaningful pivot or entry into the football industry. Being part of The FBA isn’t just a one-year global football experience, but rather a family you can turn to throughout your career.”
Michael Morozuk is a true example of how entering and navigating the football industry is entirely possible, even after 20+ years in another industry. He spent most of his professional career as an Account Manager for different financial service companies in the Greater New York and Connecticut area in the United States. He managed a portfolio of high-value clients, delivering tailored financial solutions to drive customer satisfaction and retention, identifying growth opportunities, optimizing account performance and helping clients increase profitability. While he found it rewarding and challenging, he kept thinking back to his love for football, which he played in college and has had a passion for his whole life.
“I needed something to bring structure and global perspective to my football business knowledge. I came across The FBA during an online search and immediately felt it was built for professionals like me—those with a passion for the game and a drive to create real, sustainable impact.” – Michael Morozuk
Michael graduated with a Professional Master Degree in Football Business from The Football Business Academy and took the Football Industry by storm, proving that with the right tools and hard work, it is entirely possible to make an industry switch, no matter where you are in life. Describing The FBA in one sentence he says, “It’s a launchpad for football leaders who want to do more than just work in the game—they want to shape it.” He is doing just that, now CEO of an FBA Partner and Alumni led Consultancy Firm at Globall Connections, VP of the Sporting Division for Swan Paytech, and Managing Partner for an up-and-coming USL club, Michael is making a real difference in football.
How The FBA Empowered a Confident Transition into Football Business
While researching programs, what stood out the most was the practical, global approach to Football Business Education. He says, “It wasn’t just about theory—it was about relationships, hands-on learning, and career development. I saw a unique chance to transition my corporate background into the football world with credibility and confidence.” The program offered a 360-degree view of the football ecosystem. He left with a deeper understanding of the commercial, operational, CSR and governance aspects of the sport and their intersect. The dots between passion and performance and global framework with local implementation were connected.
With its 4 Module structure, Michael felt this was truly ideal. The first 6 months of online classes allowed flexibility while navigating a transition into a new industry. Classes went deep into core areas, such as sponsorship, law, finance, operation, and more, which helped build a comprehensive understanding of the industry. In Lisbon, while completing the Student Business Project, Michael was given the chance to work with an FBA partner, CONMEBOL. For him, nothing was better than getting to work on a real project that would be implemented at such a large organization, and it gave him an added pressure and realism that he craved.
“Outstanding.” This is how Michael described The Professors at The FBA. As active professionals, many are owners of professional clubs, sporting lawyers, agency heads, leaders in some of the biggest organizations globally, provided behind the scenes access, and learning was grounded in real-time relevance. To him, they aren’t just lecturers, they are door openers and mentors.
Additionally, The FBA staff made a world of a difference and truly are like family. When asked to describe them he said, “It’s global in the sense of “breaking down boarders”, supportive, inclusive, and always just one message away. They are the family I have chosen.” During the program, they coordinated the Internship placements, offered coaching and career development, and were always there for constant support and sounding board. To this day the support is still there, he is able to talk with staff on a regular basis and will meet up at worldwide events to support each other to succeed in the football industry. Like The FBA’s motto, Michael and The FBA are building the future of football together.
Turning Knowledge into Impact
After Michael graduated, he landed a job as COO of USL2 Club and Academy and then quickly took on the role of Sporting Director at an MLS Academy. His biggest challenge was balancing idealism with reality. “You want to change the football world, but budgets, timelines, organization, fear of change and politics are real. The FBA taught me how to navigate those waters with professionalism and vision.” He gained skills that allowed him to be taken seriously in boardrooms and in the club offices.
While he thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent in these positions and learned a lot, he realized he wanted to take a more entrepreneurial path and now is CEO and founder of Globall Connections, a football consultancy firm. Thanks to the classes within the program, like strategic planning, finance, sponsorship activation and CRS, Michael gained the knowledge to help start his firm. On top of that, his firm is run by The FBA Alumni. He says, “the network of alumni, mentors and industry leaders has been instrumental in opening doors and keeping momentum.”
Additionally, the real-world hands-on Student Business Project from The FBA’s 4th Module really gave Michael a taste of the football business industry. Working directly with CONMEBOL, he was given the chance to execute under pressure, work cross-functionally, and deliver value to an actual football organization. “It was the clearest simulation of real-world football business I could’ve asked for—and it validated that I could perform at that level.”
His time at The FBA exceeded every expectation. From the Networking Week and Field Trips to the Student Business Project (SPB), Michael was constantly immersed in real-life football operations and exposed to leaders who generously shared their experiences. He proudly served as Class President and was honored to graduate as Valedictorian of his class—two roles that allowed him to give back to the community that had already given him so much. His proudest achievement since graduating is overcoming the self-doubt of launching his company and seeing it gradually take a seat at the table in the football industry.
Co-Creating the Future of Football: Strategic, Inclusive, and Global
Thanks to the many networking opportunities, like World Football Summit, face to face meetings and tours of clubs and organizations, The FBA Alumni community, professors who refined thinking, and The FBA staff who pushed them to go further, Globall Connections was born. Conversations between Michael and The FBA Alumni who wanted to apply what was learned, not just talk about it, came together to create this firm. They saw gaps in the football world, especially for smaller organizations, and realized they could fill them. When asked if there was a specific spark that ignited this idea, Michael says, “Yes! We saw too many good people with good ideas being left out due to lack of access, strategy, or resources. We knew we could be the connector between ambition and opportunity.” Additionally, because they all came from The FBA experience, there was a common foundation and experiences that made the collaboration seamless and vision-driven.
The FBA gave them this foundation, through coursework, projects, and a shared language of professionalism that made launching the company possible. It offered both confidence and credibility. Trust was already built, and values and standards were already aligned. Additionally, The FBA was their first partner and provided them with advice as well as networking, which helped in every way, from collaborators, to clients, mentors and podcast guests. Michael and his team leaned into it heavily and still do.
Now, Globall Connections provides consulting, sponsorship, player management, academy strategy, marketing, paytech, and educational content across the football ecosystem. They also run a podcast and free educational programs for underserved communities. Its mission? To connect the game and elevate its future—by making football more strategic, inclusive, and impactful. Their main clients include clubs, academies, federations, sponsors, and youth programs looking to grow on and off the pitch. It differs from other firms in that it combines deep football knowledge with business acumen and social purpose. They don’t just sell services—they co-create sustainable solutions.
While they still have a long way to go, they know they have a sustainable future. Their reach is across five continents, from holding youth events in Africa, to USL projects in Colorado. Their growth is steady and meaningful, building strong partnerships and adding new services mean purposeful action.
Strengthening The FBA Ecosystem Through Connection and Mentorship
While The FBA has played a large role in Michael’s success, he also still plays an important role in helping The FBA by actively promoting the program to industry peers. Through Globall Connections, he’s created a platform that regularly collaborates with FBA alumni and invites new partners into the ecosystem—be it through events, business development, or media outreach. Through this and his podcast, he is elevating the program and connecting
Many of The FBA Alumni have become mentors for future Candidates and Michael is proud to be one of them. He says, “I enjoy mentoring, sharing insights from both corporate and football worlds, and encouraging FBA Candidates to find their unique path. My main advice: Be flexible, stay curious, and lead with integrity.” If candidates are serious about working in football, then for him, this is the most direct path for credibility, capability and community. His most unexpected lesson that he thinks candidates can take away from the program is that relationships are key, knowledge gets you in the room however, integrity and consistency keep you there.
In 5-10 years, Michael sees himself enjoying the fruits of his labor and well-integrated within the football industry, with a global footprint and a strong focus on CSR, innovation, and inclusive growth and The FBA will continue to be part of his story.
If you’d like to connect with Michael and learn more about him and his experience at The Football Business Academy, you can reach out to him on LinkedIn.
To get started on your journey and join Michael and The FBA Family, you can apply on the website or download the program brochure to get in touch with one of the admissions officers.
