Daniel Jacquart
London
Summary
Visionary commercial strategist and leader with over three decades of experience driving growth, innovation, and partnerships across the football industry. Proven expertise in shaping and executing high-impact commercial strategies, from rights acquisition to fan engagement. Adept at navigating the evolving football landscape, leveraging data and market insight to identify new revenue streams, unlock brand value, and deliver sustainable business performance. Trusted partner to boards, rights holders, and brands, with a track record of leading cross-functional teams and complex negotiations. Passionate about the intersection of sport, business, and culture — and committed to driving long-term value through purposeful, performance-led strategy.
As a dedicated Head of Department, I am a highly driven and results-oriented professional, recognised for my competitive mindset, leadership capabilities, and the trust I have consistently earned from both colleagues and senior leadership. I am committed to fostering excellence, building high-performing teams, and promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of Football Development
Chelsea FC Foundation
11.2020 - 09.2025
- Researched, designed and delivered a comprehensive football development strategy across our national operations, establishing a consistent framework for delivery with over 250 staff engaged and 30,000 unique users per year.
- Launched the Player Development Programme which now engages over 4,500 players weekly whilst collaborating with men's and women's academies. Over 100 players signed at either Chelsea or another Clubs Academy.
- Developed a robust post-16 education and football programme, engaging over 500 participants weekly across 12 structured programmes in the South of England.
- Engaging with over 150 schools per year through delivery of activity both in and out of the curriculum. Engaging with approx. 20,000 unique participants.
- Sourced and developed relationships with key providers of football through incoming individuals and groups, UK touring groups, UK holiday resorts, residentials and provision at Cobham.
- Drove commercial value recognition that resulted in the department transfer from Foundation to Commercial operations at the Club. Currently achieving over 4m with planned growth domestically to grow to £8M.
Head of West Region Football Development
Chelsea FC Foundation
09.2016 - 11.2020
- Led comprehensive commercial strategy covering holiday camps, school activity and development initiatives.
- Managed full P&L accountability whilst maintaining consistent profitability across diverse and impactful community programmes.
- Streamlined the delivery of sports provision across the Dept to primarily focus on football only activities.
- Supported and led on the developed of the integration team between the Foundation and Men's Academy.
- Maintained 100% operational continuity during Covid-19 whilst protecting entire workforce (over 60 contracted and 150 sessional staff) from redundancies.
Sports Development Manager
Chelsea FC Foundation
12.2010 - 09.2016
- Achieved 567% revenue growth from £150K to £1M+ through strategic pricing and market penetration.
- Orchestrated and maintained relationships with Premier League, Football Foundation, numerous local authorities, and regional / national funders.
- Collaborated with key Club Depts (Marketing, Men's and Women's Academy, Safeguarding, Health and Safety and senior management) to ensure safe, high quality and consistent delivery and programmes in place.
Sports Development Manager / part-time Academy Coach
Fulham FC Sports Trust
London
09.1995 - 11.2010
- Directed football education strategy across London Boroughs and Surrey with £1M budget.
- Developed and implemented the Foundation's first strategic plan, establishing KPIs and growth frameworks.
- Managed 110 staff delivering complex multi-partnership projects across health, inclusion, and education programmes, establishing partnerships with local authorities, funders, and Premier League whilst acting as brand ambassador.
- Coached and managed youth teams across U11-U16 age groups at the Academy.
- Contributed to 15 Academy players progressing to first-team level through systematic talent identification.
- Established coaching standards and coaching syllabuses that became template for long-term talent pipeline strategy.
Education
GCSEs -
Sheen High School
09.1982 - 07.1987
O-Levels -
Richmond College
09.1987 - 07.1989
College -
South Thames College
09.1989 - 07.1991
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Change Management
- P&L Accountability
- Team Leadership
- Crisis Management
- Pricing Models
- Partnership Development
- Customer Acquisition
- Revenue Growth Strategy
- Market Analysis
- Financial Planning
- Youth Development Pathways
- Programme Design
- Talent Identification
- Coaching Methodology
- Safeguarding and Health and Safety Compliance
- Stakeholder Management
- Brand Ambassadorship
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Adaptability
- Quality Assurance
Accomplishments
- Established Chelsea FC as the market leader in the UK for Football Development activity.
- Secured sustainable and profitable partnerships with education establishments and organisations.
- Created both Fulham FC Foundation's inaugural and Chelsea FC Football Development strategic plans which underpinned their successes.
- Pioneered integrated Academy collaboration model that influenced department's commercial transition.
Timeline
Head of Football Development
Chelsea FC Foundation
11.2020 - 09.2025
Head of West Region Football Development
Chelsea FC Foundation
09.2016 - 11.2020
Sports Development Manager
Chelsea FC Foundation
12.2010 - 09.2016
Sports Development Manager / part-time Academy Coach
Fulham FC Sports Trust
09.1995 - 11.2010
College -
South Thames College
09.1989 - 07.1991
O-Levels -
Richmond College
09.1987 - 07.1989
GCSEs -
Sheen High School
09.1982 - 07.1987
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