Leon Machisa
Summary
Sports Business Management graduate with a strong focus on commercial partnerships, sponsorship, and sales within the sports industry. Developed practical skills in stakeholder engagement and relationship building through diverse experiences, including fundraising initiatives and university projects. Gained unique insights into professional football operations from over 12 years in the academy system at West Bromwich Albion.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Fundraising Executive | Volunteer
Fair Game
12.2025 - 04.2026
- Research and engage potential sponsors, commercial partners, and football stakeholders to support Fair Game’s fundraising objectives.
- Built relationships with charities, clubs, supporter groups and businesses to create new partnership opportunities.
- Supporting fundraising campaigns and stakeholder engagement initiatives across the football industry.
- Contribute to the planning and delivery of the Fair Game Conference at the National Football Museum.
- Represent the organisation professionally while promoting Fair Game’s mission to improve the sustainability and governance of English football.
Hospitality Waiter
Constellation
04.2024 - 01.2025
- Delivered exceptional customer service during major sporting and entertainment events.
- Working efficiently in fast paced hospitality environments.
- Built confidence communicating with a diverse range of guests while maintaining high service standards under pressure.
Football Coach
Bryan Small Soccer School
12.2022 - 07.2024
- Developed and delivered engaging soccer lessons for children focusing on skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Created training sessions that emphasised techniques, tactical awareness and fitness.
- Ensured the safety and well-being of all participants during sessions, following best practices and safety protocols.
Supply Teacher
Elite
12.2022 - 05.2024
- Carried out teaching tasks, lesson planning and class management as requested by headteachers.
- Managed small and large class student behaviour for happy and healthy learning environment.
- Prepared lessons and taught people in accordance with the national curriculum.
- Maintained positive healthy but professional relationships with staff and children.
Football Player
West Bromwich Albion
08.2009 - 07.2022
- Spent over 12 years in a Category One academy, developing discipline, resilience, and professionalism within an elite sporting environment.
- Worked alongside multidisciplinary teams including coaches, analysts, sports scientists, and player care staff.
- Developed strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills through high-performance competition.
- Gained first-hand insight into the operations of a professional football club, inspiring my interest in the commercial side of sport.
- Maintained peak physical condition by undertaking training 5 times per week including a match, regular gym and aerobic training.
Web Designer
Simon Kags
06.2019 - 07.2019
- Crafted beautiful, highly effective web pages that performed brilliantly on mobile, tablet and desktop.
- Remained updated on latest website technologies and products, identifying opportunities for business growth, staying relevant in competitive markets.
- Designed layout and graphics to enhance aesthetics and appearance of website.
Education
BSC Hons - Sports Business Management
Hartpury University
Gloucestershire01.2026
A Level - Business
Sandwell Academy
01.2022
BTEC - Sport
Sandwell Academy
01.2022
Skills
- Sponsorship
- Business Development
- Stakeholder management
- Relationship Management
- Partnership Activation
- Campaign Planning
- Social Media
- Content Creation
- Communication
- Leadership
- Presentation skills
- Project co-ordination
- Microsoft Office
Interests & Achievements
- Football
- Padel
- Basketball
- Strength & Conditioning
- Business
- U18s Premier League & FA Youth Cup Captain
Timeline
Fundraising Executive | Volunteer
Fair Game
12.2025 - 04.2026
Hospitality Waiter
Constellation
04.2024 - 01.2025
Football Coach
Bryan Small Soccer School
12.2022 - 07.2024
Supply Teacher
Elite
12.2022 - 05.2024
Web Designer
Simon Kags
06.2019 - 07.2019
Football Player
West Bromwich Albion
08.2009 - 07.2022
BSC Hons - Sports Business Management
Hartpury University
A Level - Business
Sandwell Academy
BTEC - Sport
Sandwell Academy