Networks, credentialism, finances and bias restrict thousands of talented people around the world from pursuing their passion in the world's most popular game.
In the last year, I've interviewed 68 talented and interesting people in football from all over the world (from 50 countries and every continent (except Antarctica)). It's been a pretty amazing experience. Each one has inspired me in different ways.
It's also taught me a lot about the realities of working in football. It's hard to get started - and keep going.
Easily the most repeated line across all my interviews has been some version of 'who you know is more important than what you know'. Over 50% of interviewees have - or do - worked for free! Many have had to turn down opportunities for financial reasons. That sucks.
So, this summer, I'm giving €1,000 to 3 people to do something meaningful in football.
This is an experiment to fund a few ambitious people - students, professionals, outsiders, anyone - to pursue the work of their dreams. You don't need to be 'qualified', you don't need to be part of an organization, you don't need followers. You just need an idea or a goal that you are excited about.
The funding is to start or advance your career and/or a project/initiative in football.
I'm open to anything as long as it's meaningful to you - and €1,000 might help. Some examples are :
This is NOT an exhaustive list. Be creative!
Ideally your project/idea has a (rough) 'beginning' and 'end' but I'll also consider open ended proposals for research, career breaks/exploratory periods or simply lessening the financial burden of life.
I've been thinking about this for a long time and decided it's finally time to give it a try.
I hope I can give you a little boost to take a leap.
Finally, this experiment is inspired by various microgrant programs1 past and present - and most of all by the wonderful people who've given their time and enthusiasm to share their stories with me - thank you.
- Nik
The Backroom Staff
Anyone - any age, country, current role or stage of life (just make sure you have a way to receive payment - see below)
Apply via this form
Yes! If you are already working on something and this will help you move it forward, that's great.
€1,000 per person. I'll select 3 winners.
I will disperse funds through whichever reasonable means the recipient feels most comfortable with. Something easy like PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc is preferable. I will cover any service fees so that the recipient gets the full €1,000 amount.
This is a personal experiment and is 100% self funded. If it goes well and people are interested, I'd look into a more sustainable model for subsequent editions.
If you'd like to help make that happen — by contributing, sponsoring, or just brainstorming ideas — please reach out.
No catch! The grant is given without qualification. I won't ask for receipts or proof of how you used the money - though I'd love to do a follow up call at the end (or during) to hear how it went/is going!
The deadline for applications will be August 31, 2025 - I plan to publicly announce the winners and distribute the grants by the end of September.
If you know someone who should apply, the best way you can support this project is sharing this directly with them. (If that’s you - problem solved, please apply!)
I'd also like to find a few advisors willing to donate a few hours to meet with the eventual winners. If you're interested - or know someone who is - please get in touch!
Subscribe to The Backroom Staff newsletter or bookmark this page. I'll send updates via both.
If you have any questions, trouble submitting your application or are otherwise curious about this, please email me at nik.thebackroomstaff@gmail.com
1 Inspiration and structure comes in part from microgrant/scholarship/grant programs run by Nadia Asparouhova (Helium Grants), Steph Smith (Amplify Scholarship Series), Calvin Rosser (Life Reimagined Scholarships), Tyler Cowen (Emergent Ventures), Scott Alexander (ACX Grants) and many more - thanks!