Jobs4football meets Iyiola Adebayo
In this inspiring Jobs4football meets interview, we delve into the journey of Iyiola Adebayo, a former West Ham United academy player whose career took an unexpected turn when he was released from the club.
Set against the backdrop of a global pandemic, Iyiola faced the daunting task of redefining his identity and career path. Through resilience and determination, he transitioned into a new role post lockdown via the Kickstart Scheme with Jobs4Football, which became a pivotal chapter in his life. This opportunity not only allowed him to explore different facets of the sports industry but also helped him build confidence and acquire new skills.
Today, Iyiola is making significant strides as a games programme consultant for the Premier League and as a facilitator at Sporting Chance.
His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth which is highlighted in this Q+A:
Q: Can you share your experiences at West Ham United's academy and how they influenced your development as a player and person?
A: If I had to summarise my time at West Ham United in one word, it would be "educational." The reason I use this word is that, both on and off the pitch, I had the opportunity to learn and develop a skill set that I now use in my everyday life. Skills such as resilience, attention to detail, teamwork, navigating the dynamics of communicating with authority figures and peers, and understanding the hard work it takes to perform at an elite level. Although I didn’t achieve my ultimate goal there, I left the experience with an abundance of valuable lessons that have set me on a good path.
Q: How did you cope with the emotional challenges of being released from West Ham, especially close to the pandemic?
A: In all honesty, it was a difficult time in my life. West Ham was all I had known since I was 8 years old, and being released forced me to really understand my identity outside of the club and football. What helped was that during my time at the academy, I had become familiar with adversity, and my support system always instilled the belief that I was capable of achieving, no matter the obstacles in front of me.
Q: What was your initial experience like working with Jobs4Football, and how did it differ from your life as a footballer?
A: Working with Jobs4Football was an eye-opening opportunity. It showed me a way to work within sport but from a different perspective, which I really enjoyed. I learned a lot about myself when it came to trying to perform in a different environment and using a different skill set.
Q: In what ways did the support from the Jobs4Football team help you gain confidence and skills in your new role?
A: The Jobs4Football team made me feel as though my previous experience was valued and allowed me to believe I could be a contributing member of the team. This definitely gave me the motivation to provide as much value as I could in the role.
Q: What motivated you to transition into coaching?
A: The transition to coaching felt like a natural progression. I know football intimately and have always enjoyed sharing my learnings with others. The opportunity to pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation and hopefully impact them on their journey is something I am very proud of.
Q: Can you describe your roles with the Premier League and Sporting Chance? What do you enjoy most about these positions?
A: My role with the Premier League is as a games programme consultant. The Premier League hosts a vast number of competitions across the calendar year, and I am part of the team that organises and executes these events. It is a great opportunity to see how the top footballing entity carries out its services and to learn from some of the best in sports event management. I also have the privilege of further impacting the next generation of elite footballers, witnessing their journey as I once did.
At Sporting Chance, I deliver workshops to academy players about mental health, addiction, gambling, and athletic identity. It’s an opportunity to provide my personal experience from the perspective of someone who has been in their position, and hopefully offer guidance on navigating potential pitfalls on their journey. On a personal level, it helps me develop skills in presenting and public speaking, which are valuable for my industry development.
Q: Looking back, what do you consider your biggest achievement since leaving professional football?
A: I’m not someone who focuses heavily on big achievements. For me, the most rewarding thing is watching myself improve daily, monthly, and yearly in my ability to work hard, improve my skill set, and add value in everything I do. One skill I’m most proud of is my ability to put myself in positions and environments that I believe will benefit me, despite any fears or anxiety. A quote I try to live by is, “Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but having the fear and doing it anyway.”
Q: What was the most significant challenge you faced during your transition, and how did you overcome it?
A: The biggest challenge I faced during my career transition was trying to redefine and understand my identity outside of football. Leaving an environment that had been my world for so long was daunting. My schedule changed, my direction was unclear, and the people I spent most of my life with were no longer around. Finding out who I am and what I’m good at off the pitch was definitely difficult and is something I still work on every day.
Q: What are your future goals in your career, and how do you plan to continue making an impact in the football industry?
A: Looking back on my life, it has become clear to me that what I enjoy most is learning and communicating those learnings to others. This aligns with my future goals: I plan to develop as strong a skill set as possible within the sports industry and use that to help individuals and businesses maximise their impact in sports. My passion for sport will always be strong, and I want to continue to have a positive influence on the industry.
Iyiola Adebayo's journey from aspiring footballer to influential figure in the sports industry is a testament to his unwavering resilience and adaptability. Despite facing significant challenges after being released from West Ham United, Iyiola embraced new opportunities with an open mind and a willingness to learn. His time at Jobs4Football was instrumental in shaping his post-playing career, providing him with the confidence and skills needed to excel in various roles. A
s he continues to impact the next generation of athletes through his work with the Premier League and Sporting Chance, Iyiola remains committed to personal and professional growth.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Iyiola for sharing his inspiring story with us and wish him the best of luck as he continues to carve out a successful career in the sports industry.
His journey is a powerful reminder that waiting for opportunities is not enough; being proactive and working diligently towards one's goals is key to achieving progress. Iyiola serves as an exemplary role model for young people who aspire to build a career in football, demonstrating that with perseverance and determination, it is possible to navigate life's challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.
