The latest edition of ECA Club Connect saw nearly 500 club directors, operational leaders and football stakeholders from ECA member clubs come together in Madrid. This year, men’s football took centre stage, with discussions spanning key areas such as sporting strategies, player performance, player development and the future of the game.
From successful scouting to player trading, the event explored strategies clubs are implementing to achieve long-term success. Aki Riihilahti (ECA Men’s Football Workstream Lead and CEO of HJK Helsinki) and Dennis te Kloese (ECA Youth Football Workstream Lead and CEO of Feyenoord) set the tone for the discussions, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing among clubs.
"At ECA Club Connect, we get to hear first-hand how clubs across Europe are tackling the same challenges we all face," said Riihilahti. "Whether it's optimising player development, enhancing performance strategies, or adapting to the evolving demands of the game, these exchanges are invaluable. Learning from different approaches and perspectives helps us all improve and push European football forward."
Arsène Wenger provided insights into his role as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, discussing the latest trends in youth football, the evolution of European football tactics and the growing role of data-led player recruitment. Wenger offered key advice on building top academies, improving the club-national team dynamic and the impact of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and the role it will play in strengthening global club football.
The two-day event featured engaging breakout sessions, each diving deep into different aspects of men’s football.
The morning breakout sessions featured case studies on strategic squad building and recruitment, with Dévy Rigaux (Club Brugge) and David Weir (Brighton & Hove Albion FC) offering their experiences in player acquisition and squad development.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to club success stories, with insights from Olivier Létang (LOSC Lille), who shared the strategy of Lille and how the Ligue 1 side manages their squad and their transfers. Helena Costa (Estoril Praia) followed, offering a fascinating look at her personal journey, from being a coach to a scout and now a sporting director, Costa shared the vision she has for Estoril Praia while providing practical insights.
Both breakout sessions provided attendees with the chance to engage directly with the panelists with questions ensuring everyone could fully benefit from the insights shared during the discussions.
The day concluded with a thought-provoking discussion on managing high-performance environments, featuring former Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzić, Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus FC), and Dr Simon Timson (City Football Group), each offering the hundreds of club representatives in attendance invaluable insights into leadership, performance and the unique pressures that clubs face from a coaching, player and medical point of view.
For attendees, the event provided a valuable platform for networking, exchanging ideas, and gaining fresh perspectives. For Kevin Izzadeen, Coordinator Football Administration & Head of Football Administration, First Team – 1. FC Köln the event was all about strengthening international connections.
"ECA Club Connect provided invaluable insights and thought-provoking discussions. It was a fantastic opportunity to engage with industry experts, exchange ideas, and strengthen international connections within the football community."
Martin Říha, CEO of SK Slavia Praha was delighted for the opportunity to gain additional insight into some of the best practices shaping the game, and the oppurtunity for his staff to talk with some leading figures in world football.
"The event was a great success because it brought together a diverse range of clubs, fostering meaningful discussions, networking, and knowledge-sharing. The well-organized program, insightful panels, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders made it a valuable experience for all participants.
For SK Slavia Praha, participation was crucial to exchange best practices, and gain insights into the latest trends and challenges in club management. The event allowed us to build new relationships, strengthen existing ones and bring back valuable knowledge that will help us continue to grow both on and off the pitch. A particularly valuable moment was the opportunity for our Academy Director to have an in-depth discussion with Arsène Wenger, gaining unique insights into youth development and the future of football."
While for Nika Kevkhishvili, Sports Department Advisor – FC Dinamo Tbilisi the chance to exchange ideas with the wider football industry proved invaluable.
"ECA Club Connect was an incredibly insightful and enriching experience. From engaging discussions to meaningful networking, the event offered a platform to exchange ideas and collaborate on the future of football. Connecting with inspiring professionals and even having a memorable conversation with Arsène Wenger made it truly special."
With world-class speakers, high-level discussions and unparalleled networking opportunities, ECA Club Connect reaffirmed its status as a key event for European club football. By bringing together the game’s key decision-makers, ECA continues to support its 745 member clubs in their efforts to grow, evolve and shape the future of men’s football.