What does it take to build a national sports league from the ground up? We dive into the world of sports innovation with a true pioneer, Paul Beirne. From launching the Toronto Raptors in the NBA to founding the Canadian Premier League, Paul’s journey is a masterclass in building sporting institutions.

In this episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets, host Clare Kenny sits down with Paul to uncover the story behind creating a professional football league in a country as vast as Canada. Recorded with Paul calling in from Toronto, this conversation offers unparalleled insight into league creation, transatlantic sports culture, and why the next big opportunities might lie outside the top tier.

Paul isn’t just an executive; he's a builder who has operated on both sides of the Atlantic, with key roles at Toronto FC and Brighton & Hove Albion. He offers a unique perspective on the contrasts between the product-driven North American sports model and the deeply ingrained cultural traditions of European football.

We explore the immense challenges of finding owners, venues, and media partners for a new league, the importance of grassroots community engagement, and how to develop a national football identity.

In this episode, we cover:

• League Creation: Paul shares the story of founding the Canadian Premier League, from the initial idea to navigating Canada's unique geography and infrastructure challenges to build a sustainable football ecosystem.
• Transatlantic Cultures and the Brighton Experience: A deep dive into the differences between North American sports as entertainment and European football as culture, brought to life through Paul’s tenure at Brighton & Hove Albion.
• Player Development: How the CPL was designed to solve Canada's player development gap and create a pathway for homegrown talent to turn professional.
• The Business of Sport: Insights into building a commercial strategy for a new sports property, securing media partners, and the realities of running a club in a lower-tier league.
• The Future of Sports Business: Paul discusses his new career acceleration platform, The Call Up, and shares his thoughts on the role of AI in making sports operations more efficient.
• Career Advice: Paul offers invaluable advice for anyone looking to build a career in the commercial side of sports, emphasising the importance of being relentlessly useful, curious, and a master of relationships.

Whether you're an aspiring sports executive, a football fan interested in the mechanics of league building, or a professional curious about the global sports landscape, this episode provides a blueprint for turning an ambitious vision into reality.

Tune in to hear from one of the most innovative minds in modern sports management!

Guest: Paul Beirne – Sports Executive and Founder of The Call Up
Host: Clare Kenny – Don't Forget Your Tickets

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo, hosted by TicketCo’s CEO and founder, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg, and co-hosted by TicketCo's CCO Clare Kenny. The podcast was originally launched under the name TicketingPodcast.com. To learn more about TicketCo, please check out our web page ticketco.io or visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/ticketco/

Are We Witnessing a Golden Era for the League of Ireland?

As the 2026 League of Ireland season kicks off, we’re back at the heart of the action to explore the culture, commerce, and intense passion driving Irish football forward.

In this episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets, host Clare Kenny continues the exploration of Irish football sparked in the previous conversation with James Callan, shifting the focus to the League of Ireland's present and future with Jimmy Dignam, Chief Operating Officer of Bohemian FC. Recorded live from the Aviva Stadium just hours before Bohs kicked off their 2026 campaign against Dublin rivals St. Patrick’s Athletic, this conversation captures the electric anticipation of a league on the rise.

Jimmy isn't just an administrator; he is a lifelong fan turned key operator in one of Ireland's most culturally significant clubs. From the terraces of Dalymount Park to the boardroom, Jimmy offers an insider’s perspective on how Bohemian FC has transformed from a local football team into a globally recognised brand with a distinct social conscience.

We explore the challenges of running a fan-owned club, the delicate balance between commercial growth and community values, and what the future holds for the League of Ireland as it enters a potential golden era.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Bohs Identity: Jimmy discusses how Bohemian FC carved out a unique space in world football, leveraging political engagement, creative merchandising, and community values to build a cult following far beyond Phibsborough.
• Operational Excellence: A look behind the curtain at what it takes to run a top-tier Irish club, managing limited resources while striving for professional standards off the pitch.
• The Aviva Factor: The significance of kicking off the season at the national stadium and what big-stage games mean for the commercial and cultural growth of domestic football.
• Fan Culture & Experience: How the matchday experience is evolving in Ireland, the resurgence of local support, and the importance of modernising facilities to keep momentum going.
• 2026 Season Outlook: Jimmy shares his thoughts on the season ahead, the intensity of the Dublin derbies, and the broader landscape of Irish football as it battles for attention against other codes.

Whether you’re a lifelong Bohs fan, a League of Ireland enthusiast, or a sports business professional interested in how culture drives commerce, this episode offers a front-row seat to the changing face of Irish football.

Tune in now to get ready for kick-off!

Guest: Jimmy Dignam – Chief Operating Officer at Bohemian FC
Host: Clare Kenny – Don't Forget Your Tickets

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

Are we witnessing a golden era for the League of Ireland? As the 2026 season kicks off this Friday, we’re diving deep into the culture, commerce, and passion driving Irish football forward.

In this season premiere of Don't Forget Your Tickets, host Clare Kenny sits down with James Callan, one of the brightest young voices in sports journalism. At just 23, James has established himself as a key commentator on the intricacies of the game, writing for national and international outlets and contributing to Boardroom Ball.

From his childhood memories at Oriel Park to his legal dissertation on multi-club ownership, James brings a unique blend of fan passion and business acumen to the conversation. We explore the historical struggles of the league, the current resurgence of local support, and what needs to happen off the pitch to match the ambition on it.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Irish Football Renaissance: Why we are seeing more children in Shelbourne and Galway shirts than ever before, and the shift away from the traditional Premier League dominance.
• Politics & Identity: James breaks down the unique history of the league, including the story of Derry City and how clubs like Bohemians are building a cult following through political engagement and creative merchandising.
• The Fan Experience: A candid look at the state of Irish stadiums, the "rustic" charm of matchdays, and why modernising facilities is crucial for commercial growth.
• Competition Codes: The historical battle for attention against the GAA and Rugby, and how football is finally carving out its own space and securing vital funding.
• 2026 Season Preview: James gives his predictions for the season ahead, discussing who can challenge the dominance of Shamrock Rovers and which clubs are winning off the pitch.

Whether you’re a die-hard League of Ireland supporter or a sports business professional looking for insight into an evolving market, this conversation offers a fascinating look at a league on the rise.

Tune in now to get ready for kick-off!

Guest: James Callan – Football Writer & Contributor at Boardroom Ball
Host: Clare Kenny – Don't Forget Your Tickets

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Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

This episode of Don’t Forget Your Tickets is a special one. It’s a heartwarming and inspiring conversation that celebrates the magic of football fandom through the eyes of a true supporter. For the first time, we’re joined by a fan who has achieved something extraordinary – visiting all 92 Premier League and EFL stadiums.

Ashley Lambell, a lifelong Northampton Town supporter and ground-hopping enthusiast, shares his incredible 26-year journey to complete the “92.” In this feelgood Boxing Day special, Ashley sits down with our co-host Clare Kenny to reflect on the highs, the lows, and the unforgettable moments that have defined his football adventures.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The 92 Stadiums Challenge: Ashley recounts how his love for football turned into a lifelong mission to visit every Premier League and EFL ground, from iconic venues like Anfield to quirky gems like Kenilworth Road.
• Matchday Magic: Hear Ashley’s thoughts on the best and worst matchday experiences, including standout clubs like Burton Albion, Exeter City, and Bolton Wanderers, who go the extra mile to make fans feel welcome.
• Football and Family: Discover how football has shaped Ashley’s life, from childhood away days with his family to working in media at Nottingham Forest.
• The Fan Journey: Ashley reflects on how ticketing has evolved over the years, from queuing outside stadiums to the seamless digital experiences offered by platforms like TicketCo.
• The Human Side of Football: From the camaraderie of fans to the unique culture of English football, Ashley shares why the sport holds such a special place in people’s hearts.

Tune in for a feelgood Boxing Day special that celebrates the passion, loyalty, and community spirit of football fans everywhere.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

This episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets is a special one. It’s a deeply personal and honest conversation that explores both the triumphs and tribulations of a truly extraordinary career in football. We're joined by the first guest on our podcast to have excelled at the highest level both on and off the pitch, earning caps for Ireland as a player and then taking on a club co-owner and CEO role off the pitch.

Ciara McCormack, a former Republic of Ireland international, takes us on her unique journey from the pitch to the boardroom, where she became the first female CEO and co-owner of a men's and women's club in the League of Ireland, Treaty United FC. In her conversation with our co-host Clare Kenny she shares the raw, unfiltered story of what it’s like to transition from player to club leader, offering a rare look behind the curtain of professionalising a club.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Player to CEO: Ciara discusses the transferable skills from her top-flight playing career that prepared her for the challenges of club leadership.
• A New Frontier: Hear about her experience as a pioneering female CEO in a male-dominated environment and the progress being made for women in Irish football.
• The One Club Model: Ciara explains why she championed equal resources and respect for both the men’s and women’s teams, and the backlash she faced for it.
• Volunteers vs. Professionalism: For the first time on the show, we tackle the dilemma of managing dedicated volunteers while striving to implement professional standards for match day operations and club management.
• The Fan Backlash: Ciara speaks candidly about facing a fan protest, the mental toll of online abuse, and the importance of humanising leaders in sport.

Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening account of resilience, leadership, and the passionate pursuit of building a football club from the ground up.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

How many sports industry professionals do you know who have subscribed to 800 different club newsletters to learn how clubs around the world communicate with their fans? Probably none, but Lukas Mikkel Hansen, a young talent making waves in the sports industry, has done exactly that.

In this episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets, we sit down with the young co-founder of Playmakers to get a unique vantage point on the digital divide between European and American sports. Lukas, who recently moved from Copenhagen to New York to launch Playmakers in the US, shares insights from his deep dive into club communications, revealing why so many organisations struggle to connect with their fans effectively despite having the right tools. We explore the critical differences in ticketing, fan journeys, and commercial strategies on both sides of the Atlantic.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The 800-Club Experiment: What thousands of club emails reveal about the state of fan engagement and personalisation worldwide.
• Europe vs. USA: A look at the pros and cons of different ticketing models, from single-source systems to the complex resale culture in the US.
• Data is Key: Why mastering fan data is the ultimate competitive edge for turning loyalty into revenue.
• Segmentation in Action: Practical advice on how to stop sending generic messages and start communicating with fans in a way that feels relevant and personal.
• A Club to Watch: Lukas highlights why soccer club Portland Hearts of Pine is a prime example of a team doing things differently, and getting it right.

Tune in to learn how to bridge the gap between having data and actually using it, and discover the key lessons Lukas has learned from operating in two of the world's biggest sports markets.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

What is the real impact of American investment on English football, and how are clubs adapting to a changing sponsorship landscape? For answers, we turn to a man who has seen it all from the inside: Ian Dutton, UK Managing Director of Sporting Group International.

In this episode, new co-host Clare Kenny sits down with the former Birmingham City FC Managing Director to discuss his 17-year journey at the club, the cultural shifts under new ownership, and his move to the global agency SGI. We dig into the long-term goals of US owners, the future of the independent regulator, and where the real commercial growth opportunities lie for UK and Irish sport.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The American Wave: Why US investors are drawn to English football and what their long-term objectives are beyond the balance sheet.
• Cultural Shifts: A firsthand account of the monumental changes in communication, transparency, and fan relations that new ownership can bring.
• From Club to Agency: The transition from running a club to building global partnerships and what it takes to succeed on both sides of the table.
• The Power of Relationships: Why old-school, trust-based networking still delivers the biggest commercial wins in a digital-first world.
• Sponsorship & Storytelling: How to create authentic, meaningful partnerships by acting as a sales extension for rights holders, not just another agency.
• Ticketing & Fan Experience: The critical importance of the user journey and why simplifying the purchase process is key to engagement.
• The Independent Regulator: Will it scare off investment or create a more sustainable pyramid? An insider’s perspective on the pros and cons.
• Future Growth Areas: Identifying the emerging sectors, from AI to fintech, that will define the next wave of sports partnerships.

Tune in for a masterclass in sports commercial strategy, leadership through adversity, and a look at the forces shaping the future of the beautiful game.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

What can a club-owned fan app do that social media can’t? A lot, especially when it comes to ticket sales, first-party data, and shifting fan behavior at scale, says Forza Clubs' CEO Adam Stighäll.

In this season-opening episode, Adam explains why clubs and leagues are moving beyond algorithms to build their own “digital living rooms,” how ticketing becomes the killer utility that drives adoption, and the best practices behind paywalled content that fans actually value. We dig into launches across Scandinavia, behavior shifts like increased home game attendance, and the real resourcing it takes to make an app work week after week.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Own the journey, not the algorithm: why clubs are reclaiming communication and data with branded apps instead of renting reach on social platforms.
• Ticketing as the adoption engine: how digital tickets, transfers, and season card utilities drive monthly active users and repeat engagement.
• What to keep free vs. what to gate: the 80/20 model for premium content, early access windows, and avoiding fan backlash.
• Longer-form wins in apps: why the same interview that’s 2 minutes on social should be 8 minutes in your app—authentic, low-edit, and higher value.
• Who converts first (and why): younger hardcore fans download early; ticketing utility brings the laggards.
• Proven outcomes: how moving attention from social to a club-owned app correlates with more home game attendance and higher sales.
• Data that matters: building a fan database with demographics and preferences to power automation, merchandising, and smarter campaigns.
• Resource reality: how to shift 4–5 hours a week into app-first content, what to stop doing on social and what to do more of in your own channel.
• Say no to reinventing the wheel: why standardising best practices across launches beats bespoke one-offs that don’t scale.

Adam’s core message: when clubs create a genuine, branded home for fans where utility and content live together, engagement grows, data compounds, and ticketing performance follows.

Tune in for practical playbooks, real-world results, and a clear path to turning fan apps into your primary sales and engagement platform.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com