IN THIS ISSUE
🤝 Introduction: Don’t delay
‼️ Do This Now: Nail your introductions
⚽️ Soccer Jobs: 15+ new jobs
📰 Extra Extra: A surprising change at U.S. Soccer
INTRODUCTION
Hello again, Pathwayers!
Below you’ll find as simple a guide as we’ve written over the last couple of years - a step-by-step approach to absolutely nailing your introduction and cold outreach. It looks like a lot but it’s an easy-to-follow guide that you should absolutely implement today.
So, let’s not delay. Let’s get into it.
Thanks for reading!
-Kyle Sheldon, Co-Founder & CEO
Our friends at Name & Number - your favorite soccer-specific marketing and creative agency - recently released a new report on women’s soccer.
The comprehensive deck includes:
5-year roadmap
U.S. soccer pyramid
Fan insights + data
And, ultimately, what it means for brands:
How they can enter the sport
What's working and not working
What fans want to see from brands
🤝 HOW TO NAIL YOUR INTRODUCTION
Whether you’re reaching out for a job, an informational interview, or just trying to connect…
Your introduction should do one thing well:
👉 Make it easy for someone to understand who you are (and what you want) quickly.
1. Keep It Short (Shorter Than You Think)
Your message should be 4-5 sentences max.
That’s it.
This isn’t the place to:
Tell your full story
List every role you’ve had
Attach your entire resume
The goal is simple:
Get a response, not tell your life story.
2. Be Clear About Your Ask
Don’t make people guess why you’re reaching out.
Bad:
“Would love to connect sometime!”
Better:
“Would you be open to a quick 15-20 minute conversation to learn more about your path?”
Clarity increases replies.
3. Personalize (Even Slightly)
This is where most people fall short.
Before you reach out.
Look at their LinkedIn
Scan their recent work
Find something specific
Then reference it.
Example:
“I saw the season ticket campaign your team launched last month, and I was really impressed with how you used season ticket holders to share their stories.”
It shows effort. And effort stands out.
4. Give Them an Easy “Out”
This feels counterintuitive, but it works.
Add a line like:
“If now isn’t a good time, I completely understand.”
It lowers pressure, and increases your chances of a “yes.”
THE DETAIL MOST PEOPLE MISS
This is a big one…
And it’s a mistake we see all the time:
Use an email signature. Every single time.
✍️ Your Signature Should Include:
Full name
Email address
Mobile number
LinkedIn profile
Personal website / portfolio / Gondola / IG (if relevant)
Why this matters:
👉 People are far more likely to click a link than open an attachment.
If someone is even slightly interested in you, they’ll want to learn more.
Don’t make them work for it.
Make it instant.
SMALL DETAILS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
These are the things most people don’t think about, but they matter:
Your LinkedIn Should Match Your Message
If someone clicks your profile:
Is your headline clear?
Does it reflect what you’re looking for?
Does it look active and intentional?
Your intro gets the click.
Your profile gets the decision.
Timing Matters More Than You Think
Avoid sending messages:
Late at night
During obvious busy windows (like match days)
Aim for:
Early morning
Midweek
You want your message seen, not buried.
Follow Up (Once)
If you don’t hear back:
Follow up in 7–10 days with something simple:
“Just wanted to follow up here, would still love to connect if you’re open to it.”
Then move on. You’ll get ignored more often than not. And that’s okay. Just keep going.
Don’t Try to Impress, Try to Be Clear
People aren’t looking for perfection.
They’re looking for:
Thoughtfulness
Effort
Professionalism
Clarity beats cleverness every time.
⚽️ WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
In a competitive industry like soccer…
Small details create big separation.
Your introduction might only take 2-3 minutes to write.
But it can be the difference between:
Getting ignored
Or getting a response
If you take one thing from this:
👉 Make it easy for someone to understand you, and learn more about you, immediately.
That’s how conversations start.
And conversations are where opportunities come from.
-Kyle Sheldon, Co-Founder & CEO
NEW SOCCER JOBS
HR Director - KC Current
CRM Analyst - Houston Dynamo
Sports Scientist - Angel City FC
Sr. Data Analyst - Chicago Stars FC
Head of Goalkeeping - Angel City FC
Matchday DJ - Redlands Football Club
Goalkeeper Coach - Sioux Falls City FC
Executive Creative Director - Seattle Reign
Senior Director, Advancement - US Soccer
VIP Lounge Manager - FIFA World Cup 2026
HR & Facilities Specialist - FIFA World Cup 2026
Talent Identification Manager, WYNT - US Soccer
Youth Program Coordinator - FIFA World Cup 2026
Manager, Match Day Security - FIFA World Cup 2026
Development Performance Scientist - Minnesota United FC
Development Center Performance Specialist - NJ/NY Gotham
ICYMI: MUST-READ ARTICLES
📰 A few articles to help you stay up to date.
USMNT Sporting Director Matt Crocker Leaves for Saudi Arabia - Just two months before the United States co-hosts the World Cup, U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker has decided to leave his role to take a similar position with Saudi Arabia. (via NBC News)
Washington Spirit’s Cherry-Blossom-themed Kit is a Huge Hit - With the record-breaking kit launch, and the star power of Trinity Rodman, the club is crushing the marketing game. Shout out to Kim Bolt & Co. Not only does the club have the top-selling kit and it also features six players in the top 10 for individual jersey sales! (via Just Women Sports)
Canada Soccer is Projecting a $6.55 Million Surplus in 2026 - The World Cup proves to be a catalyst for the federation’s significant financial turnaround - driven by a restructured commercial deal projected to generate over $100 million in additional revenue over 12 years (via Canadien Press)
ALSO…
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And, if you’re a club or brand looking to get in front of ambitious talent in soccer, drop us a line.
FOLLOW ALONG
SEE YOU SOON, SOCCER FRIENDS
