Benchmark your business model against that of the world’s leading football clubs

and discover how to maximize your club’s financial and sportive potential.

I help ambitious clubs maximize revenue and achieve greater sporting success by improving their business model.

Do you know if your club's structure is driving you towards financial stability and consistent high performance in your league, or if you are destined to fight for survival season after season?

Let me help you gain clarity and uncover where your business model needs improvement, so that you gain the competitive edge over your peers - both nationally and internationally.

What club leaders say

  • Henk Mariman, Director of Football RSC Anderlecht

    “I worked closely with David on consulting projects for Flamengo, Galatasaray and others, who he helped maximize the ROI of their academies through strategic analysis and benchmarking. His insights on elite club & academy management have been invaluable, and are still guiding my work today at Anderlecht's academy.”

  • Patricia Gonzalez, Technical Director Atletico Madrid Women

    "I had the opportunity to work with David at FIFA, where he showed his expertise in elevating academy systems to a higher standard. David´s extensive knowledge and support in the area of club & academy management greatly enhanced my own understanding and ability to implement this expertise at various professional settings."

  • Erik Stoffelshaus, Sporting Director Lokomotiv Moscow

    “David's in-depth analysis of Lokomotiv Moscow's academy not only shed light on our talent development but also provided critical feedback on our football business model, offering insights that have been absolutely pivotal in refining our strategic direction.”

“The core driver behind the success of every leading football club in the world… is a dedicated and well-executed Talent Management Program.”

The ROYI Model:
the blueprint for building a robust and financially sustainable club.

The ROYI Model (Return on Youth Investment) is my research-backed framework that offers a complete view on your club’s business model; examining the critical success factors and revealing the actions you need to build a club that can compete at the highest level, decade after decade.

Financial stability is the number one challenge for elite clubs.

Traditionally, today’s football clubs' revenue models rely on three main pillars: media rights, matchday income, and commercial income; all driven by the on-field success.

In turn, that sportive success is vital for continued financial growth; creating a cycle that presents a challenge for elite clubs everywhere because of its dependence on smart investing, strong management and maintaining financial stability.

Many clubs struggle with this, often forcing them to shift from striving for the top to simply avoiding relegation.

As proven by top clubs like Real Madrid and Clube de Regatas Flamengo, research shows that the key to financial sustainability lies in a club’s Talent Management Program, while neglecting the talent strategy leads to lost income and underperformance.

In other words, at the elite level, today’s clubs need a solid business model that integrates a well-executed Talent Management Program to avoid losing income, a negative ROI, and lower sportive results.

Are you ready to create more income, improve your club’s ROI, and enhance your league performance?

My services for club and academy leaders

Premium Club Analysis

A thorough club analysis resulting in a detailed objective desk report, providing an international benchmark and a concrete road map to improve the clubs’ business model.

Lectures & keynotes

Engaging and informative sessions introducing the ideal club model, best practices, and ways to implement the model.

“The one who overcomes himself in the victory,
will be victorious twice.”

(Publius Syrus)

Hi, I’m David Pauwels. I help club and academy leaders build legacy clubs and raise the next generation of football talent.

I’ve spent 20 years of consulting elite clubs across the world, unearthing the critical success factors for talent development & profitability in professional football clubs and advising FIFA’s international Talent Development department.

During this time, I've witnessed so many clubs missing out on millions in potential income, talent, and titles... all due to inefficient youth academy management.

Let me help you avoid making the same mistakes as them.