Eric Watson
Thunder Bay,ON
Summary
Driven, passionate, and adaptable professional with a dynamic background in the sports industry. Demonstrated adaptability in leading game-day operations, coordinating and executing partnerships and team travel, as well as managing/ creating social media content. MBA and BSc. in Exercise Science with a minor in Sports Management. Seeking an opportunity in the sports sector to leverage skills, knowledge, and leadership for the growth and success of the industry and its individuals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Coordinator of Partnerships, Events & Initiatives
Lakehead Athletics
09.2023 - Current
- Manage and coordinate OUA-sanctioned game days and other departmental events
- Secure and manage external partnerships and execute contracts
- Gathered and organized materials to support operations.
- Work with the associate athletic director and athletic director to support varsity programming
- Manage, maintain, and create content for Lakehead University Athletics' social media accounts.
- Hire, schedule, and lead a team of 20 event staff in all game-day operations
- Develop department marketing and communication plans and messages.
- Plan and book varsity travel and accomodations.
Owner and Operator
Finishing Touch Training
08.2021 - 09.2022
- Provided one-on-one and small-group, soccer-specific training for local athletes
- Collaborated with clients to create individualized training programs to meet their goals for improvement in the sport
- Built a foundation of physical literacy to facilitate the best athlete performance, given the client's unique physical attributes
- Responsible for creating, scheduling, organizing, and executing client training sessions
Semi-Professional Footballer/Soccer Player
Glossop North End AFC
12.2019 - 05.2022
- Represented the club at team-specific sponsor events
- Northern Premier League/ Division One West
- Effectively communicated with fellow team members, subordinates, coaches, and supervisors.
- Encouraged and built mutual trust and respect among team members.
Youth Soccer Coach
Ottawa South United
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Reported to the club's technical director and programs coordinator
- Charged with planning, organizing, and assisting in the execution of the club's academy teams' training sessions
- Led specific portions of the club's summer camps, managing 12-20 children aged 7 to 13
- Promoted love of game by assisting players with understanding positioning, play techniques, and teamwork strategies.
Assistant Soccer Coach
Thunder Bay Chill Soccer Club
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Collaborated with the head coach of the specific team to formulate daily and weekly training plans for the club's academy teams
- Developed soccer-specific skills and tactical learnings applicable to various in-game situations
- Supervised groups of children from ages 4 to 14, introducing basic soccer skills and coordination activities
Education
MBA -
Lakehead University
09-2023
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
University of Wisconsin- Superior
12-2019
Skills
- Event Management
- Partnership Development & Management
- Event & Team Coordination
- Project Planning
- Excellent Communication
- Effective Time Management
- Digital Marketing
- Travel Logistics
- French Language
- Sponsor Management
- Budget Administration
- Team Oversight
Languages
English
French
Extra-Curricular Activities
University of Wisconsin- Superior: Men's Soccer Team 2016 | 2019
- CoSIDA Academic All-American
- Team Captain 2017-2019
- Program's All-time Leading Goal Scorer
Student-Athlete Advisory Council Member
- Represented the student-athlete voice in NCAA Division III governance by reviewing legislation.
- Identified significant student-athlete issues.
- Implemented student-athlete-based initiatives, encouraging community outreach and enhancing student-athlete involvement.
Timeline
Coordinator of Partnerships, Events & Initiatives
Lakehead Athletics
09.2023 - Current
Owner and Operator
Finishing Touch Training
08.2021 - 09.2022
Semi-Professional Footballer/Soccer Player
Glossop North End AFC
12.2019 - 05.2022
Youth Soccer Coach
Ottawa South United
05.2018 - 08.2019
Assistant Soccer Coach
Thunder Bay Chill Soccer Club
08.2015 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
University of Wisconsin- Superior
MBA -
Lakehead University
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