There’s really no such thing as a typical day - and that’s exactly what defines the role. A large part of my work comes from close collaboration with our sponsors and the ICON League itself. I organize community events, coordinate sponsor integrations, manage our external social media agencies, and work the ongoing development of the team.

I’m also part of a committee that discusses on topics such as transfer windows or salary structures. At the same time, operational tasks are part of everyday life – things like short-notice equipment orders or matchday organization.

That mix of long-term strategy and immediate execution is what makes the job so exciting. I work on strategic initiatives while also being ready to make quick decisions and handle operational details in real time.

While football has traditionally been male-dominated, a lot has changed in recent years. Within the ICON League, there are now female team heads, and new formats are opening up structures that were previously very closed.

Of course, there are situations where you notice that certain paths feel more familiar or natural for men. At the same time, my experience has largely been that performance, reliability, and professionalism are what truly matter. Ultimately, success comes down to performance.

I’m also very aware that women faced far greater barriers twenty years ago, which makes today’s development all the more positive in my view.

The sports industry is extremely emotional and spontaneous - it’s a true people business. PAPA OSCAR Ventures prepared me very well for that, especially because I was involved early on in a wide range of situations and meetings with a variety of people.

At the same time, the analytical and strategic mindset from finance has been invaluable: questioning assumptions, structuring problems clearly, and making rational decisions under pressure.

Working in a startup environment taught me how to operate at speed and make sound judgments despite short decision cycles. Even though processes in sports are often less structured, that’s exactly what I enjoy - there’s a huge opportunity to actively shape things.

Traditional football remains one of the most popular sports globally, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. However, the way we consume entertainment is evolving. The ICON League addresses an audience that prefers shorter, faster, and more interactive formats.

The gameplay is more dynamic, more entertainment-driven, and incorporates show elements with a slightly American feel. At the same time, the TikTok generation brings entirely new opportunities, especially in content creation and reach.

What I find particularly exciting is that even traditional companies are embracing this new format as sponsors. This allows us to reach fans that classic football doesn’t necessarily attract - and still inspire them with amazing football.

I don’t believe it’s a short-term hype. The real question will be how internationalization and financing evolve across the different leagues. In the long run, it’s unlikely that all three formats will coexist in Germany indefinitely.

That said, the fan base is already massive, and the mix of star proximity, former professionals, and creators is incredibly attractive. Especially for younger audiences, it lowers the barrier to engaging with football significantly.

This ecosystem is still in its early stages, and I’m very excited to see how it develops - and to be part of that journey.

Clear communication is the foundation of everything. Without empathy and alignment, nothing works. There are so many different stakeholders involved: corporate partners, players, influencers, team heads, agencies and the league itself. Each group operates differently, and you have to learn how to adapt your tone and approach accordingly.

Creativity, flexibility, organization, and strategic thinking all play a major role. Ultimately, it’s about creating a shared understanding among all parties and managing projects in a way that everyone feels aligned and included.

If something is labeled “male-dominated,” that should be motivation rather than a barrier. If you’re genuinely interested in the sports industry, you should pursue that path and not let doubts hold you back.

Women often question their own performance more critically than men - which is exactly why it’s worth simply going for it and letting results speak for themselves.

And there are already many incredible women in sports, including within the ICON League. They may not always be in the spotlight, but they shape the industry in meaningful ways. Sports is no longer just a male only domain.

I’m fully committed to getting us back into the final next season - and our clear goal is to win the title. At the same time, we want to continue professionalizing our team, expand into new cities, and deepen our connection with the community.

On a personal level, I aim to take on  more responsibility and grow as a connector between team heads, players, partners, and the league.

As for the ICON League, I expect further expansion: more cities, more spaces for interaction, more off-season formats, and an even closer bond between teams and fans. The potential to inspire young people through sport is enormous - and I’m excited to actively help shape that future.

PAPA OSCAR Ventures GmbH was founded in 2017 and is today one of the leading investment firms for E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer brands in Europe. The company combines capital with comprehensive operational support through internal expert teams in marketing, sales, strategy, product development, and IT.