While the 2012 London Olympic Games may have opened the public’s eyes to the abundance of inspiring and varied athletic talent in the country, it seems that footballers are still the most sought after sporting figures on the corporate speaking circuit. Embodying the key transferable corporate traits of determination, drive and discipline as well as the thrill of celebrity star power, footballers are still the sporting heroes of Britain. Contact London based booking agency MN2S to enquire about booking the following players as after dinner speakers.
A footballer is able to communicate with your delegates on topics that they will have first-hand experience with and challenges that they too have had to overcome. These topics and challenges should be familiar to your audience and are applicable in the corporate environment just as they are on the pitch. These are skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline and personal motivation. A guest speaker from a footballing background will undoubtedly add an entertaining quality to your corporate event, touching upon humorous stories and triumphs as well as the journey of blood, sweat and tears that earnt them their success. In this way the guest speaker’s words and tips will resound with your audience not simply on a professional level, but also on a personal level.
There are a great many footballers, both retired and currently active, who are available for corporate entertainment. Entertainment agencies and celebrity booking agencies are full of wonderful and versatile options for your corporate event – all of whom possess the ability to provide an eloquent and charming speech that also provides deep insight into the sport. Many footballers are well known on the guest speaking circuit: figures such as Alan Hansen, Ledley King and Pat Jennings.
However, it could be a less conventional and more interesting corporate entertainment idea to book a goalkeeper rather than a striker, midfielder or defender. Goalkeepers can often be unsung heroes and, despite their more fixed position, are still dynamic players. There are certain goalkeepers who have risen above the rest, to be celebrated as the very best of their position and legends of the sport. Peter Schmeichel and David Seaman fall into the category. Both men have enjoyed extremely impressive playing careers and are true goalkeeping icons.
David Seaman is consistently voted into the top 10 of Arsenal’s greatest players list and he certainly helped the team rise to new heights during his long tenure with the club. Seaman was awarded an MBE in 1997 for his extensive contribution to the sport. His legendary save in the 2002 FA Cup semi-finals was described by Schmeichel the best save he’d ever seen.
Peter Schmeichel too has also secured a legacy for himself as a footballing treasure. The Dane was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003 as a testament not only to his exceptional goal keeping ability, but also his goal scoring ability, having scored 11 goals during his career as a keeper!
Figures such as Alex Stepney, who, while, goalkeeper for Manchester United, helped them on their way to becoming the first English club to win the European Cup and Dave Beasant, who recently became the oldest individual to make selection as a substitute for Stevenage F.C., as well as Neville Southall, Nigel Martyn, Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence are also all available to speak at corporate events. Goalkeepers are a more unique choice for an after dinner speaker – but no less charismatic or inspiring.
If you are interested in booking any of the above celebrities to brighten you next private or corporate event as a guest after dinner speaker, please contact an agent at MN2S Talent Agency.