‘Sports management’ education from the masters

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has taken a major step to contribute to the development of sports in our country and the training of professional managers by launching a special certificate program that will reach all of Turkey. In the Sports Management Certificate Program, which was launched with the support of Göztepe Sports Club, participants will receive training in 9 separate modules from 30 expert names well-known in the sports world. Designed to enhance the professional competencies of the participants by focusing on different areas such as club management, marketing, communication, and fan interaction, applications for the online certificate program can be made via IUE website until December 30, 2025.

The exemplary program, which will start in Izmir, a city known for being a pioneer in sports and for its successes and victories not only in football but in many branches, will lay the groundwork for training the sports managers Turkey needs. The certificate program, with training starting in February, will consist of modules titled: ‘Introduction to Modern Sports Economics’, ‘Sports Ecosystem’, ‘Managing from Within’, ‘The Economics of Sports’, ‘Sports and Media’, ‘Legislation and Governance in Sports’, ‘Sports Technology and Entrepreneurship’, ‘Athlete Career and Brand Management’, and ‘Fan 4.0’.

REAL MATCH EXPERIENCE

At the end of the training, participants will conduct a field visit to a Göztepe match in the Super League to experience the fundamental knowledge they have acquired firsthand. This will provide participants with the opportunity to observe and practice all phases of match-day operations on site.

“IZMIR IS THE APPLE OF OUR EYE”

Stating that they attach great importance to Izmir in terms of both facilities and sports organizations, Former Minister of Youth and Sports, AK Party Izmir MP Dr. Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu said, “Our era's approach to sports necessitates that on-field performance be carried out along with off-field management capabilities. The sustainable structure of sports is only possible when marketing, communication, sponsorship, and all institutional components support the on-field organization. This approach ensures that sports professionals, as well as professional athletes, emerge as an important part of the process. Izmir is a city that has made landmark achievements in Turkish sports throughout its history. Izmir is the apple of our eye. We attach great importance to Izmir in terms of both facilities and sports organizations, and we see it as one of the most important centers of what we call the ‘Sports Revolution’; the worldwide successes our country has achieved in recent years, regardless of the branch.”

Dr. Kasapoğlu stated that the certificate program, prepared with the contributions of Izmir University of Economics and Göztepe Club in the field of sports management, will make very important contributions to national sports in terms of human resources, and wished great success to all participants in advance.

‘BEING WELL-MANAGED’ IS A NECESSITY

Mahmut Özgener, President of the Board of Trustees of Izmir University of Economics, stated that this certificate program is of great importance for the institutionalization of sports in Turkey and the strengthening of a culture of sustainable success. Expressing that sports should be addressed not only through on-field successes but also with corporate governance, communication, marketing, and the construction of sustainable structures, Özgener said, “We are very pleased to open the Sports Management Certificate Program, which we launched with the valuable support of Göztepe Sports Club, to participants from all over Turkey. The sports ecosystem is evolving into a more professional structure every day. For our clubs and sports institutions to build a strong future, there is a need for professionals who are dominant in the field, follow current approaches, and can manage with ethical values. I believe that this certificate program will improve the management culture in sports, bring qualified human resources to the sector, and make a concrete contribution to the career journeys of the participants.”

“IZMIR HAS SPORTS MEMORY AND DYNAMISM”

Noting that Izmir, with its strong sports culture, has serious experience and knowledge in every branch, Özgener said, “The fact that the certificate program is starting in Izmir has been particularly meaningful for us. We have initiated a new educational endeavor that will spread from our city to Turkey in a strategic area like sports management. Izmir's sports memory and dynamism make the professionalization vision targeted by this program even more valuable. Sports has become a major industry that generates economic value, creates employment, and establishes a strong communication ecosystem. Sports management requires establishing a corporate structure, managing the budget correctly, increasing brand value, conducting communication transparently and securely, and centering ethics and sustainability. We prepared the content of the certificate program with this awareness. I thank everyone who contributed to the implementation of the program and all our instructors separately.”

“WE ARE PROUD TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUTURE OF SPORTS MANAGEMENT FROM IZMIR”

Stating that Göztepe is a club that aims to set an example for Turkey not only on the field but in all areas of sports, Mehmet Sepil, Honorary President of Göztepe Sports Club, said, “The development of sports is possible with the right management approach and a sustainable vision. For this reason, I find the Sports Management Certificate Program, implemented together with Izmir University of Economics, very valuable. Izmir is a city that has left its mark on sports history. Göztepe is both the memory and the face looking towards the future of this city. It is also a source of pride for us that such an important certificate program is originated in Izmir. In a critical area like sports management, we will carry the knowledge and energy of our city to all four corners of Turkey.”

“I BELIEVE IT WILL SET AN EXAMPLE FOR TURKEY”

Sepil continued as follows: “I thank all the valuable academics who prepared the training and the expert names from the sports community who will contribute to the program. The opportunity to see Göztepe's match-day operations firsthand will be one of the most special aspects of the program. Investing in the future of sports is securing the tomorrow of our clubs. I sincerely believe that this program will be an example for all of Turkey from Izmir. I invite everyone aiming for professionalization in the sports community to join this valuable journey.”

“PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE WILL TURN INTO APPLICATION”

IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “I sincerely believe that the Sports Management Certificate Program, which we have constructed on micro-competencies and aim to strengthen academic knowledge with practice, will support professionalization in sports institutions and bring qualified human resources to the sports industry. The online training we will offer also aims to directly turn knowledge into application with current examples and practical approaches.”