Introduction
Soccer is one of the most popular games in the world characterized by beauty, honesty, and passion. However, a significant degree of controversy in the ways soccer players are depicted in the media tend to create a negative image of the game of millions. The prevalence of the discussions concerning gambling, match-fixing, financial issues, and controversial stories about soccer stars make people develop quite a peculiar attitude towards this kind of sport (Lamberti and Hyatt 183). It is possible to state that there is a growing gap between soccer players and fans who are bombarded by various messages focusing on controversies rather than real things. Soccer Studio is the platform that can bridge this gap and contribute to sustainable development of the game (Soccer Studio). This paper provides information on the organization and includes an analysis of its input as well as the ways the project can be further developed.
Educate
Soccer Studio is a non-profit organization that has been operating since 2000 and focuses on European soccer. The key goal of the company is to “transmit real information without creating negative facts about” European soccer players (Soccer Studio). It has been acknowledged that the game has a substantial impact on people’s minds especially when it comes to the youth (Sonntag 166). One of these effects is linked to people’s national identity since national clubs and individual soccer players are regarded as iconic representatives of the entire country. Players are also role models for many people. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the information appearing in the media (the major channel of information dissemination) is trustworthy and reliable.
It is also critical to concentrate on meaningful and relevant aspects of players’ life instead of trying to reveal secrets or uncover scandals. Besides, soccer players’ voices are often silenced, which leads to the spread of distorted facts and negative attitudes. Baena argues that successful soccer players have been turned into brands, which adds confusion and controversy (4). Soccer Studio serves as the platform for sharing trustworthy information about soccer players. European players have been interviewed to express their perspectives on different issues or simply share the latest news. During their interviews, top players revealed their attitude towards press conferences that are often linked to controversy (Soccer Studio). European soccer players are glad to be able to share their ideas that will be directly transmitted to their fans.
Encourage
One of the characteristic features of soccer is the emotional load the game has. At the same time, people often concentrate on negative messages and facts ranging from their favorite clubs’ defeats to financial frauds or misbehavior. Castellano and Khelladi argue that social media are instrumental in spreading negative messages and controversy (63). It is noteworthy that such trends remain unnoticed until it is rather too late and the entire world is trying to stigmatize soccer players for their political agendas (West). Fans and the general public simply discuss messages that are put forward by the media. By doing so, people contribute to the development of a very specific image of soccer players and the overall game.
However, each user of a social network should try to be more responsible and think about the consequences of their likes or their tweets. People should acknowledge their power and use it properly. Instead of mere blaming soccer players for their poor performance, financial gains, or immoral behavior, fans and the general public could try to listen to athletes’ stories and their arguments. Soccer Studio is the digital platform for sharing trustworthy information. The non-profit organization addresses soccer players and transmits true facts and clear messages to the public. The website can become the hub for people who want to speak about real soccer and learn about it. Some fans are rather passive in disseminating facts but are active when it comes to controversies and scandals. At the same time, it is evident that soccer is doomed to turn into another aspect of politics or even show business if such attitudes persist. People should try to bring back the glory of this sport by concentrating on truth, transparency, and responsibility.
Empower
It may seem that this mission is impossible due to the nature of the contemporary sport and the trends existing in the society. Nevertheless, each person can become an agent of change contributing to the revival of soccer. Soccer Studio will be a certain kind of mediator that will funnel myriads of messages to create a strong and trustworthy data base of facts and true attitudes. The organization posts interviews transcripts that provide soccer players’ views on various issues. Hence, soccer fans or any other stakeholders can send the managers of the company their questions that will be processed and used during interviews. In simple terms, the public will not simply spread controversy but will set some questions that will be answered in a sincere way.
Another way to promote facts and transparency is the discussion of stories shared through Soccer Studio. The use of social media will be beneficial in this case. Users will provide links to exact interviews and other materials published through the organization’s website. More and more people will learn about the company and its goals. Raising people’s awareness of Soccer Studios may have numerous outcomes. Apart from the spread of trustworthy first-hand information, people will understand that the prevalence of controversy and negative messages can be overcome. The organization in question focuses on European players, but the scope of messages can be gradually broadened through the creation of new platforms and extensions to the existing ones. International players, soccer clubs and leagues can also benefit from the dissemination of real facts.
Conclusion
To sum up, it is necessary to note that sharing positive messages and trustworthy information is instrumental in making soccer the game it used to be. Soccer Studios can become the pioneer in this process as the organization provides a platform for sharing messages. Soccer players receive an opportunity to tell the whole truth about themselves and their experiences while fans and other stakeholders can develop a clear understanding of the peculiarities of the game as well as the entire sports industry. It is important to add that Soccer Studio is not a mere instrument of knowledge sharing but a facilitator of the change. Those who access the posted materials will also become the agents of change as they will contribute to the spread of true facts. Similar platforms can be developed in different countries and regions, as well as kinds of sports. The media will serve as the channel for the dissemination of positive messages rather than the persistence of controversy.
Works Cited
Baena, Verónica. “Getting Brand Commitment Through Internet and Mobile Sports Marketing: An Insight on Real Madrid Football Team.” Sports Media, Marketing, and Management: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice, edited by Information Resources Management Association, IGI Global, 2018, pp. 1-17.
Castellano, Sylvaine, and Insaf Khelladi. “Play It Like Beckham! The Influence of Social Networks on E-Reputation – The Case of Sportspeople and Their Online Fan Base.” Sports Media, Marketing, and Management: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice, edited by Information Resources Management Association, IGI Global, 2018, pp. 62-81.
Lamberti, Adriano M., and Craig Hyatt. “When the beautiful game turns ugly.” Football Industry: Marketing Perspectives, edited by James J. Zhang and Brenda G. Pitts, Routledge, 2018, pp. 183-209.
Soccer Studio. Soccer Studio: Home, 2018, Web.
Sonntag, Albrecht. “Smart Consumers and Hopeless Romantics.” Science and Football VIII: The Proceedings of the Eighth World Congress on Science and Football Held 15-16 February 2016 at Griffith University, edited by Jens Bangsbo et al., Routledge, 2016, pp. 161-169.
West, Andy. “Catalan Referendum: How FC Barcelona Found Themselves at Centre of Issue.”BBC. 2017, Web.