TGI Sport, Account Manager

Hello, welcome to SportsGrad! 👋 

Here you’ll find interviews with (almost) every job in the sports industry.
We ask people living the dream:
“How did you get your job?” and “What does it actually involve?”
So that you can land a dream job in sports too.

Enjoy!

“Like an athlete, you can’t just wait for a contract. You’ve got to work harder than everyone else to earn your spot.” - Nathan Perrone

Meet Nathan Perrone, Account Manager at TGI Sport.
Nathan works with some of Australia’s top sporting codes to bring their home venues to life. From managing LED signage to executing matchday branding and partner activations, he’s the guy helping rights holders deliver polished, engaging live experiences fans see every week on TV and in stadiums.

With previous experience at Western United and Collingwood FC, Nathan has steadily climbed through the commercial and operations side of the game. He’s taken on everything from stakeholder servicing and supplier management to coordinating signage production. Along the way, he’s had some incredible moments pitchside, including celebrating a league title with Western United.

If you’re trying to land a job in sport but feel stuck sending out applications with no response, Nathan’s story shows how to build momentum without relying on a full-time role. You’ll learn how volunteering and being bold helped him stand out, build the right relationships, and avoid the trap of relying too much on a degree. If you're hesitant to put yourself out there, this interview gives you the mindset and the playbook to start taking action.

🔥 Quick Fire Questions

1. What inspired you to work in sport?

   Many instances growing up whether it being a fan or participating in sport, I just loved everything about it and wanted it to be a career if I couldn’t be a player. Football, Aussie Rules and Cricket were my main passions growing up and supported likes of Collingwood and Liverpool.

2. What was your first ever sports-related role?

   Volunteer Membership Assistant on game days for Collingwood in March 2018

3. After High School, what extra study did you do?

   Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)

4. What's one interview question you were asked to answer for the job you're in?

   Tell us about a time where your morales were challenged in a working environment?

5. A book or podcast recommendation that's helped your career?

   SportsGrad Podcast

6. If you could try another job in sport for a day, what would it be?

   GM Football / Sporting Director

What exactly does your job involve?

Working with rights holders to bring their home venues to life primarily with LED and Static Signage.

What are some of the responsibilities of your role?

Account Management with LED playlist and content, Accreditation Management for staff and contractors, Account Management for static signage production, Invoicing and financial support.

What does your career journey look like?

1. Sales and assistant manager at Plus Fitness

2. Mix of volunteer experiences in sport

3. Stakeholder Services Officer at AFL

4. Commercial Partnerships at Western United

What do you think makes it difficult to get a job in the sports industry?

People aren’t willing to go the extra mile to earn the job. Like an athlete, you can’t sit around waiting for a contract or a full time job, you’ve got to work harder than so many others to get the prize you seek. Have to make sacrifices and go the extra mile, a degree or completing a course guarantees nothing.

How did you decide what career direction to take?

Did my research in Year 10/11 and found sport management degrees and at that point I was all in on the atar to get into Deakin Uni and see where it took me. Going to India and Chicago in 2019 through uni transformed my career and highlighted to me that it’s where I want to be long term.

Can you recall a sliding-doors moment where a connection changed the trajectory of your career?

There’s so many in this story but ultimately it’s meeting Andrew Pirchan and interviewing him on the sports bubble podcast in early 2021. Played a pivotal role in helping me land at Western United and being a mentor for me.

When you landed your job, what do you think made you stand out?

Diversified experiences, relationships with staff/suppliers at company I was moving to, potential (showing potential that they can capitalise on and keep you longer term).

What advice would you give to your younger-self to help them take action?

Say yes to any added opportunities you have available and seek out more opportunities too. Get uncomfortable and connect with people to show your true self, eagerness to learn and capacity to be a elite operator.

What’s your #1 ‘pinch me’ moment working in sport?

Being on the pitch at the final whistle when Western United lifted the trophy in 2022 as a staff member of the club.

What do you think your life would look like if you hadn't pursued a career in sport?

I love my health, fitness and wellbeing so probably working somewhere in those fields.