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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!

"Working in sport is challenging but incredibly rewarding—each role has shaped who I am today." - Mal Impiombato

Meet Mal Impiombato, the General Manager of Football for Western United FC.

Mal oversees all football operations, from player recruitment to the strategic direction of teams across men’s, women’s, and academy levels. Under his leadership, Western United has made significant strides, including championship victories and innovative approaches to building a strong community connection.

With a career spanning roles in the National Soccer League, Football Australia, and multiple A-League startups, Mal brings unparalleled experience in navigating the challenges of building football organisations from the ground up. His journey includes pivotal contributions to competitions like the Australia Cup and key roles in international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup.

For job hunters, this interview is a masterclass in persistence, networking, and finding your unique edge in the sports industry. Learn how to break into sports, navigate career transitions, and embrace opportunities—even during challenging times.

🔥 Quickfire Questions

1. What inspired you to work in sport?
   Growing up, I loved playing football. It was my first passion, and I always wanted to stay connected to the game.

2. What was your first ever sports-related role?
   Administration Officer at South Melbourne during the National Soccer League era.

3. After high school, what extra study did you do?
   I studied at Victoria University in Melbourne while balancing football and academic commitments.

4. What’s one interview question you ask candidates?
   “What’s your point of difference compared to other candidates?”

5. A book or podcast recommendation that's helped your career?
   Continuous learning through networking and short courses has been my main approach.

6. If you could try another job in sport for a day, what would it be?
   A role in AFL, to understand how Australia’s biggest commercial sport operates.

🔥 Quickfire Journey

1. Passion for Football - Played and aspired to a professional football career.

2. Education - Studied at Victoria University, balancing sport and academics.

3. Early Work - Field placements and voluntary roles at Melbourne Knights and South Melbourne FC.

4. Professional Experience - Transitioned to roles at Football Victoria, Wellington Phoenix, and Football Australia.

5. Leadership in new clubs - Key roles in the launch of MacArthur Bulls and Western United.

6. Western United FC - Progressed to General Manager of Football, driving team success and community engagement.

💬 Quotes from Mal

"Football has given me opportunities I never imagined, from local clubs to global tournaments."

"I always had an ambition to be involved in sport, even when the path wasn’t clear."

"It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about learning every day and working as a team."

"Networking is everything in sport—one conversation can open doors you never knew existed."

"Starting a football club from scratch is a unique opportunity to build something meaningful."

"I’ve been lucky to help shape football in Australia, but there’s always more to learn."

"Community is at the heart of what we do; football is more than just a game."

"Working in sport is challenging but incredibly rewarding—each role has shaped who I am today."

"The beautiful game evolves constantly, and so must we to keep it thriving."

"Success comes from being culturally aligned, both on and off the field."

Career Journey: How did Mal get here?

Early Passion for Football

Mal’s love for football began at a young age. He played competitively, dreaming of becoming a professional player. As he grew older, he recognised the challenges and uncertainties of pursuing football as a career, leading him to consider other ways to stay involved in the game he loved.

Education and Volunteering

While studying at Victoria University, Mal balanced his academic pursuits with football. His field placements at Melbourne Knights and South Melbourne FC were pivotal in gaining hands-on experience. Volunteering taught him the importance of being proactive and immersing himself in the environment he wanted to work in.

Transition to Professional Roles

Mal’s first full-time role was as an Administration Officer at South Melbourne FC during the National Soccer League era. Here, he handled everything from general office work to operations, which laid the foundation for his understanding of sports administration. He later moved to the Victorian Soccer Federation, overseeing competitions across all levels and learning to navigate the challenges of working with amateur clubs and volunteers.

Breakthrough with Wellington Phoenix

In 2007, Mal joined the newly formed Wellington Phoenix as Football Operations Manager. This role marked his entry into professional football management, overseeing travel logistics, contracts, and player recruitment. Over six years, he evolved into a managerial role, deepening his expertise in football operations.

National Impact at Football Australia

Returning to Australia in 2013, Mal joined Football Australia, where he played a significant role in implementing the National Premier Leagues and organising the Australia Cup. His involvement in the FIFA World Cups (2014 and 2018) and the 2015 Asian Cup provided valuable international exposure, further honing his leadership and operational skills.

Building Startups and Community Connections

Mal’s journey continued with leadership roles at MacArthur Bulls and Western United. At Western United, he has been instrumental in building the club’s identity and strengthening its community ties. His efforts include creating a state-of-the-art training facility and fostering a culture of excellence across all football programs.

Role Overview: What does a General Manager of Football actually involve?

Mal’s role as General Manager of Football at Western United is multifaceted, covering strategic, operational, and community aspects.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Direction: Mal defines and implements the club’s football philosophy, aligning it with values and goals. He ensures that Western United’s men’s, women’s, and academy teams operate cohesively, with a long-term vision for success both on and off the field.

Recruitment and Development: Player recruitment is central to Mal’s role. He carefully evaluates talent, oversees contract negotiations, and ensures the squad is equipped to compete at the highest level. Nurturing young players through the academy system and integrating them into the senior team are key priorities.

Operational Oversight: Mal manages the daily operations of the football departments, working closely with team managers to streamline logistics and ensure optimal performance. This includes everything from travel arrangements to staff coordination across coaching, medical, and performance teams.

Community Engagement: Mal actively drives initiatives to embed Western United in the local community. He collaborates with schools, clubs, and stakeholders to build lasting connections, enhance grassroots participation, and cultivate a strong fan base

Questions asked by Members

1. How did you break into your first role in sport?

2. What challenges did you face during your transition to professional football management?

3. How do you use data analytics in player recruitment?

4. What’s your approach to building and leading a successful team?

5. How do you balance community engagement with global competitiveness?

6. What skills are essential for someone aspiring to a leadership role in sports?

7. How do you handle setbacks in your career?

8. What’s your advice for young job seekers in the sports industry?

9. How do you stay updated on global trends in football?

10. What’s been your proudest achievement at Western United?

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