Watford FC x Odisha FC: Clubs Engage In Knowledge Sharing Sessions

Watford FC announced an International Club Partnership with Indian Super League side Odisha FC in September 2021, with plans to work together to mutually benefit the two clubs on and off the pitch.

As part of the collaboration, the teams behind the scenes at both clubs have held regular online calls to share knowledge and grow content. Using the experience of the digital team at Watford FC, advice and information has been presented on these calls in order to grow the presence of Odisha in the football world.

The series of knowledge sharing sessions have so far included Watford’s marketing teams for the men’s and women’s sides, the content team, and the retail team.

During the productive and creative meetings, each team gave valuable information and advice on growing a football club from a digital, marketing and commercial perspective with the focus on informing and building a key partnership with Odisha.

Odisha FC’s Head of Football Operations Abhik Chatterjee aims to implement and apply the knowledge shared in these consultations to further Odisha’s prospects in India and around the globe.

Chatterjee said: “Our partnership with Watford FC has opened up several opportunities for synergies and knowledge transfer sessions. We have been delighted to participate in several exceptionally useful workshops conducted by Watford FC that have covered areas like digital media, marketing and retail functionalities.

“The opportunity to interact with our peers and learn best practices has been refreshing and we aim to put everything that we absorbed to good use over the upcoming seasons.”

Rohan Shukla, Watford FC’s International Marketing Officer, expressed his delight at the partnership’s success. He said: “With the goal being to bring forward technical assistance in the form of knowledge across various departments, we set off on a journey to make a difference.

“With the virtual sessions we wanted to kickstart a process where we can showcase our structure and help Odisha FC grow as they look to establish themselves in the ISL. I am pleased to see the progress shown so far, but this is just the beginning as we look to help them develop while also learning from them when it comes to certain regional aspects.”

Shivani Sahu, who is the General Secretary and co-founder of the Women’s Wing of The Juggernauts [Odisha FC's official fan group], was particularly pleased with the information gathered from Watford’s women’s marketing team.

Sahu said: “The Juggernauts have gained tremendous momentum in their female base and are the only fan army in India to have an active and separate female wing, whose main agenda revolves around the development of women’s football.

“It goes without saying that the road wasn't smooth, yet a lot of setbacks were undone by the Watford FC partnership through their knowledge sharing session and the ongoing discussions about organising a month-long online academy for the young and aspiring female footballers of Odisha.

“With these hurdles cleared, we look to stay in constant contact to develop the female wing.”