The social hangout for the football industry
Where it started
London
Since 2018 · 1,000+ guests
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Launch night
UAE
Dubai · Sunday 13 December 2026
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Launch night
Dubai UAE
Sunday 13 December 20266pm – 10pmLocation TBC
Where it started
London UK
Since 2018 · 1,000+ guestsNext night coming soon
What is Soccer Social
The sole purpose of Soccer Social is to create a social hangout for the football industry. It gives guests the chance to network and connect with experts within the game.
An informal evening built around good company, where guests mix, talk football and grow their network.
Guest speakers share their football journeys, then the floor opens for your questions.
Meet people you can call on next week, next season and beyond.
Past guest speakers
Over 1,000 people have attended Soccer Social, and more than 40 guests from across the game have shared their football journeys, each giving up their evening for free.
Where it started
The first Soccer Social took place on 8 April 2018 at Ten Em Bee in South London. It grew into a regular night for the football industry, with sell-out editions at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park, Goals Beckenham, Fulham's Craven Cottage and Leyton Orient.
During lockdown the conversation moved online with 20 Instagram Live talks. Now the same spirit is coming to the UAE.
Gallery
From Ten Em Bee to Selhurst Park, Craven Cottage and Leyton Orient.
Launch nightThe format
Guests arrive, check in on the guestlist and begin connecting over a welcome drink.
Our opening guest shares their journey through the game, followed by a live audience Q&A.
A fresh perspective from another corner of the industry, followed by a live audience Q&A.
Our final guest of the evening closes the speaker programme, followed by a live audience Q&A.
Networking, live music and giveaways to round off the night.
All guest speakers will be announced on our socials. Follow @thesoccersocial to be the first to know.
Founder
Former Head of Talent ID & Academy Recruitment, Al Jazira Football Club
James started Soccer Social in London in 2018 with the sole purpose of connecting the football industry, giving people across the game a relaxed place to meet industry experts. The events were predominantly held in South London and brought more than 1,000 guests together.
His career spans more than 15 years across the UK, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He has owned his own schools coaching company and private academies, coached in professional football academies, worked as a senior scout, and served as National Football Scouting Manager in Saudi Arabia on one of the Ministry of Sport's most prestigious projects. He also co-hosted the 2020 Danish Football Conference and has run international football tournaments and tours.
Formerly Head of Talent Identification & Academy Recruitment at Al Jazira Football Club, working alongside City Football Group through a consultancy partnership. James is now working at Al Wasl Football Club.
With extensive experience across the football industry in the UAE and wider Gulf region, James is passionate about connecting people, building relationships and bringing the football community together through collaboration, networking and shared opportunities.
Connect on LinkedInVenues, partners & sponsors
Put your brand in the room with the people who run football in the region. Launch partner, drinks partner and gifting packages are available.
Launch night · DubaiNext London night
Places are limited so every conversation counts. Add your name and we'll send you the venue, timings and first access to tickets.
London is where it all started. Add your name and you'll be first to hear the date, venue and speakers for the next London night.
Speakers, venue and ticket news go out on Instagram first.
Follow @thesoccersocialQuestions
Most guests work in or around the game. If you're building a career in football, or your business serves it, you're welcome.
Of course. Plenty of people come solo, and our hosts will help introduce you.
We'll announce the launch-night line-up on Instagram first. Past speakers have come from Chelsea, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Millwall, AFC Wimbledon, SC Heerenveen and more.
Yes. Ask each person to join the guestlist so we can save them a place.
Smart casual. We want every guest to feel comfortable networking with colleagues across the industry.
Yes, we're looking for launch partners in the UAE. Message us on Instagram @thesoccersocial to talk.