About David
Hi, I’m David Pauwels. I help club leaders and academy directors build legacy clubs and raise the next generation of football talent.
After experiencing the ins and outs of elite youth football as a 1st division youth player and coach in the early 2000's, I decided to dive in deeper.
I joined Double Pass early (as employee #6) where I, over the course of more than 12 years, co-initiated flagship projects with the Premier League, Bundesliga and the Belgian FA, while simultaneously pursuing a PhD (doctoral thesis) in football management at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
My research there uncovered the exact factors that are critical for achieving success in talent development and profitability in professional football clubs. Leveraging this research I went on to advise and guide clubs worldwide like Clube de Regatas de Flamengo, Glasgow Rangers, Yokohama Marinos, Locomotiv Moskou, Dynamo Zagreb, and many more.
Following a successful stint as Sports Business Director at Belgian first division team FCV Dender, I then joined FIFA 3 years ago to take a leading role within their High Performance department, while also lecturing at the Real Madrid University.
My main fields of expertise are Club and Youth Academy Strategy & Structure, Club Management & ROI, and Talent Identification & Development.
In 20 years of on-field consulting and advising elite clubs worldwide, I've witnessed how many clubs miss out on millions in potential income, talent and titles due to inefficient youth academy management.
Don’t become one of those clubs. Let me help you avoid making the same mistakes as them.
Contact me today.
If you’d like to discuss the Premium Club Analysis for your club, you can save time and directly book a call with me here.
For all other inquiries, please use the form below.
I aim to reply during business days within 48 hours.
My services for club and academy leaders
Premium Club Analysis
A thorough club analysis resulting in a detailed objective desk report, providing an international benchmark and a concrete road map to improve the clubs’ business model.
Lectures & keynotes
Engaging and informative sessions introducing the
ideal club model, best practices and ways to
implement the model.