About this episode

Polly Bancroft discusses her role as CEO of Grimsby Town and the club's impact on the local community.

Today, we are delighted to welcome one of the very few female CEO’s in the English Football League. Polly Bancroft spearheads the Grimsby Town revolution that has seen the club thrive across the board, currently vying for a place in the League Two play-off final. We recorded this a few days before the disappointing 2-1 first-leg loss of Grimsby’s play-off semi final with Salford, but it’s still all to play for going into Friday’s decider. Whether successful or not in the mission to get promoted, this conversation should leave you in little doubt that this is a football club with plenty to look forward to. It reminded me of two things: first that we have the most incredible footballing system in the world, and secondly that clubs really are the bedrock of communities. The second point may seem obvious, but listen to this. Listen to how influential Grimsby is to the local area and everyone in it. Polly’s job is of course to deliver success on the pitch, but it is also to support over 100,000 people in the local community, and she articulates the balance perfectly. From that incredible night against Manchester United earlier this season to ensuring the club is run as a sustainable…

People in this episode

Hosts: Charlie Stebbings, Harry Stebbings

Guest: Polly Bancroft

Topics covered

• female leadership in sports
• community impact of football clubs
• Grimsby Town's journey
• EFL promotion
• sustainable sports management

Keywords

• Polly Bancroft
• Grimsby Town
• EFL
• football leadership
• community engagement
• League Two
• sustainable business
• women in sports

Sponsors

Airwallex, Gemini

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Grimsby Town, Manchester United

Places: English Football League, League Two

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