History History

...some people are at the bar, they think it's all over. It’s not!

history_illustration

Sports Podge celebrates its 11th anniversary this year. It is a unique lunch dedicated to the passion and personalities of sport.

The idea is to bump into old muckers, forge new bonds – maybe even strike the odd deal – but mostly to fiercely enjoy yourself without the distraction of auctions, awards, speeches etc. It’s like social networking but with real shoulders to rub, fine wine, excellent food thanks to the IoD’s award winning chef and not to mention an intimidating wall of bacon butties in the bar at tea time.

Indeed, great venues, superb food and a bar that never runs out have always been at the heart of these occasions, hence the name “podge”, so come ready to swell your tummy and your phonebook, meet some seriously influential people and make a few memories – and perhaps remember to pack a Rennie or two for the ride home.

This year’s theme is particularly close to my heart. I was sixteen when GB hosted the world cup in the UK and Bobby & Nobby played for my local team alongside Georgie Best, Denis Law & Co. Sir Alf Ramsey somehow put together and led an amazing line up of men to go to battle with some of the best players on the planet. When Bobby Moore held up that trophy at the end of the tournament it brought tears to our eyes and an amazing sense of pride.

If you are one of this year’s chosen few I look forward to welcoming you on May 6th.

Phil Jones

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Road to the final Road to the final

You’ve made it through the qualifiers,
now get ready for the group stage.

Institute of Directors
116 Pall Mall
London
SW1Y 5ED
DATE AND TIME
Friday 6th May
Warm up (Drinks) - 12:30pm
Kick off (Lunch) - 13:15pm

Players & Teams Players & Teams

Check out the Bobby’s, the Nobby’s,
the Lizzy’s and the World Cup Willie’s

Supporters Supporters

What a crowd.

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Serving business customers in more than 100 countries, we’re the first place creative and media professionals turn to discover, purchase and manage images and other digital content.

GETTYIMAGES.CO.UK

In 1966 Maserati celebrated its' 52nd anniversary, retiring from Grand Prix racing 9 years earlier as World Champions, Maserati was now fully focused on road car production; models such as the Sebring, Quattroporte 1, the Mistral and the Mexico. Maserati in 1966 was beyond the financial reach of the professional footballer. In 1966 the first Ghibli model was still a year from production, how poignant that fifty years later, the latest Ghibli is the current Maserati "best seller" at £49165.

MASERATI.CO.UK

Coutts is a private bank and a wealth manager with three centuries of experience in the management of the banking requirements of our clients, many of whom have represented the great, the good and the successful, and all of whom have appreciated the fact that they are dealing with expert bankers who have always been there to provide them with objective and practical advice.

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Infosys is a global leader in consulting, technology, and outsourcing and next-generation services. We enable clients in more than 50 countries to outperform the competition and stay ahead of the innovation curve. With US$9.21 bn in LTM Q3 FY16 revenues and 193,000+ employees, we are helping enterprises renew themselves while also creating new avenues to generate value.

INFOSYS.COM

The Sport Practice at PSD has an outstanding track record of delivering high profile executive search and recruitment assignments for a wide range of sports businesses across the globe.

PSDGROUP.COM

We are very grateful for the support of the team at Crowe Clark Whitehill, experts in providing expert advice in audit, tax and advisory services to charities, not for profit, corporate business, professional practice, pension funds and private clients.

Their network extends to 167 accountancy firms in 109 countries, all driven by partner involvement and a focus on relationship. Podge Events is one of their clients as are several of the sports podge guests.

CROWEHORWATH.NET/UK

Founded in 1995, Cubo is an integrated creative agency, working across multiple disciplines to help solve business problems through creative brand engagement. We believe the most effective way to grow brands is to help them make a positive contribution to people’s lives.

CUBO.COM

Tommy is a London based digital creative agency. We work with agencies, brands, companies and individuals alike. We believe in developing strategies to acquire and grow customers through rich, valuable digital experiences underpinned by technical excellence.

THISISTOMMY.COM

Dave Marrable and Dave Hallam at Hub London always do a fantastic job in record-breaking time on our print collateral. The Hub London bring together decades of experience they provide a unique total print/media solution for clients and have been the official print partner of sportspodge since the first one at Langan’s in 2006.

THEHUBLONDON.CO.UK

ICON delivers branding and live events for our clients in high profile sport, corporate, commercial and retail environments. More than half the world’s population has seen our work.

ICON-WORLD.OM/EN

Legends Legends

4-4-2, Jumpers for goal posts

legend
Joe Calzaghe, CBE, MBE I flew in from New York in the morning of the lunch and had thought about phoning ahead to cancel. I am so glad I decided to attend what was a fantastic sporting lunch, I met some great people from the sports industry and would have no hesitation in recommending it to other leaders in the world of sport.
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Clare Balding OBE I loved my first Sports Podge. Relaxed, refreshing and reassuring to know that people are the most fun to be with, it was the perfect antidote to a long night of watching election results. I had a wonderful time, drank far too much and realised I had when I suggested a floating stadium to a stadium designer. He was very sweet not to dismiss it out of hand.
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Victoria Pendleton CBE I really enjoyed the Sports Podge lunch. It’s wonderful to have so many people from across the whole of the sports industry in one room for what is a relaxed, informal, and very enjoyable event. I’m looking forward to being there again this year.
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Bill Sweeney, Chief Executive, British Olympic Association I always enjoy Sportspodge days, one of the benefits of returning to London is to be able to attend on a more regular basis. It’s a highly knowledgeable attendee group and the atmosphere is relaxed, convivial, being highly informative and productive.
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Dame Kelly Holmes, DBE, MBE (Mil.) Thank you for the invite to the Sports Podge Event, it was very enjoyable. It was a real pleasure to meet people with such a variety of perspectives on sport, in a relaxed atmosphere, over an excellent lunch in an impressive venue. Thank you also for your support to Commonwealth Games England, it is very much appreciated.
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Mark Hunter MBE, Olympic Gold & Silver Medal My first time at the Sports Podge lunch will forever be ingrained in my memory, and I can't wait to return to experience many more. There are many sport and media events out there, but Sports Podge sets itself apart with a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere where there is no hidden agenda. You have the opportunity to make new friends and contacts as you mingle with the unique attendees, while also getting the chance to meet old mates and catch up. It's always an honor to be invited and a pleasure to attend.
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Terry Venables, Managed England, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur Just to say thank you very much for the invitation to Sports Podge. I really enjoyed the day. The food was delicious, and it was fascinating to meet such a vast array of interesting people. It was a very well organised function and it would be a privilege to be invited again.
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Karen Wallin, Chief Executive Special Olympics I've only missed one Sportspodge lunch in 9 years – it is a great networking opportunity for anyone with a passion in sport set in informal and fun surroundings – not forgetting the great food and amazing service of course!
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Mick Fitzgerald, Grand National & Cheltenham Gold Cup winner I thoroughly enjoyed my first sports podge lunch, so much so that I am begging to be added to the list for next year! It was not what I expected and found myself in the company of an array of professionals from all walks of life & the time whizzed by which meant I almost missed my train. I would recommend it to everyone given the opportunity to attend.
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Anna-Marie Phelps CBE, Chairman, British Rowing Sportspodge is one of the highlights of the year. Thank you again, I love the relaxed, fun atmosphere, great food and wine, and Knowing everyone is as keen to catch up as to make new friends, and all are deadly serious about sport: makes it a must-do.
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Richard Bevan, Chief Executive, League Managers Association The Sports Podge lunch is a fantastic event providing a great opportunity to mix business with pleasure! One of the best sports networking dinners that always lives up to expectations.
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Laura Wright, Sports Soprano I’ve performed at Sports Podge twice now and every year they bring something so unique to the table. I’m a singer first and foremost but an incredibly passionate and competitive sportswoman, so to be surrounded by other like minded souls who are flying the flag for British Sport is not only important but infectious. The atmosphere at each event is fun and relaxed and I’ve made so many friends and contacts. If you’re in the business of sport, it’s an event not to be missed!
Joe Calzaghe, CBE, MBE I flew in from New York in the morning of the lunch and had thought about phoning ahead to cancel. I am so glad I decided to attend what was a fantastic sporting lunch, I met some great people from the sports industry and would have no hesitation in recommending it to other leaders in the world of sport.