Chris Busey: Why a Lack of Diversity is Bad for the Game

Today’s episode, I’m joined by Chris Busey.


Chris is vice president of DEI & Community Impact at the
United Soccer League.


A league which recently launched its signature diversity, equity
and inclusion program: USL Forward. This multi-dimensional,
leaguewide initiative prioritizes professional development for
technical staff, league and club executives with the intention of
increasing racial and gender diversity in leadership roles
throughout the USL’s ecosystem.


Having previously spent time in academia, including at Texas
State and the University of Florida, where he was an assistant
and then associate professor, Busey only more recently made the
move over to the world of professional sport, an area that he
describes as the ‘last frontier'.


Time Stamps


4:00 - Chris’ Journey from Academia to the USL


6:00 - The DEI Backlash 


10:00 - Applying an Understanding of Racial Tensions to a
Professional Sporting Environment


17:00 - The 'Danny Rose' Example


21:00 - Applying the Theories Beyond Head Coaching Roles 


24:00 - Addressing the Idea of a "Business Case" for DEI


28:00 - What About Diversity of Thought and Experience? 


31:00 - Debunking the 'Box Ticking' Argument


36:00 - The USL Forward Program Explained


38:00 - The Importance of 'Equity'


40:00 - Magnifying Mistakes





United Soccer League Launches USL Forward to Increase Access and
Opportunity Across USL Ecosystem


Dr. Christopher Busey on USL's Initiatives: Making Soccer
Inclusive and Diverse | Morning Footy on CBS Sports Golazo


Making Diversity and Inclusion in Football a lot less Merky 


Getting Serious About Diversity: Enough Already with the Business
Case
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Connect with Andy on LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here