Women in Football – Aslı E. Koç from Istanbul BFK
This interview features Aslı E. Koç, who is Head of Commercial, Marketing & Events department at İstanbul Başakşehir Futbol Kulübü (IBFK). The interview is part of our Women in Football campaign, creating visibility for women working in the football industry.
- What do you like the most about working in football?
The unity. Feeling of becoming. Realising that as humans, we’re all about emotions and we’re capable of feeling them all in just 90 mins.
And I particularly love being able to go beyond the Pitch. I really appreciate the chance given to me by the beautiful game, the creating, spreading good around community and leaving a mark driven by passion.
2. Was it difficult for you to make your way in football?
It was not easy for sure given the circumstances such as lacking of opportunites for women in this particular area but sometimes it makes you push to create your own chances rather than giving up.
Do push.
3. Did you have any (female) role models when you were younger?
I had/still have many and males are included as well, with their approach to life, to business and to the beautiful game.
But I have to specify one, a life long inspiration for me, she is my mother. A very strong woman and a great leader, positive, full of life and making her way in men dominant (other) business despite all inequalities.
4. Which advice would you give to a girl that would like to work in football?
To be honest, there are 2 options here: Go hard or go home.
Be smart, be patient, focus on your goals.
It’s in our blood to run with the wolfs.
5. What was the biggest challenge that you faced during your career?
This is absolutely the one I haven’t faced yet. What really matters here other than overcoming the difficulties is learning from them. Being a life long learner (LLL) turns out to be a major skill here.
6. What are the biggest changes that you have recognised when it comes to Women in football?
I see women are more passionate about working in this area. They’re standing there, very well qualified with full of confidence. And the market started embracing this after football went into a business. Now, there are more rooms here for us and it is seem to be considered not so extraordinary but natural. I love the way it is becoming.
