Karl Sharman

Tell us a little about your career so far.

I started in coaching, working in community programmes at Chelsea FC and Southampton FC, before moving into Southampton FC Academy focusing on the U8s.

From there, voluntary scouting roles for Wolves and the Northern Ireland national team led to my first big break: Head of Talent at AFC Wimbledon.

I then became Head of U13-U21 Recruitment at Crystal Palace before moving to Cambridge United as Chief Scout leading first-team recruitment in League Two. However, I progressed too quickly, and it didn't quite work out.

After spells at Ebbsfleet United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Woking, I left football for talent and recruitment in technology, splitting time between the UK and US. That led me into venture capital, joining $1 billion fund Forgepoint Capital as Head of Talent. These experiences and the network I built brought me to where I am now: CEO of Loudoun United and Virginia Revolution.

What does your role involve day-to-day?

I'm CEO of USL Championship franchise Loudoun United, which also owns Virginia Revolution (youth academy), Segra Field (5,000-seater stadium) and RavenTek Park (national training facility). Formed in 2018, we're still a newer franchise building our identity and fan base. It's a unique project. With a youth system of over 3,000 families and infrastructure improvements over the next 2-3 years, we're aiming to build one of the most impactful franchises in the US.

What are you working on at the moment, and what excites you most about it?

The stadium enhancement is a key project for the club and community's future. Better infrastructure will support our growth and attract other teams and events, benefiting the community. We're also planning to deliver a professional women's team, which will be an exciting achievement and the next chapter in this journey.

What made your course lecturers stand out?

My course lecturers were more like mentors and coaches. They guided me through the university experience, opened doors and gave me the expertise to set me up for the workplace. They were also incredibly personable and experts in their field.

Did your studies help prepare you for a career in the industry?

Yes. I gained real-life experience alongside theory through my lectures and studies, and the subjects on the course gave me relevant insight into the sector. Solent supported me with coaching opportunities at Southampton FC and voluntary scouting for the Northern Ireland national team, which led directly to my first job. Many degrees and universities don't offer that kind of support. It taught me that opening doors and building relationships is crucial to success.

What did you enjoy most about being a Solent student?

Sport and social life were highlights. I still speak to many people I lived with or studied alongside. That's why people should go to university. I was fortunate to be Head Coach of the football team in years two and three. Life as a Solent student was never dull. There was always something to do and people to meet, with sport just one part of that. Facilities were brilliant too. Test Park is a unique venue for coaching and scouting.

What advice would you give to someone wanting a career in your industry?

Learn the skills to win friends. That's what opens doors. But it's your knowledge and ability to influence people that keeps you there. That's how you secure career longevity and fast-track your way up the ladder. Getting your first job really comes down to your network and how well you can influence people. I applied to over 150 jobs in my third year, got just nine interviews and two offers, before accepting AFC Wimbledon.