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Our Performance Practice helps clients acquire specialist technical/performance talent such as performance, technical and sporting directors, talent identification and scouting specialists, sports medicine and science specialists.

We source candidates from a global pool, with offices in London, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. To see a sample of some of the roles we have successfully worked on, please click here and to read more about what our clients think of us please click here.

A selection of completed assignments:

• Sporting Director – Newcastle United
• Sporting Director – Aston Villa
• Sporting Director – Tottenham Hotspur
• General Manager – Bay FC
• Sporting Director – RCD Mallorca
• Sporting Director – AS Monaco
• Sporting Director – Royal Union Saint-Gilloise
• Sporting Director – Vancouver Whitecaps
• Sporting Director – Houston Dynamo
• Sporting Director – Philadelphia Union
• Sporting Director – Watford
• Academy Director – Manchester City
• Performance Director – The LTA
• Technical Director – Tottenham Hotspur
• Technical Director – The English Football Association
• Technical Director – Brighton & Hove Albion
• General Manager – Houston Dash
• Women’s Sporting Director – Manchester City
• Women’s Performance Director – Manchester City
• Women’s Head Coach – Arsenal
• Women’s Head Coach – Brighton & Hove Albion
• Head Coach – Kansas City Current
• Head Coach – Houston Dash
• Director of Football – The English Premier League
• Director of Football Operations – Arsenal
• Director of Coaching – Arsenal
• Club Doctor – Liverpool
• Chief Scout – Manchester United
• Women’s Head of Recruitment – Brighton & Hove Albion
• Head of Player Recruitment – Southampton
• Head of Player Development – Southampton
• Head of Men’s Performance – The Football Association
• Director of Performance Services (Group) – City Football Group
• Director of High Performance – Columbus Crew SC
• Performance Director – New York City FC

“Nolan Partners / Excel Sports Management have been key partners in our transformation and success. They are real partners, inherently collaborative professionals who truly listen. This allows them to tailor their approach and find candidates who can thrive in our unique circumstances. Together, we’ve hired top leadership across marketing, revenue, legal, and stadium operations. They are my go-to partner on senior leadership and I’ve never doubted that they had the success of my organization as their main priority.”

Jason Wright
President, Washington Commanders

“I tell everyone that the search we did together was the best recruitment of talent in my career.”

Stacey Allaster
Chief Executive, Professional Tennis

“Nolan Partners have earned the position as our go to firm. they’ve distinguished themselves by really listening to our needs and objectives and translating that input into the presentation of compelling slates of candidates.”

Larry S Freedman
Co-President and Chief Business Officer, Los Angeles Football Club

“Nolan Partners is outstanding. They placed our CEO at USA Cycling. They were a pleasure to work with. Nolan Partners has a superior scope and track record in sports and entertainment.”

Bob Stapleton
Former Board Chair of USA Cycling

“Nolan Partners is world-class. They have served as both recruiters and business consultants for our most critical roles. Nolan Partners has helped us fill key leadership roles across partnerships, strategy, and marketing, most recently assisting us in hiring our Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer. We are delighted with the outcome and look forward to future searches with Nolan Partners.”

Dave Jenkins
Chief Operating Officer of Haslam Sports Group (Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew)
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