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In our latest staff Q&A, we find out about Sam Wilson, Director of Operations

Which athlete do you think demonstrated the strongest mindset under pressure?

Ben Stokes. Headingley. August 2019. An unbelievable display of character, stamina, and calculated risk taking under pressure to win a match single-handed and keep the Ashes alive. I regularly revisit the TV highlights and Test Match Special commentary of the final hour of this match to relive the drama and pure joy I felt as Stokes slowly took his team towards victory. And to see the Aussies’ faces as he was doing it

What’s your favourite sports tournament and why?

I have fallen in and out of love with football over my adult life and generally think there’s far too much of it now, but there is still something magical about a football World Cup. Every four years I tell myself I’m not going to be as bothered about it as I used to be, but every time I get sucked in and end up watching most matches and am a bag of nervous energy when England play.

Have you ever played sport competitively? If so, what did it teach you about performance, pressure, or teamwork?

I used to play tennis at junior level to a pretty high standard. The thing that held me back was my temper. Looking back now, if I had not shown my emotions and kept my cool in more pressure situations, I may have won a few more tournaments, and kept a few more racquets intact!

Did you collect anything growing up – stickers, kits, memorabilia?

I was a big Panini football sticker fiend in the early to mid 90s. The thrill of filling up a sticker book and the promise that came with the purchase and opening a new pack of stickers was unmatched. I only ever managed to complete one book though.

If you could play any position in any sport professionally, what would it be and for which team?

Striker for Manchester United and England. Being a grassroots football coach (I coach my 10-year-old son’s team), I have a respect for any position on the football pitch and love seeing a creative midfielder or fast and skilful winger in action, but I have always had a special place in my heart for a clinical goalscorer. Football is about scoring goals, we need more out-and-out goalscorers in the modern game.

What’s the first sporting event you remember watching and what impact did it have on you?

Italia 90 – I was 9. I vividly remember watching the opening game, Argentina v Cameroon, and was instantly hooked. The stadiums, the colours, the wide array of great players I’d never heard of, Gazza’s tears, Italia 90 had it all.

Is there a rivalry in sport that you find especially compelling? Why?

I mentioned earlier about how I think there’s far too much football on now, and I think it’s a problem across many sports, mainly my other love – cricket. With so many franchise tournaments on now, the top players and teams play against each other far too much for international matches or series, and rivalries, for it to really matter. That’s why the Ashes still stands out and should not change. I am a big advocate for change in many ways, but traditions are equally important. England v Australia in Test cricket has so much history and is still seen by many players as the pinnacle. I really hope that never changes.

What’s one sporting rule or format you’d change and why?

Spending my weekends heavily involved in grassroots football and helping children develop a love of sport, before any skills the most important thing I teach the kids is values and respect for one another, the opposition, coaches, and referees. My biggest issue with football generally is the lack of respect shown towards officials, and it starts on the field in the professional game. I would personally stop coaches from being allowed to criticise referees in the media and give officials the power to send a player off for any bad or confrontational language, and for any form of cheating. Immediate red cards and a non-negotiable three-match ban would stamp out a lot of disrespectful behaviour quite quickly.

What type of bet do you think brings the most excitement – a last-minute winner, a long-shot outsider, or a perfectly predicted accumulator?

A perfectly formed accumulator that you have invested time in building on a Friday night or Saturday morning is a thing of beauty when it comes off. It’s a pity that’s a rare feeling for me!

How do you think data and analytics are reshaping the way fans interact with sport?

Every fan has an opinion. The increase in availability of data and analytics has given more fans the information to support their opinions, which can only be a good thing. Just please don’t talk to me about XG in football. Goals win football matches, not expected goals. If a team has 20 shots to the opposition’s one and the opposition wins, they deserved to because they put the ball in the net, you didn’t.

Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wilson-45b98a72/

Podium, a leading global provider of trusted sports content and data solutions, has today announced an international deal with Woodbine Racetrack; one of North America’s top racing venues. The agreement marks the first time Podium’s services will be used to enrich the betting experience of North American audiences and represents a broadening collaboration with global racecourse rights owners.

Under the expansive new deal, Woodbine Racetrack will integrate Podium’s Edge Form content to bolster the digital experience it delivers to passionate racing fans, providing a more consistent experience across international racing.

Edge features comprehensive pre-race insights, including expert comments, selections and runner verdicts. Woodbine will also have access to Podium’s enhanced data services, such as past performance indicators, placement history and silks.

The deal with Woodbine Racetrack builds on Podium’s existing partnerships in North America and reinforces its role as a trusted provider to the global racing landscape.

Josh Sparke, Managing Director at Podium, says:

 “I’m proud of Podium’s reputation for fast, engaging data that elevates the racing experience for fans. Woodbine is one of North America’s leading racetracks and the premier location in Canada. This new partnership reflects our commitment to supplying high-quality data that deepens our expanding global network. As we move into new markets, integrity, reliability and quality will remain at the core of our business and the innovative data products we offer partners.”

Klaus Ebner, Director at Woodbine, says:

“Woodbine is committed to delivering a best-in-class digital racing experience for our fans, and partnering with Podium allows us to further enhance the depth and consistency of our racing content. Podium’s Edge will bring high-quality insights and data that align with our standards and supports our ambition to connect Canadian racing with a truly global audience. We’re excited to work with Podium as we continue to evolve how fans engage with our product.”

Podium, a leading global provider of trusted sports content and data solutions, is working with Dabble to help bring its socially driven betting experience to UK audiences.

Dabble combines traditional betting functionality with a social media-style interface to offer the next generation of racing fans a more interactive way to connect and share. The app-based platform is integrated with Betmakers technology, with all UK horse and greyhound racing data delivered by Podium.

Ian Houghton, Commercial Director at Podium says:  

“At Podium, we are always excited when we see innovation in the industry, so we are delighted to play a part of Dabble’s expansion into the UK market, particularly at a time when the racing industry needs to retain a younger audience. We look forward to exploring how Podium’s services can continue to support Dabble’s global ambitions.”

The collaboration, which has been in place since the summer, marks an evolution in how racing data is used and experienced, with Podium delivering UK racing content via Betmakers technology to help power Dabble’s social platform.

Tom Rundle, CEO of Dabble, says:

“Dabble’s move into the UK is a natural fit. We’re a challenger brand with an exciting product that we built ourselves from scratch. We’re already seeing that resonate with the UK audience. Yes, you can get a bet on, but essentially, we are placing ourselves as being community driven. We’re creating a richer experience at every touch point.”

The UK is Dabble’s third international market, following rapid growth after launching in its native Australia.