Ben McBride’s life has been a testament to the power of football, both as a source of personal solace and as a platform for spreading joy and opportunity. His journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a beacon of hope through SK Football Academy reflects a remarkable transformation driven by passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Ben McBride’s early life was marked by family struggles and a challenging upbringing. Amidst these difficulties, football emerged as a sanctuary, offering a temporary escape from the daily challenges he faced. “Football was always a place where you could forget about the everyday challenges,” Ben recalls. “Whether watching or playing, the game provided a respite from any situation. I loved the emotions that football brings.”

This profound connection with the game laid the foundation for Ben’s future career. The comfort and joy he found in football during his formative years ignited a deep-seated passion that would eventually shape his professional path.

Ben McBride’s career took an unexpected turn when he was let go by his previous employer. What initially seemed like a setback became a pivotal moment of realisation. “It wasn’t through choice,” Ben explains. “Being let go from my previous job seemed like the worst thing at the time, but retrospectively, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. It made me realise that I wanted to devote my life to making children around the world happy through football.”

This newfound clarity led Ben to channel his energy and expertise into a cause that aligned with his passion. He found a calling in the digital transformation of football, utilising the game as a vehicle for positive change.

One of Ben McBride’s most significant achievements is his work with SK Football Academy. Over the past 17 years, Ben has been instrumental in shaping the academy into a leading institution that transforms lives through football. The academy’s CSR programs stand out as a testament to its mission. “Our biggest achievement so far is our amazing CSR programs,” Ben proudly states. “We’ve provided football lessons and equipment to children in some of the world’s poorest communities, including Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Jordan, India, Nepal, and the Philippines.”

Additionally, the academy’s Champions Program, running since 2005, has made a significant impact on children of determination. This initiative embodies SK Football Academy’s commitment to inclusivity and support for all children, regardless of their abilities.

Ben McBride’s professional journey began with a part-time job in football coaching while supplementing his full-time salary. Despite the long hours, the work never felt like a burden due to his deep love for the game. “Although the days were long, it never really felt like a challenge because of my passion for football,” Ben reflects. His dedication and enthusiasm for the sport laid the groundwork for a successful career.

Today, Ben McBride is focused on several exciting projects that align with his career goals. One of his most recent endeavours is Sport Zone, located in City Centre Zahia. This indoor space provides children with a safe and enjoyable environment to play, addressing the challenges posed by the heat and lack of indoor play areas. “Sport Zone is designed to ensure that children stay active and have fun, despite the weather conditions,” Ben explains.

In addition to Sport Zone, Ben is also working on expanding SK Football Academy’s reach in Malawi, in partnership with The Sparkle Foundation. This expansion aims to bring more opportunities for football and development to underserved communities.

Throughout his career, Ben McBride has been inspired by many individuals, but his wife, Chassy, stands out as a significant source of motivation. “My wife Chassy inspires me every day,” Ben shares. “She provides the stability I lacked during much of my early life, enabling me to pursue my passions and make a difference through football.”

Ben’s approach to overcoming challenges is guided by a quote he holds dear: “Life isn’t about avoiding the storm; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” This perspective helps him stay motivated and positive, even in the face of setbacks.

Ben McBride’s career has not been without its challenges. One significant issue was navigating the complexities of working in the food and beverage industry, where long hours and unappreciative employers took a toll. “I came to realise that your time is precious and should never be taken for granted,” Ben says. “Make sure your time is valued by your employer because you will never get it back.”

This experience reinforced the importance of being fair and respectful to others, a lesson that has shaped Ben’s approach to leadership and teamwork. “It’s always important to treat people how you wish to be treated,” he advises. “You never know when you will encounter them again or need their help.”

Ben McBride’s definition of success has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, success was about achieving specific milestones and tangible results. “Success should be judged on whether your work has fulfilled you,” Ben reflects. “Follow that energy, have fun, and the money will come. I’ve seen plenty of people who focused solely on financial goals and were left unfulfilled.”

Today, success for Ben Mcbride means creating value, driving positive change, and leaving a lasting impact. “I hope to be remembered as someone who brought joy and laughter to children around the world through the power of football,” he says.

Ben McBride’s legacy is still being written, but his contributions to SK Football Academy and his dedication to spreading happiness through football are already making a significant impact. “My goal is to leave a lasting legacy by championing creative problem-solving and fostering a culture of continuous improvement,” he explains. “I want to be remembered for the joy and opportunities I provided to children through the sport I love.”

Ben McBride’s journey is a powerful reminder of how passion and resilience can transform lives. Through his work with SK Football Academy and his ongoing projects, Ben continues to inspire and uplift those around him, using football as a catalyst for positive change.