By: Ashmar Mandou

It is safe to say soccer enthusiasts are conditioned from birth to root for their favorite team. And loyalty and passion become invaluable traits for any soccer fan. But for Emigdio Gamboa, vice president of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, it was quite the contrary. “Yeah, I wasn’t into soccer as a kid growing up in Little Village,” laughed Emigdio Gamboa. “I was into basketball and baseball; those were the sports I watched growing up.”

However, a trip to Argentina changed all that. Gamboa grew an interest in the sport and business of soccer while studying Latin American Politics at the University of Buenos Aires in 1998. “I was surrounded by people who had an eternal love for soccer. They spoke passionately about it,” said Gamboa. “So for me, it became a natural step to pursue.” In 2001, Gamboa joined the Chicago Fire Soccer Club as a ticket sales account executive where he obtained a unique understanding of the Fire’s business operations. Throughout his ten years, Gamboa has managed the Fire’s efforts in the local Latino community creating and managing programs like Sueño MLS and MLS Futbolito.

In 2007, Gamboa expanded the Chicago Fire’s relations into Mexico by touring all over the country, creating key relations with first division Mexican clubs. “The whole experience has been a great one. I truly learned a lot in the ten years I’ve been with the Chicago Fire,” said Gamboa. It was Gamboa’s passion and keenness for brand growth that positioned him to take on the role as vice president of marketing and communications in February of this year. “I felt good. I felt that I accomplished a lot over the ten years and I continue to do so,” said Gamboa. “I’ve learned a lot about the sport, so I’m just thankful to have been given this opportunity.” In addition to overseeing events and community relations, Gamboa’s responsibilities include managing the Fire’s digital media and content development. “What can I say, every day is truly different,” laughed Gamboa.

Lawndale Bilingual Newspaper spoke with Gamboa, who shared his first day on the job and his favorite memories of working with the Chicago Fire Soccer Club.

Landing the Job
I basically just had finished college. I was debating what path to take in terms of finding a job. At that time an opportunity came up to work with the Chicago Fire, which at that point dealt with Hispanic marketing. So knowing that it was different and unique I went for it. I had no idea what to expect. But I took the risk and I’m glad I went for it. I’ve learned a lot since joining in 2001.

First Day
Like a lot of other college students working through the ranks, I was just trying to learn as I went along. Thankfully, I was doing something that was totally different. I was in sales, luckily. So I wasn’t out selling copiers, I wasn’t selling something dull. I was selling something that drives passion out of people in a sport that is global. So I was very excited to be a part of that.

Late Soccer Bloomer
I was not a soccer fan at all growing up. My parents are from Durango and they emigrated here in the mid 60s. My father was a boxing and baseball aficionado. So I grew up watching only those sports. Eventually I grew up playing basketball and baseball. Soccer was never on the radar. It wasn’t until I studied in Argentina for over a year that I became familiar with soccer. And it was befitting since Argentina produced Diego Maradona, one of the greatest soccer players.

Cuauhtémoc Blanco
It was a great opportunity for me because I was able to work with someone who is an icon in Mexico and is a well-respected player here in the Latino community. Throughout that time, anything related to him was a big deal. Whatever comment he made always became news. He was sought after from fans and sponsors, so it was a great learning experience for me to be working alongside him.

Challenges
Recently, it’s been a challenging time for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, specifically because we have gone through changes in either administration and in ownership in 2007.
Also, where we played was a bit of challenge. We played in the original solider field, then Naperville, and now to our new home. We moved all around the city. So it’s been a challenge in those aspects. Now it’s all about working with the new administration and doing what’s best for the brand.

Brand Expansion
Ten years from now I would like to continue to grow the Chicago Fire. And to continue to cultivate fans and create more community programs like Sueño MLS and MLS Futbolito that make our players accessible to the community. We want fans to get to know our players and become stronger fans. We want them to create memories each time they watch a Chicago Fire game. We want to be a fabric of the city and the fabric of the hearts and minds of our fans.

Boon of Social Media
Social media obviously impacts every business. For us, it is a way to keep in touch with our fans. We want to engage our fans and have it be more interactive. The way we view social media is not just about posting things or commenting. It’s really a way for fans to share their stories or favorite memories and really give them a platform to learn more about the sport and our players. What I try to instill here is the point to engage with our fans.

Favorite Aspect
I love that it’s challenging. I also love that it can change from day to day. You are learning everyday and building a brand, it’s great. But I would definitely say the best part of my job is that it’s quite a challenge.

Dream Job
The advice I would give to those who are interested in obtaining a job in the sports industry is to just work hard. Everything is doable if you put enough work into it. Also, try and gain landscape for the business itself. A lot of people are trying to break into the sports industry so as long as you are ready to make sacrifices and leave room to grow then you will obtain your dream job.

Chicago Fire
I feel a part of something special. I feel we are making a difference…I guess I think of the word pioneer. ‘Pioneers’ of the sports is the thought that comes to mind when I think about Chicago Fire.