Business Plan: Elevate

Abstract

ELEVATE is an independent agency created to support the academic and professional development of semi-professional football players in Spain, specifically those competing in Segunda and Tercera RFEF divisions. It responds to a clear structural gap in the Spanish football system, where many athletes are forced to choose between continuing their sporting careers or pursuing higher education. Inspired by the NCAA collegiate model in the United States, ELEVATE adapts key principles such as academic flexibility, long-term planning, and Institutional coordination to the Spanish context. The idea for ELEVATE was shaped by the experiences of its two founders. One competed at a semi-professional level in Spain, while the other lived the student athlete model in the United States. This contrast highlighted the absence of structured dual-career support in Spain and revealed the potential of integrating academic and sporting development effectively. ELEVATE was born from the desire to bring that structured opportunity to athletes navigating the Spanish football system. The project begins in Madrid, where the concentration of clubs and universities enables effective initial implementation. From there, it is designed to expand regionally and nationally through a phased growth strategy that ensures adaptability and sustainability. ELEVATE operates through a three-tier subscription model that adjusts to the needs of athletes and partner institutions. Services include personalized academic advising, career transition planning, and face-to-face support structured around each athlete’s sporting commitments. Targeting a specific but underserved segment of the football population, ELEVATE offers a realistic and sustainable solution that improves academic retention and employability while promoting a more inclusive and future-focused football culture. With a solid legal, financial, and operational foundation aligned with national regulations, ELEVATE connects two traditionally separate worlds: sports and education. It empowers a new generation of athletes in Spain to build meaningful futures both on and off the pitch.