17/07/2024
Spotlight on: Jan Martin Knashaug
Meet Jan Knashaug, our Regional Coordinator for Sweden and Norway at IMG ARENA. Living in Norway, Jan Martin has a wealth of experience in training and coaching, along with a solid background in sports data collection and regional coordination. Since joining us in April 2023, he has played a major role in growing our network in Sweden and Norway.
His expertise in the sports industry and hands-on experience as a Data Collector and Regional Coordinator make him a valuable team member. Jan Martin’s commitment and skills are crucial to our operations’ seamless growth and success in these regions, highlighting IMG ARENA’s dedication to top-quality sports data management.
What do you enjoy most about your role as a Regional Coordinator?
I have always taken responsibility and find it exciting to work with improvement and development, which this role allows. I also think it’s exciting to work across borders and collaborate well with key people in other countries.
Can you share a memorable experience or story related to data collection in your career?
I can’t remember experiencing anything exciting or out of the ordinary, but last year I was on holiday in Denmark and at the same time got to cover a match there. I thought that was fun. The role gives you opportunities to experience different cultures, stadiums and teams.
What do you believe are the key elements of a strong team culture?
For me, a strong team culture hinges on several key elements. Firstly, clear and open communication is vital, as it ensures everyone is on the same page and can freely share ideas and feedback. Secondly, mutual respect and trust among team members foster a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and confident in their contributions. Thirdly, a shared vision and goals align the team’s efforts and motivate everyone towards a common purpose. Additionally, collaboration and cooperation are essential, as they encourage synergy and leverage the diverse strengths of each team member. Finally, recognition and appreciation of individual and team achievements boost morale and reinforce positive behaviors, contributing to a cohesive and high-performing team culture.
How has football evolved in Norway over the past decade?
Over the past decade, football in Norway has seen significant evolution. The development of youth academies has been a major focus, leading to the emergence of talented young players who have made their mark both domestically and internationally. Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen are some of the names that gaining global recognition. Unfortunately, it has not led to our national teams performing well. On the men’s side, Norway has not been in a championship since 2000.
The Norwegian Eliteserien has become more competitive, with clubs like Molde and Bodø/Glimt achieving success in European competitions, raising the league’s profile.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your position, and how do you overcome them?
To be honest, I have so far not faced many challenges in the role, and that comes from good cooperation with my colleagues in Norway and Sweden. We have managed to increase quality in both countries, and we will work hard to continue in this direction. As we started up in these countries last year, we have of course not had sufficient Data Collectors in all areas but have tried to solve this to the best of our ability, and now we are in a much better place regarding this.
What skills do you believe are most crucial for a Data Collector?
I think the most important thing is that you are focused and have a good understanding of the game. The technical execution, the routines and the workflow can be learned by everyone, but if you do not understand the game or are focused, you will not be able to deliver good data quality.
Outside of work, what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?
I spend most of my free time within football. Alongside my original job, I am also a football coach at an elite sports school and have coaching duties in the afternoons and evenings.
If you could have dinner with any athlete, who would it be and why?
Although I am a former goalkeeper, I have to say that I am fascinated by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, so it probably had to be him. I have actually eaten in the same room as him previously, when I was working on assignment for the Norwegian Football Association as a Team Liaison Officer when Sweden was visiting Norway.
How do local cultural and sporting practices influence your work?
It does not affect to a great extent.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
I would not say it is one achievement, but I am proud that I have been given many exciting tasks, responsibilities and roles over time. It comes primarily from personal initiative, that I am keen to see and take opportunities and, of course, good performances. I also think I am seen as a loyal and hard-working person.
Interested in becoming a data collector for IMG ARENA? Click here to read more about our ODCN team, or view our current vacancies.
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