Hosted by digital creator and football personality, Specs Gonzalez, with YouTuber David Vujanic the podcast will engage newest generation of football fans
William Hill have kicked-off their first-ever foray into publishing with the creation of a bespoke football podcast – STRIPPED. The exciting venture has come to fruition with Wavemaker and Platform Media, who ideated the show’s unique format.
Hosted by digital creator and football personality, Specs Gonzalez, with YouTuber David Vujanic as his co-host, STRIPPED will provide a platform for William Hill to engage with, and capture the attention of, football fans everywhere. In particular, the new generation of fans who are not only interested in the aesthetics of the game but are immersed in the culture surrounding it – from the fashion and music, to gaming and even the food (not just the half-time pies).
Using the concept of vintage football strips – the nostalgia, iconic moments and special memories associated with them – Wavemaker Content and Platform Media will work with William Hill to produce fresh, shareable and ‘not to be missed’ content that will have viewers and listeners coming back for more.
Each week a different celebrity guest will join Specs and Vuj to explore key happenings in the football fixtures calendar, celebrate iconic football moments, as well as, discussing the wider culture surrounding the ‘beautiful game.’ Each episode will be shaped by the guests’ chosen shirts, for example: the first one – the shirt that made them fall in love with the game; the haunted one – the shirt they wouldn’t or couldn’t wear; the unforgettable one – the shirt that opens the door to great football movement and standout seasons; the away one – a gateway to conversations around fashion, culture & the magic of away days; and finally the name one – if you could only have one player’s name on a shirt forever, whose would it be and why? The STRIPPED podcast will use football as the vehicle to unearthing stories that are funny, nostalgic and personal to the guests.
From actors to musicians, to current and former players, everyone is welcome in this dressing room. The only prerequisite is a love of football. And the aim is to provide fans with continuous entertainment and thought-provoking dialogue every week of the year, giving them a place to go for their regular football ‘culture’ fix.
Distributed across William Hill’s social channels, STRIPPED episode one will launch on Thursday 4th August and be available across all major audio platforms and YouTube video.
Liam Mckee, director of media, sponsorship and UK creative at William Hill commented, “We are under no illusion that we have to work hard to be known as a credible brand for football fans. We needed a campaign that not only captured their attention but proves to football fans – old and new – that we have a genuine passion for the beautiful game and the culture surrounding it. This was not an easy task given that a traditional approach would not work for this particular audience. Our STRIPPED podcast was the ideal solution, it gives us the ability to use the trusted relationships of both hosts and talent to connect with some of the most diehard fans in the sport. The idea is truly ‘one in the back of the net’ for the William Hill, Wavemaker and Platform Media teams. “
Saj Nazir, head of content at Wavemaker explained, “From strategy, to planning, and ideas generation to project management, the Wavemaker content team has worked in true partnership with William Hill and Platform Media to develop a match winning podcast fit for football. Through the creation of insatiable content that goes beyond the game itself, the STRIPPED podcast will embed William Hill into the wider culture and world surrounding the beautiful game. Thus, helping the brand to connect with its target audience – the football fan community – and become a vital part of their weekly ‘football fix’ routine. STRIPPED will quickly become the Desert Island Discs for football.”
Matthew Sherry, chief executive officer at Platform Media added, “A podcast is the ideal environment for William Hill to engage with and capture the undivided attention of football fans. An incredibly exciting concept, along with an impressive line-up of talent, will ensure that STRIPPED keeps fans coming back for more.”
Check out the podcast here.
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