UEFA Qualified Football Manager and Vice President of Communication for the UEFA Academy Alumni  Association Board. Natalie Barlow, the former Marketing and Brand Manager at Cape Town City Football Club and now the Marketing and Commercial Manager for LALIGA Southern Africa.  

Natalie Barlow played a crucial role in establishing and expanding Cape Town City FC's marketing presence from the club's inception in 2016. Her leadership and innovative strategies helped the club build a solid fan base and brand recognition within the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Natalie played a key role in the growth of  Cape Town City Football Club under the guidance of the Chairman, where she received the Chairmans Award at the club inaguaral season.  

Natalie Barlow’s journey in the sports industry is marked by her dedication to excellence and ability to break  new ground in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her role at Cape Town City FC involved not just marketing but also creating a robust brand identity that resonated with fans and stakeholders alike. This included overseeing campaigns highlighting the club’s ethos and engaging the community through various outreach programs. Her efforts and contribution ensured that Cape Town City FC became a household name in South  African football, setting new standards for marketing and fan engagement within the league. 

Natalie Barlow’s role in LaLiga Southern Africa is supporting the growth of the popular professional Spanish football league on the African continent. Her current responsibilities at LALIGA include servicing LALIGA’s current and prospective commercial partners, as well as finding partners interested in supporting LALIGA’s objective of using its global influence to tangibly support the growth and development of African football,  from the grassroots level through to all spheres of the game. 

This position allows her to bridge the gap between local and international football, fostering relationships that benefit both the sport and the community. Natalie’s work with LALIGA involves collaborating with local brands and clubs to create stronger and lasting relationships. This includes initiatives to bring LALIGA’s global projects  to South Africa, providing local fans with unique experiences and enhancing the overall football culture in the  

region.  

In addition to her impressive work at the club level, Natalie Barlow is a trailblazer in football management,  being the first African woman to graduate from the UEFA Academy Certificate in Football Management (CFM)  program. This accomplishment not only highlights her dedication to professional growth but also her commitment to bringing advanced knowledge and best practices to South Africa's football landscape.  

Natalie Barlow’s contributions to sports extend beyond her professional roles. She is deeply passionate about mentoring young girls in football and promoting women's leadership in sports. Her involvement in various local and international projects and her efforts to enhance the visibility and opportunities for women in sports further solidify her impact on the industry. Natalie believes in the importance of creating pathways for the next generation.