MOJOE: AI Platform Launches to Modernise Athlete Transition & Player Care
– A new platform aiming to modernize player care and address the often-difficult transition out of professional sports has launched, founded by former footballers Joe Davis and Tim Alexander. MOJOE, an AI-led service, is set for a formal launch on , and has already established early partnerships with clubs in the English Premier League and Championship.
The impetus behind MOJOE stems from a recognized gap in support for athletes navigating life after their playing careers conclude. Davis, who played for Leicester City and Port Vale, and Alexander, leveraging his background in data analytics, identified a critical require for structured assistance during a period often marked by uncertainty and challenges. The platform utilizes artificial intelligence to translate the skills and experiences gained through sport into profiles that are relevant and appealing to potential employers.
“People see the dream,” Davis explained. “They don’t see what comes after it. The system is more professional than ever. But the conveyor belt is moving faster too. Players are being scouted younger, more money is being thrown at talent, decisions are more ruthless, and for the majority who don’t make it, the landing is still heavy. Industry reports evidence increased investment and professionalisation but athletes are struggling more than ever in life after sport.”
Research conducted by the founders highlights the scale of the issue. Approximately 47,000 athletes in the UK face deselection, injury, or retirement each year, with a significant proportion experiencing a decline in wellbeing during their first year outside of the professional sporting environment. MOJOE aims to mitigate these negative outcomes by providing a comprehensive suite of resources, including mentorship opportunities, career exploration tools, and a network of support designed to facilitate a smoother transition.
The platform isn’t intended to replace existing player care frameworks, but rather to evolve them through the application of technology. MOJOE seeks to empower clubs to track the long-term progress of former players more effectively, ensuring that their welfare remains a priority even after they’ve left the pitch. This proactive approach, the founders believe, will not only benefit the athletes themselves but also enhance the reputation and recruitment efforts of the clubs involved.
“The clubs we’re speaking to understand that player care is no longer a nice-to-have,” said Alexander. “It impacts reputation, recruitment and parent trust if not carried out properly. The industry recognises that more needs to be done – the horror stories around depression, bankruptcy and mental health still exist – but clubs simply don’t have the resources or time to do anything different. Player care staff are doing incredible work. But they’re often under-resourced and not set up for success in their roles. Technology can facilitate close that gap.”
The venture has secured £215,000 in funding through a Friends & Family round and has already attracted high-profile ambassadors in the form of Ben Osborn and Reece James, signaling a growing recognition of the importance of athlete transition support within the professional sports community. The founders emphasize the need to shift the focus from solely tracking on-field performance metrics – such as expected goals (xG) and sprint speeds – to also monitoring and supporting the off-field wellbeing and career development of athletes.
“As an industry, we obsess over tracking performance data – whether it’s XG, sprint speeds, heart rates,” Davis added. “But we’ve tolerated massive losses in transition and neglected off-pitch data. That’s the imbalance we’re determined to fix.”
MOJOE’s launch comes at a time when the demands and pressures on professional athletes are arguably greater than ever. The increasing commercialization of sport, coupled with the relentless pursuit of talent, has created a highly competitive environment where careers can be fleeting. The platform’s AI-driven approach promises to provide athletes with the tools and resources they need to navigate this challenging landscape and build successful lives beyond the game.
The platform, according to its founders, is designed to help athletes unlock their full potential, not just on the field, but in the broader world of business and entrepreneurship. It represents a forward-thinking approach to player welfare, recognizing that a successful career transition is not merely a matter of financial security, but also of maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing.