Michael Doughty quit football to start Hylo Athletics

This interview, first published in October 2022 by Michael Doughty, is a former Premier League footballer who explains why he decided to leave the game to create sustainable sportswear brand Hylo Athletics.

The more Michael Doughty’s playing career is prolonged, the more difficult it becomes for him to ignore climate change.

Former Queens Park Rangers and Peterborough player Am cityNobody could say, “Why is this happening more often?” For me, that connection is very clear.”

This increased concern for the environment was a key factor in Doughty’s decision in 2020 to launch Hylo Athletics, a sustainable sportswear brand.

Jacob Green, Jacob’s co-founder, felt the industry needed a company that could cater to people who are like Dottie and prefer plant-based food.

He says, “We coined the term ‘Patagonizing Nike’.” American outdoor brandHe is well-known for his ethical stances. “Taking this environmental impact philosophy and applying it to a great brand.”

Doughty reached a crossroads in life when Hylo Athletics was released. The midfielder just had one of his best seasons and played a key role helping Swindon Town win League Two.

He was not enjoying football as much as he was being shut out of matches by the pandemic. He was also about to become a dad and was feeling more drawn to the business world.

He did something very few footballers do, and walked away from his contract on the eve the 2020-21 season.

Two days after the official launch, my football career ended. [of Hylo]. “I knew within 24 hours that I couldn’t do these massive things well together,” the 29-year old says.

“I have been afraid all my life that I would feel redundant or lack an identity without a football. I was excited to have one and it allowed me to be closer with my family. I began to see the beauty in that life and it was really very interesting. .

Doughty wants Hylo to be the largest company in the world

John Prescott, an industry veteran and designer who helped to create the first Hylo athletics trainer, was hired by Doughty & Green. It has expanded into sportswear since then and another shoe product is in the works.

They expect their turnover to reach £1m for 2022, up 100 per cent on last year. Their only brick-and mortar store is Fenwick on New Bond Street. However, most of their business is online and originated in the US.

“I want to be the biggest sports brand in the world. It sounds ridiculous, but it is true for me.

When I made the decision not to continue, [football]I knew I wouldn’t become Messi or Ronaldo. Yes, I may go back in the Championship, but I will never return to the Premier League. That was something I struggled with, however, because I wanted to be mental.

“In business, as much as there are challenges and you need to ride your luck a bit, there is no upper limit. For a competitor, this is a very interesting playground.”

Doughty believes that football can play an important role in combating climate change. He cites the impact of Marcus Rashford’s campaign for Manchester United and England on social causes.

He says, “There are clubs and parts management talking about it. But the moment we saw a player apply, we saw that change overnight.”

“This is the next step in changing football: to have a person or group of people driving the agenda. Football stars are the people who really have the power.”

Doughty’s cause is being supported by England and Leeds striker Patrick Bamford. He is a long-time friend and early investor in Hylo athletics and is a brand ambassador.

Doughty said that Doughty was “great at bringing the conversation to mainstream media.” “He turned down other opportunities because his profile went from England striker to Championship player while he was working with Brand.”

Doughty also paid tribute to Forest Green Rovers in Gloucestershire, the club that rose from the Third Division to become a carbon neutral club and embraced a vegan lifestyle.

He said, “If people can understand that this affects soccer, then this is an interesting area to meet people.” “For Forest Green’s ability to do that is incredible because you can’t avoid that discussion.”

Hylo Athletics is looking to get into soccer. They plan to start by making kits and have been in discussions with potential partners. In the future, they may also offer shoes.

Dottie on Thunberg, and Learning from Dad

The inclusion of the company in the Laureus Sport for Good Index last year, a list that includes top ethical brands, has already earned industry recognition.

Doughty believes business has the power to change the world. He has set his sights very high. He believes that Hylo’s sustainable coaches will help the climate.

“As consumers, we can shape the world we want to see by how we spend, and that’s how the world communicates. When I started seeing it was great,” he says.

“And then I started to think that maybe work is the most direct path to change. Because bureaucracy, government stuff, and other administrative work take a lot of time. If we can help shape that narrative through what we produce, that’s my contribution.

“I am by no means Greta Thunberg. I am not the perfect embodiment of sustainability. I am just very passionate about nature and try to do my part in my path to make it matter.”

Doughty is also motivated by the desire to imitate his father Nigel, who was a champion of responsible business and used his own wealth for his beloved Nottingham Forest.

“I was so close to him. I loved him, adored him. And the way he carried himself and the things that were important to him, I really admire,” he says.

“There’s always a part of being a son, not trying to beat your dad, but make him proud. I think that stays with me every single day.”