Čecháčková: A Strong Vision, an Even Stronger Drive to Score
108 ǀ POSITIV WOMAN
A Strong Vision,
an Even Stronger Drive to Score
She came into the sports business by chance. Today, she has found a space where she can
combine sport and her passion for sales while building relaonships. ‘It isn’t a product people
strictly need, but something they want to experience. And in that environment, relaonships
form far more naturally than they do in a meeng room,’ says Aneta Čecháčková, who began
her career at football club Baník and now builds the commercial backbone of the ice hockey club
HC VÍTKOVICE RIDERA. In this interview, she talks about paence, professional loyalty, and why
it’s vital to keep growing.
How did you get the position of Key Account
Manager at FC Baník Ostrava?
Although I graduated in social work, I already felt
during my studies that I was drawn more to business
and entrepreneurship. I’ve always enjoyed working
with people – especially building relationships
and collaborations. My family always encouraged
me in that direction.
During my studies, I tried different part-time jobs –
from administration and HR to working as a hostess.
I started working regularly when I was twelve.
I joined Baník completely by chance – a friend asked
if I could take one shift as a hostess at a match. I didn’t
really want to; I was busy and my final exams were
approaching. In the end, I agreed – I thought the VIP
area might be an interesting place to make connections.
What started as a one-time match job turned into long-
term external cooperation. Over time, I worked my way
up to supervising hostesses and managing one of the
VIP zones, which was basically a part-time position.
I had no idea it could lead to something more. But the
then Commercial Director, Martin Rak, offered me a
full-time role as a Sales Manager. He appreciated that
I was independent and able to handle many things
during the matches on his behalf. During major games,
we would take care of up to 700 guests in the VIP areas.
How did your career, which began in football, lead
you to ice hockey?
Martin Rak was offered the position of Executive
Director at STES, a.s., the marketing company of the
Football Association, and recommended me as his
replacement. I led the entire commercial department
– reporting directly only to the Executive Director
and the club owner. It was a major experience,
but I missed a professional counterpart beside
whom I could grow. At twenty-five, I didn’t yet have
the experience and network.
So when a new commercial and events department
was being set up at STES, a.s., I moved to Prague.
After the Prague chapter ended, I came back – this
time to ice hockey. HC VÍTKOVICE RIDERA was
forming a new commercial team – and for me, it was
a familiar Ostrava environment.
Have you ever encountered prejudice as a woman
in the sports industry?
Yes, especially in the beginning. Men aren’t used
to discussing business with women – particularly
in sports. Earning a position where I’m seen
as a respected manager wasn’t easy. It took confidence
and the courage to bring my own vision even among
seasoned businessmen.
Mgr. Aneta Čecháčková comes from Ostrava, where
she studied Social Work at the University of Ostrava.
Even during her studies, she was drawn to business
and entrepreneurship. She began her career in the
sports sector at FC Baník Ostrava, then worked with
the naonal football team and other projects at the
Football Associaon of the Czech Republic (FAČR), before
returning home, where she now serves as Commercial
Manager of the ice hockey club HC VÍTKOVICE RIDERA.
Earning a posion where I’m seen
as a respected manager wasn’t easy.
It took condence