Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Adam Lallana and Ryan Manning swapped high balls for headsets to thank long–standing fans of the club with 8×8’s Platform for CX
From high-pressing the opposition to handling high call volumes, Southampton FC’s stars proved they have skills beyond the pitch. In a fun and unexpected twist, players from the Premier League club swapped boots for headsets in a temporary customer contact centre within the club’s indoor training facility – powered by the 8×8 Platform for CX.
In a playful campaign unveiled on social media, Saints’ players Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Adam Lallana and Ryan Manning jumped on customer service lines to surprise unsuspecting fans. Personally calling long-term season ticket holders to thank them for their dedication to the club, the players didn’t miss a beat, bringing laughter, insight, and top-tier customer charm to the phones.
“This campaign was a fun way to showcase the very real capabilities of our platform,” said Lisa Orford, VP for Contact Centre at 8×8 Inc. “The contact centre is no longer confined to cubicles — it’s wherever the customer is and in this case, literally on the training pitch. Southampton FC’s players brought their own charm to the role and had fun connecting with the fans, and behind the scenes it was 8×8’s platform making it all possible. It was a fun shoot and it looks like the lads may have a career in delivering outstanding customer experience when they hang up their boots.”
This light-hearted event also shines a spotlight on how the 8×8 Platform for CX empowers organizations to deliver positive experiences – supporting everything from secure voice and video calls to real-time analytics and AI-enhanced customer interactions.
Huw Fielding, Director of IT at Southampton FC said: “The collaboration showcased more than good conversation – it highlighted the agility, reliability, and integration at the core of 8×8’s platform, which provides a seamless omnichannel experience. Whether it’s an English football club or a global business, 8×8 ensures every interaction counts.”
To see Saints in action (off the pitch), check out the full video on Southampton FC’s LinkedIn.
