WatchGuard & Girona FC Partner on Security Needs

We spoke with WatchGuard CMO and SVP of Business Strategy Michelle Welch about the company’s new agreement to provide security solutions to Girona FC, and why the partnership is relevant to businesses both on and off the field.

WatchGuard CMO on securing digital operations on the field and beyond

WatchGuard’s recent announcement names it the “official cybersecurity supplier” of the Spanish football club Girona FC. Under the agreement, the club will leverage WatchGuard’s platform across its facilities and operations.

“Girona embodies disruption, passion, and perseverance with its promotion to the UEFA Champions League—perfectly aligning with WatchGuard’s ethos of empowering organizations to scale securely,” Welch told Channel Insider. “As Girona FC continues to grow, cybersecurity becomes mission-critical—not optional. WatchGuard’s role is to provide consistent, adaptive cybersecurity, enabling Girona and sports teams in general to focus on regaining their form on the field.” 

Welch stresses this agreement goes beyond branding and shows how critical security measures are just as important in sports as they are in other business sectors.

“This partnership isn’t just about sponsoring a team; it’s about reinforcing an ecosystem where innovation, resilience, and digital trust meet,” Welch continued. “WatchGuard is proud to help Girona FC stay safe from cyber threats while supporting the growth of such an exciting football club.” 

“The incorporation of WatchGuard’s security solutions represents an important milestone in our digital transformation journey,” said Marc Jordi, IT Manager at Girona FC, in a statement. “In an increasingly connected world, having a robust and unified cybersecurity platform is essential to ensure the Club’s operational continuity and the protection of our digital assets. This step reinforces our commitment to a digital Girona FC that is secure and prepared today and tomorrow.”

Why MDR solutions (and partners to manage them) remain critical to many organizations’ security postures

WatchGuard’s network security, EDR, NDR, and MDR will all be in play for Girona FC moving forward. And, like many organizations, they will have the support of a channel partner in maximizing the benefits of their technology. 

According to a statement from WatchGuard, Parlem Telecom already serves as the Club’s systems integrator and MSP, and will be responsible for deploying and managing these solutions.

Welch says there’s plenty in this deal to apply to businesses of all sizes.

“Sports teams understand that delivering an exceptional experience is key to building fan loyalty,” said Welch. “Likewise, businesses of every size need to continually strengthen their cybersecurity to protect customer experiences and support long-term growth.”

WatchGuard has rolled out several updates to its portfolio since the start of 2025, all focused on bringing next-gen security tooling to customers worldwide, mainly through its channel partners. While Girona FC isn’t exactly a small business, WatchGuard prides itself on supporting SMBs through MSPs and other partners.

“Without the right expertise or resources, even basic protections, like patching or endpoint monitoring, can fall behind. Partnering with an MSP for services such as MDR, endpoint and server maintenance, and even enlisting virtual CISO guidance, helps SMBs close that gap and stay secure,” Welch said.

From football to soccer and elsewhere, tech isn’t just for tech’s sake

WatchGuard and Girona FC’s collective commitment to security is just one example (out of many) of the true impact tech decisions can have on people’s everyday experiences. Sports organizations face their own unique challenges, but they are also ultimately businesses, virtually all of which are increasingly dependent on technology in every facet of their existence.

Jordan Smith recently explored how several NFL teams, as well as the league itself, utilize channel partners and technology to streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of their various teams.

MSPs are no strangers to technology, of course. Still, as business needs evolve and demands shift, they are increasingly likely to need to understand their clients’ business objectives and strategic initiatives as they advise on technology-related decisions.

What all of this shows is a world in which partnerships are about leveraging technology to solve problems and drive outcomes, rather than it just existing for its own sake.