Four UCFB students are making their way to Cardiff this week and each taking up an exciting work experience role ahead of the Champions League final.
Holders Real Madrid and Juventus will lock horns for the biggest prize in domestic football on Saturday, but before that George Haberman, Thomas Freismuth, Albert Bassols and Darragh Dunbar will be helping to prepare the fans, players and media ahead of the match at the Welsh national stadium.
George, a BA (Hons) Football Business & Finance student, will be working in the media team as a line-up runner. He’ll be liaising with press officers to ensure copy such as the team sheet finds its way to press attending the game. For the last two seasons George has been playing a similar role at Colchester United, and was encouraged by his manager at the Essex club to apply for this role to expand the skills he’s learnt over the last two seasons at the Community Stadium.
Thomas Freismuth
An excited George said: “I’m just looking forward to being right amongst it at one of the biggest sporting events in the world. At Colchester United I’ve worked at some big games like the fourth round FA Cup tie against Spurs and an England U21 fixture this season, but this is completely different and should really test what I’ve learnt so far. There’s not one element of the role I’m not excited about!”
Albert Bassols
Thomas, who also worked at last year’s final in Milan, will be working at the Champions Festival in Cardiff Bay, which is a week-long series of activities to entertain fans. The festival this year will feature, for the first time, a floating pitch in the bay which will play host to a ‘legends’ game. Last year stars of the past including Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos participated.
Darragh Dunbar
Ahead of the game, Thomas, a BA (Hons) International Football Business student, said: “Last years’ experience was fantastic and I’m very much looking forward to this year’s event. The Champions League final is the best place to network with people from all around the world, and is also a fantastic chance to get to see behind the scenes of a huge annual sporting event.”
Albert, a BA (Hons) Football Business & Marketing student, and Darragh, who studies BA (Hons) Football Business & Finance, will be working with the spectators’ services team on the day of the game. Thier role will be to support the fans entering and leaving the stadium by helping with directions, potential mobility issues and any other queries that fans might have to enable them to enjoy the game.
Darragh added: “To be part of the Champions League final, the biggest sporting event in the world, is going to be an experience I will never forget.”
Keep an eye on UCFB’s social media channels throughout the week and keep up-to-date on how the guys are getting on in Cardiff.
