Students learn about working life inside a football club on visit to Wigan Athletic

Several UCFB students enjoyed a trip to Wigan Athletic’s DW Stadium recently for an Industry Insights Day.

The students from our Manchester Campus visited the home of the League One side to meet and network with club staff, many of whom attended UCFB.

Listening to the staff at Wigan Athletic allowed the students to learn more about many different departments within the club.

This included meeting with Brandon Bland, the club’s junior officer supporter engagement intern, who is a current UCFB student studying BA (Hons) Sports Management.

They also listened to Bradleigh Cregeen, a BA (Hons) International Football Business graduate who is Wigan Athletic’s partnership manager.

Sam Swanton, the club’s head of retail, studied BA (Hons) Football Business and Marketing at UCFB before going on to study MSc International Sport Management.

Other club staff at Wigan Athletic who spoke to the students included:

• Kim Healey – Head of HR
• Diane Winnard – Fan Engagement Officer
• Jamie Allen – Head of Media, Marketing and Communications

As well as speaker sessions and networking opportunities, our students were also able to participate in interactive activities and be taken on a tour of the stadium itself.

The visit was organised by UCFB’s Employability and Career Planning Team, who offer our students many extra-curricular opportunities while at UCFB, both in Manchester and at our Wembley Campus.

Stephen Eckersall, a MSc Football Business student, said: “Today’s trip to Wigan was a brilliant eye opener. Despite the club’s ups and downs over years, it’s clear to see the incredible spirit and culture within the club.

He added: “It was great to get insights into every speaker’s individual journeys and how each have had very different experiences. 

“The club’s emphasis on nurturing and progressing talent stood out to me. The experience has definitely opened up new avenues of thought for my own pathway in football. 

He finished: “The guys today showed me the importance of resilience and community within sports.”