A UCFB alumnus has been speaking to us about landing his new role as IT Events Co-ordinator at the Football Association.
Luke Godfrey, who studied BA (Hons) International Football Business at our Wembley Campus, works within the IT Event Delivery team at the FA and Wembley Stadium, focusing on the events held at the iconic venue.
This includes managing the resource scheduling for all IT aspects, as well as liaising with event owners such as the EFL or Live Nation, and other IT matters across the FA.
Both during and after his studies at UCFB, Luke has spent time working with the FA, with roles such as IT and event support assistant and membership services assistant.
Speaking about his time at the FA, Luke said: Working at The Football Association is something I am incredibly proud of and has been a source of pride and motivation for me throughout my time across different roles here.
Throughout any of the roles I have had at any organisation, I’ve always found having pride in what you do (whatever the role) and having pride for the respective organisation is only ever positive and can be beneficial.”
Alongside his UCFB studies, Luke made the most of getting industry experience outside of university, working at other football institutions such as Wembley FC and West Ham United.
When asked about his time at UCFB, Luke said: “My time at UCFB is ultimately life changing, primarily for the environment you can be in and the people you can learn from, collaborate and work with.
“Throughout my three years at UCFB, I have had the opportunity to travel, network, learn and develop both personally and professionally which will only pay dividends for the rest of my career and life.
“The people, the contacts, the knowledge and the environment made my time at UCFB quite simply integral for the rest of my life.”
He added: “Whether it be Wembley Stadium and the surrounding local facilities, or the dedicated facilities in Manchester, UCFB immediately stands out from other universities as you are within the type of environment you wish to work towards and generate a career in.
“UCFB is a sporting university, and the roles we are all aiming to go into require as mentioned having that knowledge and putting into practice and effectively, of which UCFB either has the tools to develop you with or points you in the right direction.
“Making use of different sessions, from management masterclasses or public speaking classes as well as networking opportunities, there is no university more focused on putting those opportunities in place for you.”
He added: “Anyone striving to have a career in the sports industry I think is striving to enjoy their work, and to be amongst one of the best and most enjoyable industries out there.
“Studying is vital for forging a career in the industry, it allows a greater awareness and understanding of the industry as well as developing someone both personally and professionally, but a career in the sports industry comes from getting experience and from putting yourself out there.
“Make the most of the opportunities provided to you, and the more you do so you will find the opportunities are generated by yourself.”
To find out more about our wide array of sports industry-related degree courses, ranging from media and marketing to business and coaching, click here.
Alternatively, click here to view a prospectus and see where a degree from UCFB could take you and your sports industry career.
