A UCFB student and graduate have landed exciting year-long media internships with the English Colleges Football Association.

Student James Hawkins, who studies BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism, and soon-to-be BA (Hons) Football Business & Marketing graduate Alicia Pryzsieniak, have already began their work as media officers ahead of the 2020/21 season, which will last the entirety of the new season.

The pair will be responsible for generating and sharing insightful and engaging multimedia content for the ECFA, including national team fixtures, cup finals and team camps at St. George’s Park, the headquarters of the England national teams.

Commenting on her new position, Alicia said: “It’s so exciting. We have been given our own campaign to work on and the ECFA love our templates, so it’s good to be trusted with such a great deal. The opportunities that are available to me are endless, and there are so many exciting things coming up in the next year that I can’t wait to be a part of and continue with my football journey.”

James added: “It's a brilliant opportunity; the fact that after a number of applications myself and Alicia got the roles shows our capabilities within an interview setting. To be able represent England in a media capacity is a dream come true, and being given the opportunity to express our ideas is one I look forward to.”

Alice Kempski, National Football Development Manager at AoC Sport, the body that oversees the ECFA, commented: “We are delighted to have recruited James and Alicia as our English College’s FA Media Officer Interns. They have already demonstrated their infectious enthusiasm and passion for football, as well as their specialist expertise in digital communications and social media, so we are thrilled to welcome them in to the team here at AoC Sport for the season ahead.

“We hope they will learn, grow and importantly enjoy the experiences they will be offered through covering our England Colleges National Teams, as well as our national and regional football competitions.”