One of our students has been talking about what great memories can be made on a placement while studying at UCFB, after he saw Cambridge United survive relegation from League One on the last game of the season.
Ben Blake, a BA (Hons) Sports Business and Sports Broadcasting student, got himself a placement at BBC Three Counties Radio as a sports commentator halfway through his first year.
He said: “One of my lecturers wrote a letter of reference for me to a contact of theirs, who put me in touch with someone who works from the Cambridge media department.”
This led to a trial commentary game at Cambridge United, where he will be starting properly next season, alongside the BBC Three Counties Radio commentary team for weekend coverage of League One.
One game Ben attended was the dramatic last game of the League One season, where Cambridge had to win, and they were also relying on MK Dons and Morecambe dropping points to survive.
Speaking about the match, Ben said: “The atmosphere started off in great fashion, the home supporters were fully behind their team and a wonder goal from Sam Smith sent them bezerk before the break.
“Another point was that fans around the stadiums were tuned into the radio stations for the MK dons and Morecambe games, so different sections of the ground were celebrating goals in other games a few seconds after each other!
“So the atmosphere was very interesting, they went crazy on a number of occasions throughout the second half!”
He added: “I’m not a Cambridge supporter myself, but it was epic to be involved. I was more shocked than anything because Cambridge had seemed to be certain for relegation a few weeks prior.
“The pitch invasion at the end was like nothing I’ve seen before live. Being a Spurs fan, I haven’t been able to celebrate anything like that since 2008 Carling Cup! I was only four.”
Ben finished: “It’s very important to take experience opportunities while studying if you’re keen to get straight into the industry after your degree.
“The degree itself isn’t too time-consuming, particularly in First Year, so whilst you can, get yourself involved if you want to get started in your career early on.”
To find out more about UCFB’s partners, who offer our students numerous work placement opportunities, click here.
