It’s been an incredible few weeks for Berkshire’s Binfield FC – and UCFB student Chloe Streak has had a front row seat for it all!

This weekend the Hellenic League Premier Division side will take on Warrington Rylands at Wembley Stadium in the FA Vase final – a historic moment for the club – following a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over United Services Portsmouth in the semi-final.

Chloe, who studies BA (Hons) Sports Business & Broadcasting at UCFB Wembley, has been working as her home town club’s Media Executive and experienced first-hand the club’s memorable run to the final. Here, she tells us more about the club’s big day and her role there…

Congratulations to you and Binfield FC! How does it feel going to Wembley?

It's a dream come true! Seeing my childhood club who I've been raised with since I was little make it to a Wembley final is just unbelievable. The fact that we've made history as well, being the first team in the whole FA Vase competition since it began to get to a final without playing a single home game, just goes to show that the lads and everyone associated at the club deserve it so, so much! We're like one big family, it's amazing. 

How did you all celebrate?

Well to be honest, we're still celebrating right now! When the final whistle went, the lads knew that the penalty shoot-out meant they were 5-10 minutes away from a chance of making it to Wembley, so the emotions were really high. When our ‘keeper Gracey saved their final penalty, we knew that our next penalty would be the golden goal. When substitute Broomy walked up to the spot and slotted away, I don't think I've ever run so fast with Gracey's mum in my life to the boys. There were tears, hugs, bundles, you name it! It was absolutely amazing to watch. 

Tell us more about your role at Binfield. What does it entail and how long have you been doing it?

So I've been associated with the club ever since I was a little girl as I used to play within their Wildcats squad until the age of 18, but had to stop due to my studies at college – so I've been here for a really long time. My official role at Binfield is Media Executive, so I run all social media associated with the club, and I also help with the website. I also connect with our sponsors to help promote and market them throughout our socials and also within the club on match days and event days. So basically, a bit of everything.

Will you be able to get to Wembley to cover the game?

With UCFB I only live down the road from the stadium, but I'm going to make sure I go home and catch that coach with the lads before the game. The coach on away days is just amazing. Everyone's buzzing, the lads are singing, everyone's having a good time, I love it! I will 100000% be there for the Moles. 

Wembley also happens to be the heart of your campus! What have you been able to take from your studies on the Sports Business and Broadcasting Programme into the club?

If it wasn't for Jo Johnson, Mick Kelly and Sam Smith, I don't think I'd have a clue on half the things I'm doing now for the club. They've supported me so much during my first year of the degree, and even though we've been online for the majority of it, they've still been there to give me a helping hand when I've needed it the most.

 

How important has this work experience at Binfield been alongside your studies?

Since starting the role as Media Executive at Binfield, my career has slowly started to shoot off. I've connected with so many people since, whether they’re journalists at BT and Sky Sports, or even celebrities like AJ, and it's been nice as they connect within my career path as well. With my degree it helps out even more as I get the experience and connections I need alongside my work here at Binfield, which ties in really well with assignments and even dissertation planning too. 

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to study at UCFB?

UCFB has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. The support here is amazing, and you're right next door to one of the world's biggest football stages, so it's quite inspirational really – not to mention your classrooms can be the hospitality suites within the stadium too. For what I want to do in the future my degree has helped me out so much and I've only just finished the first year! For someone who is passionate about sport and wants to make a career within it then UCFB is the place to go.