Foundation year students were given the chance to spend a day with MK Dons and see the inner workings of a League One club.
Students gained valuable insight across numerous departments of the club, including coaching, marketing and finance, and were able to pose questions to staff to gain a further understanding of what it takes to work in the football industry.
Among those who spoke to students was Edu Rubio, a senior professional development coach, executive director Andrew Cullen, and UCFB graduate Sam Swanton, now merchandise manager at the club, who shared his experiences of working in the industry and how he took advantage of the opportunities available at UCFB to give him the best possible chance to succeed post-graduation.
Students finished their day by watching MK Dons beat Rotherham United 3-2.
Barney Sullivan, who studies BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Management, said: “The trip offered an excellent insight into how a football club operates on a day to day basis. Alongside showing how football clubs are dependent on using business models to support the running of the club, the trip has supported me within my career development as a coach while studying at UCFB. It offered a great opportunity to gain knowledge by listening and speaking to key professionals within the football industry.”
James Cunneen, who studies BA (Hons) Football Business & Marketing, added: “Visiting MK Dons was an engaging and beneficial experience. I was impressed with how the club utilises their facilities which is innovative approach for a team in the lower leagues. Listening to a variety of speakers at the club has helped me develop a better understanding of how different aspects of the club are run. The visit has inspired me to gain experience within the business and marketing industry.”
