Darts-mad UCFB Wembley student Mackenzie Cadman put his passion to the test by gaining valuable work experience at the PDC World Matchplay in Blackpool.
The BA (Hons) International Football Business student spent two days shadowing the TV commentary team of Rod Studd and Wayne Mardle, understanding how they collect their stats for live broadcasts and how they prepare before going on air.
Stage for the PDC World Matchplay before the action kicked off
Mackenzie, who plays for the UCFB darts team, has had a love of the game since a young age, and described his short spell at the championships as “brilliant”.
Dutchman Michael van Gerwen won the competition for the second successive year, beating Brit Phil ‘the Power’ Taylor 18-10. The defeat was only Taylor’s eighth at the Blackpool event since 1994.
As well as shadowing the commentary duo of Rod and Wayne, Mackenzie also got to network and spend vital time with PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter and Media Manager Dave Allen.
Mackenzie said: “I was able to ask questions and pick their brains on many topics such as how they believe they can better their fan engagement. I also questioned from a logistics point of view how they deal with travelling between competitions as some events are just days apart in totally different areas of the world.
Winter Gardens, venue of the World Matchplay, in Blackpool
“Having spoken to these people, I now very much understand that so much goes on during a live event and sometimes when you’re watching on TV you don’t realise the amount of things that happen behind the scenes whilst the games are going on.”
Mackenzie, who also undertook an incredible work placement in Milan in May at the UEFA Champions League final, added: “I really enjoyed my two days at the PDC and I’d like to thank Rod and Wayne for all the advice, guidance and stories and I look forward to doing some more work for the PDC in the future.”
