UCFB has reached many landmark moments since its inception in 2011. Huge increases in student numbers, the opening of state-of-the-art campuses at Wembley and Etihad Stadium and the signing of unique deals with the likes of the League Managers Association and Real Madrid Graduate School are just some.

Now the world-first institution can proudly boast it has provided students with over 1,000 work placement opportunities in that time in a variety of different roles. From coaching to marketing and event management to media, UCFB students have worked with some of the biggest and most prestigious institutions in world sport.

The Football Association, NFL, UEFA, Manchester City FC and talkSPORT are just some of the companies UCFB students have excelled and impressed at.

After initially opening its first campus at Burnley FC’s historic Turf Moor stadium, UCFB’s growth to London and Manchester has meant bigger and better opportunities than ever before for students, thanks to the links and contacts the dedicated UCFB Employability & Enrichment team has with the football and sport industry.

UCFB firmly believe there are three ingredients necessary for a career in the football and sport industry: a degree, a network of contacts and a CV full of fantastic work placements. That’s why UCFB offers the whole package and places such a big emphasis on students gaining vital work experience opportunities.

Danny Stroud, who manages UCFB’s industry partnerships, highlighted that creating employability partnerships with such a wide range of organisations specifically targeted to students’ needs and requirements are a particular element to the success. Danny and the team are already looking forward to counting down the next 1,000 placements.

He said: “We’re incredibly proud to have reached such a landmark figure. A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to make sure these great opportunities are available to students on a weekly basis, if not daily basis.

“A huge thank you must go to UCFB students for showing such enthusiasm in applying for the roles made available to them and really buying into our mantra of getting work experience and making contacts in the industry.

“It’s a credit to their hard work and determination to succeed that we receive such a consistent level of great feedback from employers about our students, guaranteeing they regularly ask UCFB for more students to go and work for them. We continue to grow our reach in to the industry as a result of this hard work on all fronts.”