UCFB Wembley student Martin Weis experienced the opportunity of a lifetime working for UEFA in Basel in the build up to and at the Europa League final between Sevilla and Liverpool.
Martin, who’s just completed the first year of his BA (Hons) Football Business & Finance course was given the chance to spend ten days in the Swiss city as part of Venue Management team at St. Jakob-Park, the home of FC Basel and the venue of for the final.
Martin’s role while working for UEFA in the stadium ranged from preparing the referee’s room and doping control room, to furnishing the players rooms and distributing drinks and snacks to media and other UEFA officials.
During his ten days in city, Martin was also able to get behind the scenes of Switzerland’s biggest club by visiting Basel’s youth academy. His time there also gave him the chance to network and make contacts at the club.
UCFB student, Martin Weis, before the UEFA Cup Final in Basel
In the build up to the game there were 35 volunteers with Martin helping in and around the stadium. One fun event saw the volunteers acting in the role of the officials and players in rehearsals as practice for the stadium announcers, music and the mixed zone used by the media. Then on match day they were up to 400 volunteers.
Speaking on his experience, Martin said: “I was there on the first day of preparations around the stadium area. When I arrived nothing was set up. So it was great to see the development throughout the week. It was surprising how many people, resources, planning, organising, improvising and working hours were needed.”
UCFB Wembley student Martin Weis, during the UEFA Cup Final between Liverpool FC and Sevilla FC
On preparing for the game, which saw Sevilla win the competition for the third season in a row with a 3-1 win, Martin said: “It was great to see how everything worked out three-hours before the game till the end of the final. I knew every detail I prepared inside the stadium during the eight days before the final and it was great to see everything in action on the match day.”
He added: “Before the game I was working in the media sector helping people to find their right media desk. This meant that I could watch the game too, which was a great experience!”
