Rubbing shoulders with Premier League footballers and England legends is just another day in the multi-billion-pound industry for UCFB Wembley student David Moat.
David, who studies BA (Hons) Football Business & Marketing, has been getting stuck into his role in the business and sales team at Watford FC, who are now in their second successive season back in the top flight.
What started as a week’s experience at the club over Easter has now turned into regular paid work at Vicarage Road. David initially reached out to the club’s Head of Sales and Business Development, Paul O’Brien, through LinkedIn, to find out more about his role at Watford and what it was like to work in the football industry. It was then that David asked about potential work experience opportunities.
During his initial week at the club, David met Watford’s senior business team, and his main responsibility was to organise the sale of hospitality packages, undertake market research of competitors and reach out to local companies for potential sponsorship, which helped him build an understanding of the commercial aspect of the top-flight club.
For his first match day with the club, a 1-1 draw with Everton, David’s role was to help set up and direct people to their executive boxes and lounges. Before and after the game he also got the chance to have a chat with Watford legend and former England international Luther Blissett, as well as current players including Troy Deeney and Etienne Capoue.
His good work didn’t go unnoticed. He’s since been asked back to work at all home matches in a paid position, something which will look great on his CV when graduating from UCFB.
A delighted David said: “To be working in a sport I am so passionate about is incredible. You just can’t get these opportunities, but luckily I have, and they’ve said that they would like me to work every home match day. To be asked back and to have been given feedback like I have from those working at the club has been incredible and very uplifting. I will continue to work for the club with great passion, as this is definitely the industry that I want to work in after I have completed my degree.”
