Imagine not only studying your degree in and around the iconic Wembley Stadium, but working match days with a top Premier League side. Well that’s exactly what UCFB BA (Hons) International Football Business student Gabriella Ward has found herself doing in recent weeks.
Gabriella has landed a work placement with high-flying Tottenham Hotspur, having heard about the opportunity through the UCFB Employability & Enrichment team, following the club’s move to the national stadium for the 2017/18 season.
Asked about what her role with the London club entails, Gabriella said: “My role involves assisting on match days at Wembley Stadium. I work in commercial control and help ensure the smooth running of any event.
“I also work as a client management assistant for Club Wembley too, so it’s interesting to see how an England match day operates differently to a Spurs match day.”
It is always important to accompany any degree with the relevant work experience as a way of putting classroom theory into action. UCFB places a heavy emphasis on the importance of all students spending time in the sports industry on work placements during their studies.
Speaking on how her degree has helped her so far with her placement at Tottenham, Gabriella said: “It is very interesting to see how a football club operates on and around match days. I studied stadium management as one of my second year modules so it’s helpful to see some of the theories I learnt being put into practice.”
Gabriella went on to express how much she has enjoyed her role with Tottenham so far and how she hopes that the incredible opportunity to volunteer with the club will help her and her career aspirations.
She added: “I have really enjoyed my placement so far. It’s great working for a club which is right on my doorstep. My long-term goal has always been to become a football agent as I have a strong interest in negotiations in both the men’s and women’s game. I believe taking on as many opportunities as possible is the perfect way to get my foot in the door in the football industry and build up my network.”
