UCFB students help launch new sports finance podcast through industry partnership with Leonard Curtis

UCFB students have played a key role in the launch of a new sports finance podcast following the extension of the university’s successful partnership with leading corporate restructuring and turnaround firm Leonard Curtis.

Building on a collaborative relationship that has already delivered impactful industry research through the Business of Sport Finance Reports, the partnership has now expanded into media production, providing students with valuable real-world experience while supporting important conversations around financial sustainability in sport.

At the heart of the collaboration is UCFB Dean and sports finance expert Professor Rob Wilson, whose work alongside Leonard Curtis over the past two years has helped provide independent analysis and insight into the financial health of clubs and leagues across the sporting landscape.

Professor Wilson welcomed the opportunity to broaden the partnership and create new experiential learning opportunities for students.

“When the conversation turned to developing a podcast series, I immediately recognised the opportunity it presented for our students,” he said.

“Through our world-class studio facilities at UCFB Wembley and UCFB Manchester, we were able to support Leonard Curtis in exploring new ways of stimulating debate around financial sustainability in sport while giving students the chance to apply their skills in a professional environment.”

The result is Sport, Structured, a new podcast series featuring experts from the worlds of restructuring, sport finance and sports leadership, alongside former elite athletes who have transitioned into business and advisory roles. The series explores the challenges and opportunities involved in building sustainable sporting organisations.

The production was led by former Sky Sports presenter and UCFB lecturer James Cooper, with a team of students taking responsibility for key aspects of the podcast’s delivery.

James said: “It’s refreshing to work with an organisation like Leonard Curtis that not only contributes valuable research and insight to the sports industry but is equally committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students.

“Our students embraced the challenge and performed brilliantly as a production team, delivering professional-quality work while gaining invaluable industry experience.”

Students involved in the project included Sports Business & Media student Rowan Maclellan as editor, BA (Hons) Football Business and Media student Evie Malcolm as production assistant, BA (Hons) Football Business and Media student Ella Mazurke on camera and lighting, BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism student Calum Spiller as head of autocue, and Louis Jones as audio manager.

Reflecting on the experience, Rowan said: “This project has given me valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to work on something meaningful for a real organisation. It was both enjoyable and challenging, helping me develop my skills in a professional setting.”

Calum added: “UCFB has opened doors to opportunities with football clubs and organisations such as Leonard Curtis, allowing me to continue developing my skills and industry experience.”

Evie described the production as one of the highlights of her time at UCFB so far.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience in a welcoming and professional environment while working alongside industry experts,” she said.

Ella highlighted the insight she gained through her role behind the camera.

“Working on lighting and camera operations gave me a valuable perspective on the industry from a professional viewpoint,” she said.

Louis added: “The project significantly improved my understanding of sports media production and audio management.”

The launch of Sport, Structured represents another example of UCFB’s commitment to connecting students with industry-leading organisations and providing hands-on opportunities that complement their academic studies.

The expanded partnership also reinforces the university’s growing influence within the sports business sector, with Professor Wilson and the wider UCFB academic team continuing to contribute expert analysis to industry discussions around financial sustainability and governance in sport.

The first six-part series of Sport, Structured launched on 11 June, with a second series already being planned for the autumn.