Two UCFB Wembley first year students are set to rub shoulders with the likes of Ronaldo and Gareth Bale after being offered the amazing opportunity to work as volunteers for UEFA at the Champions League final in Milan.
Mackenzie Cadman and Thomas Freismuth, who’re both studying BA (Hons) International Football Business at the iconic UCFB Wembley campus, were offered the roles following successful interviews with UEFA officials.
This year’s final at the San Siro is a re-run of the 2014 event and will see Atletico Madrid attempt revenge on their bitter city rival Real Madrid, who ran out 4-1 winners two years ago.
Mackenzie was invited out to Milan in February for his interview which coincided with Milan Fashion Week. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city in one of its busiest weeks of the year, Mackenzie impressed the interview panel with his professionalism and knowledge of major international football events gained at UCFB, and was offered the position as Match Day Operator.
UCFB Wembley student Mackenzie Cadman, with his proud father Steve Cadman.
Thomas had his interview take place over Skype, and despite being nervous and one of thousands that applied for a variety of volunteer roles, he was offered the role as a Festival Volunteer at the Champions League Festival, an event which runs through the host city each year in the build up to and on the day of the big game.
Mackenzie’s fluent Spanish and knowledge of Italian, as well as Thomas’ German, also helped as the pair now both prepare for the biggest club game in European football.
When the role became available, Mackenzie said it was too important to miss and not be part of. Explaining his role as Match Day Operator, he said: “This role will give me the responsibility of making sure all match day happenings are completed perfectly. I will also be pitch side looking after the players and staff of the finalists. These are two of the many exciting roles I will take part in during my up and coming four days in Milan.”
Thomas added: “All successful applicants were invited for an interview, which I had with a nice woman via Skype. I was a bit nervous before the call as I didn’t know what to expect. I was asked about my current education at UCFB and my work experiences. When I started talking about UCFB and all the extracurricular activities I’ve participated in, the interviewer was impressed.”
Thomas finished: “This will be an experience I will probably never forget. It is the final of European club football and people from all over the world will come to the game and I will also be part of it – it’s unbelievable!”
