UCFB students shining on work placements at National League clubs

UCFB students have been shining in the National League on work placements throughout 2023-24, working in a range of departments at clubs across the league.

Gaining experience in areas including media and commercial, students at UCFB are gaining valuable sports industry experience during their placements.

Here, we talk to seven undergraduate UCFB students about studying at UCFB and working at their clubs in the National League.

• Reece Sullivan – BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism – social media lead at Hemel Hempstead FC

“The learning you get at UCFB is perfect, it sets you up to succeed in the industry you’re looking to get into.

“My course has gone hand in hand with my placement, helping me to complete interview and video assignments and many other tasks.”

• Rylee Doe – BA (Hons) Football Business and Marketing – commercial executive at Southend United FC

“It’s been pretty full on juggling a full-time degree with my role at the club, but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world.

“As football is such a fast-paced environment, no two days are the same and with that comes new highlights and new challenges which ultimately has grown my experience tenfold.”

• Will Beaman – BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism – media team member at Wealdstone FC

“Travelling the country to cover football matches is something I really enjoy. Having been at the club for a year and a half, I’ve covered around 50 games in a number of different stadia across the country, whilst improving my skills as a journalist.”

• Ben Holding – BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism – content creator at Dagenham and Redbridge FC

“Being in university for three days a week is nice as it gives you time to focus on enhancing your skills too. The skills and how to engage with the viewers have come through years of working in the social media industry as well as the learning at UCFB.”

• Jack Stroudley – BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism – media member at Maidenhead United FC

“Skills I learnt in lectures and seminars have been put into practice both with Maidenhead and other ventures outside of UCFB. I applied for the role at Maidenhead on JobTeaser and then Grace (my boss) reached out to me and it went from there.”

• George Taylor – BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism – media assistant at Dorking Wanderers FC

“I emailed the club personally asking for an opportunity to work within the media team, attaching previous work in the email as a portfolio of my work. With regards to UCFB, I feel as though the guidance on writing match reports and long form pieces has allowed me to enhance my skills.”

• Josh Lowe – BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism – head of media at Chelmsford City FC

“Since being at UCFB, I feel that I have made myself more open and have looked to challenge myself. For example, I have done plenty of commentaries as well as create highlight packages for the club.

“I never thought I would do those however UCFB has taught me to push myself outside my comfort zone.”

• Lewis Allen – BA (Hons) Football Coaching (blended) – lead analyst at St Albans City FC

“On the blended course the flexibility really helps and the club are flexible too they prioritise a work-life balance so it’s a great match.”

• Libby McElhinney – BA (Hons) Football Business and Media – media at St Albans City FC

“I saw other UCFB students working in the National League and I decided I wanted to do something along the same lines. Therefore, I messaged the media manager of Wealdstone as I was already familiar with the club as my dad followed them.”

• Laurence Ryan – BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism – media assistant at Aldershot Town FC

“Experience is key in this industry, so whether it’s writing once a month or just doing a few vlogs for a club any experience is good experience.”