Where Are They Now – Gabby Ward

A UCFB BA (Hons) International Football Business graduate has been talking to us about her current managerial role at the Premier League.

Gabby Ward, who studied BA (Hons) International Football Business at UCFB Wembley, now works as project and operations manager at the Premier League.

Her role focuses specifically on the league’s Elite Refereeing Development Plan (ERDP).

Speaking about her role, Gabby said: “I’m part of the elite development team at the Premier League that supports that work, from enhancing coaching support, performance support, increasing diverse representation.

“The idea is to develop a more sustainable pathway in match officiating and improve standards across all levels.”

She added: “It’s great to work in the football development team and be a part of the team that develops the best talent across the game, whether that’s players, coaches, match officials.

“I’m really enjoying my time so far. It’s great living back in London after being away when I left Wembley.”

When Gabby graduated, she got a role at the League Managers Association after meeting with the organisation’s CEO Richard Bevan at the UCFB Future Leaders Conference.

Talking about her time at UCFB, Gabby said: “I really enjoyed the course itself, it was really varied. There were lots of different modules within the business degree.

“I particularly enjoyed the extra-curricular side of things. I played football for the Wembley team, but also the learning and development offering such as the guest speaker sessions.

“Over my three years, I was able to work in roles at Club Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur, so I believe that’s what sets UCFB apart, being able to do those things alongside your studies.

“It got me to a point where I graduated with a much more attractive CV.”