Wrexham AFC head of operations looks back on Hollywood era and three consecutive promotions

Wrexham AFC head of operations Julie Greenwood came to UCFB to talk to us about the club’s rise up the Football League and the impact this has had locally, nationally and globally.

Julie arrived at UCFB Manchester for one of our premier events, ran by our dedicated Employability and Career Planning Team, and offered advice and guidance to UCFB students wanting that dream career in football and sport.

Also offering insight, she spoke about what the role of head of operations and facilities involves at a football club.

“If we were talking about that in the modern game,” she said, “I think it’s the bridge between business side of football and what happens on the pitch side of football.

“It’s fundamentally that bridge between the two. So basically, we’re looking after everything to make sure everything’s sound, works fine, and that safety and securities are up and running, facilities are looking good. And we need all that to get the match on.”

Julie joined Wrexham shortly after the famous takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, which has seen three consecutive promotions from National League to Championship.

“I probably have the most unique job in the world,” she said, “because I don’t think anyone’s had to face what we have.

“When you talk about back-to-back-to-back promotions, we’re history makers. But on top of that, we have that added layer of that Hollywood effect. And with that comes commercial opportunities, marketing.

“People want to constantly be in Wrexham now, and that’s improved the city in its entirety. It’s put a pride back into the people of Wrexham.

“I think as a journey, I haven’t had time to reflect because it’s been so busy, to be honest. But one day we’ll sit back and think, wow, what an achievement.”

She went on to speak about how important education is in modern sport.

“Football is a highly professional employer,” she said, “and with highly professional employment comes education; the two are fundamentally linked.

“You need education to have that confidence, to use that knowledge in order to start a professional career.

“Without that, you won’t have credibility. You need that credibility, and to get that, you need a good education.”

UCFB students gain access to many guest speakers and opportunities thanks to our dedicated Employability and Career Planning Team. Find out more about them and what they can offer your career in sport.

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