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Ben Friend
Events Manager at The FA
UCFB Graduate
Ben Friend
Events Manager at The FA
Marketing graduate Ben really has shot up to the elite level of the sports industry, earning senior roles at both the Football Association and UEFA.
Ben went from studying BA (Hons) Football Business and Marketing, to becoming events manager at the FA, and venue director at UEFA.
In his role at the FA, Ben oversees events such as England matches, UEFA matches and finals, as well as working with clubs and other organisations related to each individual event.
Similar to this, Ben deals with sporting and organisational matters between teams as part of his new role at UEFA.
This incredible rise for Ben started at UCFB’s original campus at Turf Moor, where he earned quality industry experience alongside his studies in marketing departments at Orlando City and Burnley FC.
With this impressive CV, he joined the FA as events co-ordinator in 2015, the year he graduated from UCFB, before being promoted to events manager in 2017.
Speaking about his work experience while studying at UCFB, Ben said: “The positive for me at the time was just being in that environment.”
“With UCFB, I really found myself in a situation I was very happy with, the minute I started studying.”
Ben Friend
UCFB Graduate
Events Manager at The FA
“UCFB is great as you’re already in the environment you’re already interested in.
“To have that head start coming to an organisation like the FA or a sporting body, a club or whatever is a real bonus.
“Once you’re in there though, it’s down to you to continue that.”
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