My name is Tanveer, and I am an international student from India, I arrived in the UK in September 2023 to pursue an M.Sc. in Sport Management at Loughborough University. My background includes roles in football business development, sport marketing, event management and operations, and I began my career as a sports journalist. This blog will explore my journey, offering insights into how my experiences can aid coaches and youth leaders in their professional development.
Relocating to the UK was both exciting and challenging. Adapting to a new culture and academic environment required resilience and openness. My previous experience in sport operations and event management helped me navigate these changes. For example, organising youth tournaments in India had taught me the importance of meticulous planning and flexibility—skills that proved invaluable when managing multiple assignments and extracurricular activities at Loughborough University.
The MSc. Sport Management programme at Loughborough University offered a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Courses in sport marketing and strategic management were particularly enlightening. I remember a project where we developed a marketing strategy for a sport organisation. This experience underscored the importance of understanding your audience and crafting messages that resonate—key lessons for any coach aiming to engage their team effectively.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been the opportunity to network with industry professionals. Loughborough’s strong connections with the sports industry provided access to valuable mentorship. Engaging with mentors who had extensive experience in football operations and youth development offered new perspectives and insights.
During my studies, I secured an opportunity to volunteer for Ellistown Football Club as their Business Development Manager. Handling business operations for a local club presented unique challenges. I was responsible for managing commercial partnerships, which required innovative strategies to attract sponsors and boost revenue. One challenge was navigating the competitive landscape of local sports clubs while trying to secure financial support. This role taught me the importance of community engagement and building strong relationships with local businesses.
Before coming to the UK, I earned a BVoc. in Media and Communication and worked as a sports journalist for online news portals. I was the sport marketing intern at Sony Sports Network and led business development and operations at a start-up providing coaching facilities to schools, colleges, and residential areas. These roles honed my skills in communication, marketing, and strategic planning.
I seized every opportunity that came my way, accumulating over 350 volunteering hours for Loughborough Sport and external sport organisations. I volunteered in football, hockey, rugby, netball, athletics, for Ellistown Football Club, England Hockey, Loughborough Lightning, Lawn Tennis Association, and many more organisations. Through my mentor, Zoe Boon, who is the Volunteer Coordinator at the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA, I learnt about the Football Association Leadership Academy (FALA) which I will be a part of for the 2024/25 season.
The major learnings I have taken from these experiences have been around embracing new environments, the power of building your network and being open to new learning opportunities. In your reflections, I’d love to learn more about your experiences and insights specifically regarding the challenges you have faced in your football leadership journey so far? Let me know in the comments below.