A UCFB student recently landed the opportunity to work at the rugby European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) Finals in London.

Bartosz Osowski, a BA (Hons) Sports Business and Sports Law student at UCFB Wembley, worked in logistics, sports presentation and hospitality support at the finals.

Bartosz began his experience through UCFB’s Employability and Career Planning Team, as the EPCR regularly involve local students within the sports industry in their finals events.

The finals, held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, consisted of:

  • EPCR Final - Gloucester Rugby v Hollywoodbets Sharks on Friday, May 24
  • Investec Champions Cup Final – Leinster Rugby v Stade Toulousain on Saturday, May 25

Speaking about his role, Bartosz said: “Throughout the two days, I would be managing the trophies and plinths, taking them from lounges to hospitality rooms.

“Later in the evening, I would take them to the pitch and present them in front of the TV broadcasters. I also had the privilege of holding the trays with the medals during the cup ceremony.”

He added: “Being able to be literally by the pitch as the event was going on at such an amazing stadium was incredible.

“To see what happens behind the scenes in a European final calibre event was an unbelievable experience. I was blown away how well the event was organised. Standing in the middle of the pitch with 60,000 fans around us was something I’ll never forget.”

When asked what he would take away from the event and take into future sports industry work experiences, he said: “The experience has definitely helped me improve my communication and organisational skills.

“We worked in a five-person team and had a very strict schedule, therefore we had to communicate effectively to ensure we accomplish what was required of us.”

Speaking about his time so far at UCFB, Bartosz said: “My first year at UCFB has exceeded expectations. I have made some incredible memories.

“The lectures and seminars, although sometimes quite challenging, are very enjoyable, as they are all related to the topic that I adore - sport.”

He added: “If someone wants to get into the sports industry, there is no other place like UCFB.

“The number of opportunities the university offers are like nowhere else, and I think that UCFB does everything to help their students break into the sports industry.

“Being surrounded with like-minded people helps you develop and navigate through this industry, gaining valuable knowledge and understating of certain concepts that are different from other industries.

“UCFB helps you grow into a knowledgeable professional in your field of the sports industry.”

He finished: “Making connections with industry professionals and getting to know them on a personal level really does help to navigate this industry and makes things easier down the road (and that’s from the perspective of someone who has been in this for just one year).

“Showing up where you can, whether that’s networking events, volunteering, work experience etc. and creating connections at those events, eventually you start to see familiar faces showing up, and those people will realise you’re reliable, ambitious and determined, which is very valuable.”

To find out more about the many courses available at UCFB tailored to the sports industry, click here.

You can also click here to view a UCFB prospectus and kick off your career in the football and wider sports industry.