My entire life I have been a passionate sports fan and player. I followed my local teams very closely and played almost every sport competitively at some point. I love the culture of sport and the way sports fans live and breathe their favorite team. When I realized how passionate and exciting the culture of soccer around the world was, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I have found a love for the game, fan culture, and now the business of the sport which is unique in itself.
The FBA has expanded my knowledge of the industry and has opened up doors that I would never have had without joining the program. Since the start of my journey in the industry, I have made it a goal of mine to work in Europe someday. Europe is clearly the home of the best soccer in the world, and I know that I want to learn from the best in the industry so I can be a part of helping the growth of soccer in the US. I hoped the FBA could help me land an internship in Europe, and I know they tried, but because of COVID-19 this was too difficult of a task.
The FBA team was very helpful with finding the right internship, and when I met Domenec Guasch, the Project Director of the BARÇA Academy Pro New York, and he offered me the chance to complete my internship with their academy, I knew it was an opportunity I could not pass up.
I discovered that I would like to work in either marketing or operations, and I enjoy working in youth development as well because it is very important for a club’s sustainable future.
Due to the pandemic, I was unable to travel for my internship, and as a result, I was forced to work remotely. My experience, however, was just as beneficial with the connections I made and the professional skills I developed. I took on the role of Recruitment Manager and worked on the organization of all of the academy’s camps, clinics, tryouts, and many other summer activities. I worked on a number of operational tasks such as creating registration forms as well as handling all of the customer service relations for each event. I assisted with all communications involving the activities and I was able to work with current and potential academy players.
Barca Academy Pro New York was the best place to complete my internship since Europe was not an option. I was able to work for a top European club while staying in the US. During my final module of the course, I was given the chance to travel to Barcelona to meet Domenec and tour the famous Camp Nou and La Masia. My experience came full circle seeing these incredible facilities and I hope to someday continue my journey as part of the soccer industry in Europe. I will always be thankful for my experience with FC Barcelona and I hope I can work with this incredible club again in the future.
Daniel is a Graduate of The FBA’s Professional Master in Football Business 7th Edition. He can be contacted via LinkedIn.
