Living the football dream in Slovakia: My internship at DAC 1904
A cultural shift: Moving to Slovakia for my internship was a big leap. Coming from Belgium, I thought I had a pretty good grasp of European cultures. But Dunajská Streda has been a whole new experience. For one, most of the locals here don’t speak Slovak but Hungarian. Yes, I had to double-check my maps too.
The cultural vibe is entirely different from what I’m used to in Belgium. Life here in Dunajská Streda feels more rooted in traditions and has a quieter, almost nostalgic charm. There’s a noticeable emphasis on family, community, and maintaining a connection to heritage. Whether it’s through local festivals, the food, or the way people interact, there’s a deep respect for the past and the traditions that shape daily life.
Settling in at the BONBON
DAC 1904 has made my stay incredibly comfortable, providing accommodations at DAC Bonbon, the club’s hotel. Living this close to the club’s facilities is invaluable. Not only does it keep me immersed in the club environment, but it’s also where I’ve had the chance to connect with others. And one of the best parts? The MOL Aréna, DAC’s impressive stadium, is only a five-minute walk away. I can literally feel the matchday buzz from my room!
Sharing this journey with Lucas, a fellow FBA student, has made the experience even better. We’ve become each other’s sounding boards for everything from project ideas to navigating the local cuisine. Let’s just say we’ve both learned to double-check the menu translations.
The Internship: Immersed in Football Business
Interning at DAC 1904 has been an immersive experience that has allowed me to dive deep into the day-to-day operations of a professional football club. Every morning, I head to the DAC Academy, where I work in a vibrant and collaborative environment. The Academy offers a mix of individual desks and a larger open office space, which is where I prefer to sit. Being surrounded by colleagues in this collaborative space helps me stay engaged and feel part of the team’s daily rhythm.
My main focus has been assisting the Marketing and Sales departments with a comprehensive audit of their operations. This isn’t just about reviewing processes, it’s about bringing fresh ideas to the table and exploring new opportunities for the club’s growth. After presenting my initial findings, I proposed several innovative strategies that aim to enhance the club’s engagement with fans and partners. The ultimate goal is to refine these ideas into two or three actionable plans that I can bring to life before the end of my internship. To make this happen, I even led a workshop with key decision-makers from the club, creating a space for open dialogue and collaboration. It was rewarding to see everyone actively participate, share their thoughts, and collectively shape the priorities for the months ahead.
Beyond this main project, my role has been dynamic and varied. One day, I might be working on upgrading the wayfinding signage at the DAC Academy to improve the visitor experience. The next day, I’m updating the stadium music playlist for the MOL Aréna, fine-tuning the soundtrack that sets the tone for matchdays. Each task, whether large or small, contributes to the overall identity and operations of the club, and I take pride in knowing my work makes a tangible impact.
What stands out the most about this internship is the level of trust and autonomy I’ve been given. Being able to contribute ideas, lead discussions, and take ownership of projects has been both challenging and empowering. It’s not just about learning from the experience, it’s also about actively shaping it and leaving my mark on the club. Working alongside a passionate team that is fully committed to DAC’s mission has further inspired me to strive for excellence in everything I do here.
The unique identity of DAC 1904
What makes DAC 1904 truly special is its unique identity as a Hungarian club in Slovakia. This duality shapes everything about the club, from its operations to the electric atmosphere on matchdays. The fans, who feel deeply connected to their Hungarian roots, bring a vibrant energy that fills the MOL Aréna every weekend. Their chants, proudly sung in Hungarian, create a sense of unity that is impossible to miss. That’s why, before every home game, the entire stadium stands together to sing Nélküled, a famous Hungarian song. The emotion in the air is noticeable, as thousands of voices join together, filling the stadium with pride and a sense of belonging. It’s not just a pre-match ritual; it’s a powerful symbol of the bond between the club and its community.
DAC 1904 navigates this unique identity with care, finding a delicate balance between celebrating its roots and staying focused on what unites people—football. By steering clear of politics, the club channels its energy into fostering a sense of pride and connection among its supporters. This connection is what sets DAC apart. It’s not just about the matches or the results on the pitch, it’s about the shared experiences, the history, and the community spirit that come alive every time the team steps onto the pitch. It’s a reminder of how football can transcend borders and languages, uniting people in ways that go far beyond the game itself.
Looking ahead
This opportunity is much more than just an introduction to football business. It’s a hands-on experience in teamwork, innovation, and adaptability. Each day brings new challenges and insights. Being here has broadened my perspective on the role football plays in uniting communities and navigating cultural complexities for example.
I’m truly excited to see how the next steps of this journey will unfold as I continue contributing to DAC 1904’s visionary happy and proud.
Mateo is a 14th Edition Candidate of our Professional Master in Football Business.
If you’d like to learn more about our program, please go to: https://bit.ly/3SNEIaF
