A Step into the World of Sponsorships and Partnerships: My Internship in Football Journey at Arowana Sports
For our 14th Edition Candidate, Zachary Heeler, breaking into the football industry meant gaining hands-on experience, building key relationships, and understanding the business behind the sport.
Through The FBA, he had the incredible opportunity to intern at Arowana Sports, a leading agency owned by our professor Alfonso Roberes de Cominges and specializing in securing and activating commercial deals for clubs and brands. This experience not only deepened his understanding of sponsorship negotiations but also pushed him outside his comfort zone—both professionally and personally—by living and working in Spain.
In this blog, Zachary shares his journey, the challenges he overcame, and the key lessons he learned along the way.
Was the promise of a program that secures internships for its students a key factor in your decision? If so, why?
I was drawn to Arowana Sports because of its focus on securing and activating commercial deals for clubs and brands.
Sponsorships are a vital part of modern football, and I wanted to gain hands-on experience in understanding how these deals are structured, negotiated, and brought to life. Beyond professional growth, this internship also provided a personal opportunity: the chance to live in Spain, improve my Spanish, and experience football from a different cultural perspective.
The FBA played a crucial role in securing this opportunity, leveraging its strong industry connections to ensure students gain real-world experience. It was particularly exciting to intern at an agency set up by my Sponsorships and Partnerships Professor, Alfonso Roberes de Cominges, who spent 20 years at Real Madrid. His guidance throughout my internship was invaluable, providing insights into the industry that only someone with his experience could share.
Additionally, developing under The FBA Alumnus Luigi Varriale, who is Global Partnerships Sales Manager at Arowana, was inspiring. His journey demonstrated how the The FBA internship program can serve as a launchpad for career growth.
Can you describe a real-world challenge you faced during your internship and how you overcame it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was having to re-do my onboarding process after initially completing it incorrectly.
Eager to make a strong first impression, I jumped straight into my responsibilities—only to realize that I had misunderstood key processes and expectations. Rather than seeing this as a setback, I approached it as a learning opportunity. I sought feedback from my colleagues, asked more clarifying questions, and took the time to fully understand Arowana’s workflow before moving forward. Going through the onboarding process properly the second time helped me work more efficiently and confidently.
This experience reinforced the importance of attention to detail and not being afraid to ask for guidance—crucial lessons for anyone entering the football business
How has your internship experience changed your perspective on working in the football industry?
One of the main reasons I chose The FBA was its commitment to providing students with real-world experience. In a competitive industry like football, securing hands-on experience and building connections can be just as important as academic knowledge.
My internship at Arowana Sports allowed me to apply six months of lectures in a professional setting, giving me firsthand insight into sponsorship negotiations, relationship-building, and the creative strategies needed to secure meaningful partnerships. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the fast-moving nature of the industry—where trends shift quickly, and adaptability is key. Facilitating deals between brands and clubs, understanding the importance of activation strategies, and learning how to tailor sponsorship proposals to different markets all reinforced how dynamic and strategic this field is.
What is one piece of advice or lesson from The FBA that has been invaluable during your internship?
One of the most valuable lessons I took from The FBA—and saw in action at Arowana—was the importance of networking.
In football, relationships matter. I was amazed at the network my colleagues had built and sustained over many years. This experience highlighted the importance of staying in touch with former colleagues and clients, as these connections often lead to future opportunities.
What made my experience truly unique was the opportunity to live and work in a new country. Having never lived outside of England before, I embraced the challenge of adapting to a new environment and making Spanish a part of my daily life. The FBA instilled in me the value of learning another language, and my time in Madrid reinforced how beneficial it is in the football industry.
I loved the experience of speaking and learning Spanish, and because of the endless opportunities it opens up, I plan to continue improving and conducting business in another language in the future.
What makes your internship experience unique, and how does it align with your long-term career goals in football?
This internship at Arowana Sports was more than just a professional experience—it was a period of growth, learning, and self-discovery.
It confirmed my passion for the business side of football and equipped me with skills that will be invaluable as I continue my career. Whether it’s understanding the nuances of sponsorship deals, adapting to new challenges, or the power of building relationships, I’m leaving this experience with a clearer vision for my future in football.
Madrid may have been a temporary home, but the lessons I’ve learned and the connections I’ve made will stay with me for years to come.
Zachary’s internship at Arowana Sports was more than just a learning experience—it was a launchpad for his future in the football industry. From gaining firsthand insight into sponsorship negotiations to adapting to a new cultural and professional environment, this opportunity reinforced the importance of practical experience in building a successful career in football.
At The FBA, we believe that real-world exposure is just as crucial as classroom learning. That’s why every Candidate is guaranteed an internship with a football organization, providing them with the chance to apply their knowledge, expand their network, and take their first steps in the industry. Zachary’s journey is a testament to the impact of this approach, showing how an internship can shape a career and open doors to new opportunities.
For those looking to break into the football business, The FBA’s internship program offers the experience and connections needed to make it happen.
Zachary is part of the 14th Edition of our Professional Master in Football Business.
Learn more about the guaranteed internship in the football business program and how it can elevate your career.
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