From Passion to the Pitch: My Journey with SC Braga
The first day of my internship at SC Braga set the tone for the exciting months that followed. It was game day- the first of the season, played at home, with the iconic Estádio 1º de Maio as the backdrop. The team was determined to start fresh after last season, and the atmosphere was electric. From that day on, the pace never slowed, and I found myself fully immersed in the dynamic world of professional football.
When I started my Professional Master’s in Football Business at The FBA, I hoped for an opportunity that would challenge and inspire me. My internship with SC Braga, in the Women’s football department, exceeded all my expectations. Joining the club at a time when women’s football is gaining momentum was especially meaningful. I had the chance to see how a professional team operates, from the grassroots level to senior competition, while being part of a club committed to advancing the game for women.
As an Assistant Team Manager for the Women’s First Team and Team Manager for two U11 teams, I’ve been immersed in an environment where passion, dedication, and growth drive everything we do.
By the second game day, I was already familiar with navigating the stadium and understanding the intricacies of matchday routines. I attended the pre-game briefing with referees, the federation delegate, and the opponent's sporting director, a process that provided invaluable insight into the operational side of football. From the outset, I took on the responsibility of overseeing ball girls and mascots, managing the "Player of the Match" award, organizing tickets, and preparing equipment for warm-ups and substitutes. I also assisted the team staff with any tasks they needed, it was a fast-paced environment that required adaptability and focus, and I loved every second of it.
On a daily basis I worked closely with the team manager and technical director of the women’s team, assisting with the operational and logistical aspects of team management. This included coordinating training sessions, preparing for matches and managing communications.
After the morning practice sessions, my afternoons were spent at SC Braga’s Sport City, where I took on the responsibility of developing SC Braga's tournament project for the women's department. This involved researching potential competitions, creating strategic proposals, and ensuring the project aligned with the club’s broader goals.
When it came to the two youth teams, I had to replicate what I did for the senior team on a smaller scale and the responsibility was on me to make sure that everything regarding logistics, coordination, player support and intra department communication ran smoothly on and off the field during practices and on game days. This aspect was especially challenging as the age group requires communication to work in a triangle between the team manager, club staff and parents.
Before, during and after the training sessions, I ensured all equipment was ready and provided on-ground support to the coaching staff and players. On game days I organized the team’s logistics, lugged materials, and assisted with match-day preparations, such as setting up dressing rooms. It was also up to me to communicate with the opposing team’s sporting director and the referee when it came to the more formal aspects of the match. Seeing the hard work, enthusiasm and development of these young players and helping create a supportive environment for them was definitely the highlight of my internship. I can now confidently say that the future of women’s football is bright.
Being involved in both matchday operations for the senior team and the behind-the-scenes preparation for youth teams taught me how different parts of the football ecosystem connect. It was very rewarding to see my “two worlds” colliding whenever the senior team players came to visit the academy, or the academy players were mascots for the A team matches.
The fast-paced nature of my responsibilities was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I quickly learned to adapt, prioritize, and communicate effectively with various stakeholders, from referees to team staff. These skills, along with the mentorship of my colleagues, have been invaluable to my professional growth.
When I began my journey with SC Braga, my main goal was to explore the different facets of football operations and figure out where I could best fit within this dynamic industry. Now, I have a much clearer idea of the path I want to pursue.
As my time with SC Braga comes to an end, I leave with immense gratitude and a stronger commitment to promoting women’s football. This internship has solidified my career goals and provided me with the tools and confidence to contribute to the growth of the game.
A heartfelt thank you to The FBA for making this experience possible and to SC Braga for trusting me to contribute to their work.
I am excited to carry the lessons I’ve learned here to my future endeavours in football!
Catarina is a 14th Edition Candidate of our Professional Master in Football Business.
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