On Friday the 30th of June the Fulham FC Foundation, in partnership with Fulham FC, hosted our first ever Careers Event at the training ground for students from three of our partner schools: The Elmgreen School, Southborough High School, and Raynes Park High School. This event was aimed at informing young people about the different careers within the football industry, hopefully inspiring them on a career path that allows them to combine their strengths and love of football.
It was great to see so many club staff give up their time to support with this event, with Caron summing up why their involvement was so important.
"It was great for the Club to be involved in this first event of its kind. Our objective of the event was to invite school students from the secondary schools we work with to Motspur Park for the day to gain insight into potential careers at a football club. We wanted them to embrace one of our key Club Values – Pioneers, in adopting a bold, forward thinking approach to their careers and really hope our open & inclusive approach to the day made them feel comfortable and welcome. It’s so important for us to demonstrate how we are committed the local community and those whose live we touch and we really hope this day has a long-lasting impact on all who attended."
Caron Streeter
People Manager at Fulham FC
Over the course of the day the participants took part in three different activities. The morning session saw the young people split into groups of 5 to take part in our ‘Careers Speed Dating’ activity. This allowed each group to spend 10 minutes with one of the eight participating departments, where they learnt what their job involved, and the qualifications they needed for it.
At lunch the participants were treated to two surprises. Firstly, they were given an exclusive tour of the training ground by the club’s grounds team. This tour included a breakdown of what their role involved on a day to day basis. Afterwards the group were treated to a Q&A with Fulham FC’s First Team Player, Tosin Adarabioyo who talked about his plans post his footballing career.
The day was then finished off with two practical activities. This started with a coaching session lead by two Fulham FC coaches. Not only was this an opportunity for the students to see what an academy coaching session would involve, but it also gave them an insight into the qualifications and experienced required to be a football coach at a Premier League club. To end the day the students then took part in a scouting session. During this session they learnt exactly what our scouts look for in a potential player, and were then given the opportunity to use this knowledge to create a scout report on one of our Football & Education participants.
A special thank you should go to all Fulham FC Staff who gave up their time to support the event, it wouldn’t have been a success without them. The feedback from our young people highlights just how impactful the event was:
- 96% improved their knowledge about careers available to them in the football industry.
- 97% improved their understanding of the different routes into employment.
- 76% were inspired to continue their education.
- 100% enjoyed the event.
“(I liked) finding out that there are many ways into the football industry without actually playing."
Andrew
Careers Event Participant
"I learnt about new careers like education and scouting, and many others."
Liberty
Careers Event Participant
“I liked the academy coaching (playing like a real footballer) and I liked the scouting because it inspired me."
Tyrell
Careers Event Participant
To find out more about Fulham FC Foundation's Careers Events please contact Fulham FC Foundation via email: foundationinfo@fulhamfc.com
