FIFA Master 15th edition: June summary

“It’s the end of the world, said the caterpillar. It’s just the beginning, said the butterfly” Unknown.

Lucky us! As we are writing this summary, the sun is shining in Neuchatel and helping us to perfect our tan.

We started the month of June with a field visit to the UEFA headquarters in Nyon for an intense and full day. In the morning the UEFA staff, together with some alumni, warmly welcomed us. We were introduced to the confederation and then launched immediately into a match simulation exercise. We were divided into different teams and the goal was to coordinate a match game from 2 days prior up until the post- match press conference. It was an intense and stressful two hours, but at the same time both fun and instructive, and left us all taking our hats off to Venue Managers across the globe!

Following lunch by the lake, we had various presentations regarding the different challenges that UEFA currently faces, including the new nations league and the zero tolerance policy against match fixing.

During the same week, we took the bus to Lausanne to visit a number of different federations based there. Our first stop was the FEI (The International Federation for Equestrian Sports) where we were warmly welcomed for a morning session. We were introduced to the unique organisation and learnt about the challenges associated with regulating both humans and horses, as well as the communication strategies currently being employed. It was an informative morning learning about such an innovative federation and its strategy to remain a top Olympic sport.

After lunch, we visited the Maison du Sport International, the home of multiple sport federations. Here we were treated to presentations from ASOIF (the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), Sport Accord, the Federation of International Motorcycling as well as the World Archery Federation. It was another informative afternoon where we learnt about the various challenges the different federations face and their plans for the future. Given the heat, ending the day over a few cold beverages with alumni and other professionals in the sports industry was welcomed by all.

The following week, we were privileged to have TSE consulting hold a one-day seminar for us dedicated to presentation skills. The day’s objective was to assist us in our preparations for our final project presentations. We learnt valuable techniques including how to keep an audience interested and how to present in a confident manner, regardless of how confident you actually feel! Managing Director of TSE, Mr Lars Haue-Pedersen, delivered plenty of insightful advice that we will endeavor to implement in July. The afternoon one-on-one sessions for each group were especially valuable as we had the opportunity to discuss the specifics associated with each of our final projects. For many groups, these sessions were extremely helpful in assisting to shape the final structures of their research.

The next two days were dedicated to study for our final oral exam.  Being our last exam, when it was done and dusted, celebrations were definitely in order!  We enjoyed dinner and drinks with alumni and members of the FMA on the Friday night and on the Saturday were very kindly welcomed into the home of Professor Pierre Cornu for a BBQ. The celebrations didn’t stop there and many continued into the night at the Neuchâtel’s music festival, “Festineuch”.

After a great weekend we had our final week of ‘classes’ that consisted of two field visits.

On the Monday morning we visited Sauber Formula 1 headquarters, which was organised thanks to FIFA Master alumni, Kristina Fraesdorf. We had a number of interesting presentations about the history of Sauber, the new developments and the many challenges it faces given the structure of the industry. Later in the afternoon, we visited the TEAM Marketing agency at Luzern for a quick presentation about the marketing initiatives adopted for the benefit of its only client, UEFA. Then it was off to the football pitch to contest the FIFA Master vs TEAM Marketing Cup. Two matches were played, the Pink Panthers followed by the Panthers. The first match saw the Pink Panthers tie with their counterparts in a thrilling 1-1 game (unfortunately losing in a penalty shoot out in the end). Following this, the Panthers pulled out all the stops beating one of their toughest opponents of the year and securing the Cup.  After the matches we all enjoyed a well-earned dinner and a few post match drinks before heading back home.

The following day, we took the bus, for the last time, to visit the Olympic Studies Centre and the Olympic Museum. With the generous support and assistance of the staff at the Olympic Studies Centre, the day was a productive one for our final group projects. The day was the launch of the final leg of the FIFA Master – the final projects. In just a few days, our written projects are due (!) and we will then have one last week to finalise our presentations that we will present to family, friends, professors, alumni and potential employers within the sports industry – no pressure!

It is hard to believe that the amazing experience that is the FIFA Master will all be over in just a few short weeks. However, as wise men have stated, this is only the beginning of our stories. After graduating we will be a part of the FIFA Master family which we are sure will stand us in good stead and ensure a bright future for each of us!

But for now, it’s time for a study break as the lake is calling!

Rebecca Hooper and Francisco Diaz