Mind-opening learning and discussions for the hopeful future leaders of Sport

Time keeps running fast at De Montfort University’s International Centre for Sports History and Culture in Leicester. But with each second that flies by, deeper knowledge and understanding comes in.

After the social introduction described in last month’s article, it is fair to say in these new lines that academic study has now fully kicked in. And it has been nothing short than impressive!

The amazing lectures we have had so far from more than a dozen top-class lecturers, many of them based on international perspectives within sport, have shaken a lot of the beliefs that we may have brought in our luggage from our respective countries for the twenty-two different nationalities that are represented in this 23rd edition of the FIFA Master.

Undoubtedly, we were less informed than we thought and this programme, which is the top of its kind in Europe, fills those gaps. Not only in our daily social interactions but by the high-quality discussions that are produced in class too.

Debates about human rights, sport development, gender equality and environmental issues in sport are just some of the topics that have enriched each one of us thanks to our multicultural differences and not despite them.

Searching for solutions to young athlete and player trafficking, the inclusion of the non-binary population, and the ever-present problem of racism in sport have already made us feel like we can effectively be future leaders in this industry.

We also can’t and will not forget the vibes and memories of our recent class field visit to the majestic Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester or the out-of-this-world sensation of visiting the new Leicester City FC Training Ground in Seagrave, to name just a few. The localness and community connection of Leicester Tigers rugby stadium was important for us too.

Of course, we keep socializing, going on weekend trips around the United Kingdom, and watching mainly football matches on our own (we are getting ready for the World Cup too!), but things have now become serious.

The tension of the assessment deadlines for our assignments and the anxiousness of the return of our grades are two feelings that add up to the big bowl of emotions that being part of the FIFA Master represents.

We soon will have to leave Leicester to go to Milan, where the Management module awaits, but the critical analysis that has been ingrained in us during the Humanities of Sport stage of the course should not and will not leave our minds and souls anytime soon.

David Goldberg (Costa Rica), FIFA Master 23rd edition student.

FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked No.1 Course in Europe 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 by the SportBusiness International global rankings.

Organised by CIES in partnership with De Montfort University (United Kingdom), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland).

As of 3rd October 2022 the CIES has officially opened the application process for the 24th edition (2023-2024) of the FIFA Master.

Please note that the deadline for applying is midday (12pm) Central European Time on Friday 13th January 2023.

Please click on this link to access the online application form.