Executive Speaker Series
93% of UCFB's graduates are in employment
Students at UCFB have the opportunity to learn from senior practitioners in the football business.
In our Executive Speaker Series a guest speaker visits UCFB most weeks to deliver a lecture to students on an area of their expertise and to answer questions.
Steve McManaman, in an exclusive guest lecture at UCFB’s Wembley Stadium campus.
Guest speakers include the Chief Executives of Premier League football clubs, the directors of major corporations, senior figures in football governing bodies and in the core related industries of finance, marketing, media and broadcasting, along with leading journalists and academics. This gives UCFB students unique and unlimited access to a global network of contacts at the top of the football business and surrounding industry.
Click below to read more about some of the speakers who have attended UCFB so far:
Jamie Carragher - Former professional football player and Sky Sports pundit
As well as being recognised regularly for his charitable work, Jamie has established himself as a competent and likeable football pundit since his retirement. Often working alongside former rival player Gary Neville, he uses his extensive knowledge of the game to analyse matches for Sky Sports viewers.
Peter Salmon - Global Creative Chief at Endemol shine, former Director, England at the BBC
A Burnley native, Peter has played a key role in the evolution of Britain’s television industry over the past three decades. Having held various positions across the sector, he has built up all of the experience necessary to perform in his current role – as Director England at the BBC.
Alistair Mackintosh - Chief Executive at Fulham Football Club
As a successful and renowned chartered accountant, Alistair Mackintosh, in his role as CEO at Fulham Football Club applied strong financial nous to the equally results-driven world of football.
Julie Harrington - Chief Executive of British Cycling
Julie Harrington joined the world-renowned British Cycling as chief executive in 2017 following five successful years at The Football Association.
In her time at The FA, Julie was managing director of St. George’s Park after coming to the team from her post as operations director at Northern Racing. She was considered an esteemed figure within The FA, managing the multi-million-pound Burton-based complex and around 350 members of staff.
Neil Doncaster - Chief Executive at Scottish Professional Football League
A leading light in Scottish football, Neil Doncaster joined the UCFB as an advisory board member in 2013. As Chief Executive of the Scottish Professional Football League, he certainly has a strong history with UK football.
Rachel Brown-Finnis - Former Everton and England football player
Rachel Brown-Finnis has a central role at UCFB, acting as an ambassador and a member of the advisory board. She also regularly lectures UCFB students at both campuses and organises student placements and work experience opportunities within the industry.
Brendan Foster - Former Olympian and Vice-President at Nike Europe, and founder of the Great North Run
Brendan Foster has been instrumental in nurturing athletic talent from overseas and was awarded an MBE in 1976, plus a CBE in 2008. He remains ever passionate about running and is proud that the Great Runs continue to inspire generations to take up the sport, no matter their ability. He recently shared his enthusiasm with students at UCFB Burnley, talking about his career plus his business endeavours.
Daniel Geey - Voted one of the top UK sports lawyers in 2014
Daniel has been formally ranked as one of the ‘Associates to Watch’ in the ‘UK-wide Sport’ section of the 2015 Chambers & Partners guide to the world’s best lawyers, and regularly visits UCFB Wembley and UCFB Burnley to give masterclass sessions to the BA (Hons) Sports Business & Sports Law students.
Steve McManaman - Former Liverpool, Real Madrid and England football player and BT Sport pundit
UCFB students recently enjoyed the unparalleled opportunity to meet current television football pundit and former Liverpool, Real Madrid and England midfielder, Steve McManaman, in an exclusive guest lecture at UCFB’s Wembley Stadium campus.
Martin Tyler - Sky Sports commentator
UCFB Wembley students were recently treated to an exclusive guest lecture and Q&A from the voice of British football, Martin Tyler. Students were delighted to gain an insight into the life of the man that was crowned ‘Commentator of the decade’ in 2007 and whose voice continues to be heard commentating around the globe today.
Steve McClaren - Derby County Manager; former England, Newcastle United and FC Twente Manager
Former England manager Steve McClaren outlined the vital ingredients needed to be an elite level manager when he was the headline speaker at a recent UCFB postgraduate taster evening.
George Cohen - 1966 World Cup winner with England
George Cohen, who is regularly named as England’s greatest ever right back, gave students at UCFB Wembley a unique insight into the pitch at the 1966 World Cup during his talk at the Executive Guest Speaker Session.
Hayley McQueen - Sky Sports News presenter
Hayley McQueen, one of Sky Sports’ most popular and prominent presenters, recently visited UCFB Wembley to talk to students about her exciting career path so far, the increasing role of women within the sport industry and to pass on words of wisdom to aspiring media, broadcasting and journalism students.
Dharmesh Sheth - Sky Sports reporter and broadcaster
The Pitch View West Auditorium overlooking the pitch at Wembley Stadium was full for last month’s exclusive guest lecture with Sky Sports News Reporter Dharmesh Sheth. Dharmesh is one of the UK’s most recognisable sports broadcast reporters having worked at Sky Sports News since its inception in 1998, and became an instant favourite with UCFB students.
Greg Dyke - Former Chairman of The FA and Director General at the BBC
In the week that Greg Dyke announced the second instalment of plans from his Football Commission, the Football Association Chairman spared time out of his busy schedule to elaborate on his vision for English football with UCFB students.
