UCFB offers a number of unique scholarship opportunities to students across a number of disciplines, with scholarships available based on academic and sporting achievements, as well as social mobility, among other categories.

Lasse Boettcher, a BA (Hons) Football Business & Marketing student, was awarded the Brendan Flood Scholarship. Here, he tells us about how the award has helped him, and shares some of the highlights of his time at UCFB so far.

How has the scholarship helped you so far?

The scholarship has offered me a lot of opportunities. For example, the scholarship team has pointed me towards seminars in London that have helped to develop my personal skills such as public speaking, CV workshops or entrepreneur skills. If you find events that you are interested in you can ask the scholarship team and they are ready to help you. I attended a two-day ‘how to be a football agent’ seminar with Erkut Sögüt, the agent of Mezut Özil, which I really enjoyed, and in April I will be at the Football Innovation Summit in London. Additionally, the scholarship is an outstanding point on my CV and has helped me in interviews with The Football Association and West Ham United.

What made you decide to want to come to UCFB and apply for the scholarship?

I’ve always wanted to work in football and to do something that represents my passion, so after finishing school I looked for places to study. But in Germany, my home country, there is nowhere similar to UCFB; it is absolutely unique and after attending the taster day I knew that this was the right step and a great opportunity to really get into the football business. Of course, studying for a degree is a financial commitment, so when I found out that UCFB offered scholarships I applied. A scholarship is something really unique and all the benefits of the scholarship are attractive.

How has your time at UCFB been so far?

My time at UCFB has been incredible, and has been one of the best years of my life. There are so many opportunities while studying at UCFB, especially in and around Wembley Stadium – walking into the stadium every day to study is unique and special. The modules are interesting and the guest speaker sessions give you a real insight into the business of football. Additionally, UCFB offers work and volunteering placements. I started to volunteer with The FA as a Team Liaison Officer, and since the beginning of the season I’ve been working for West Ham United as a Family Liaison Officer, which perfectly rounds up the entire experience with UCFB.

What aspects of UCFB have you enjoyed most?

The guest speaker sessions offer a lot of insight, but the speakers might also help you out with internship and work placements. The Employability & Enrichment Portal always offers great job and volunteering opportunities with local clubs, The FA and Premier League teams. I also really enjoy the academic side of UCFB. All the lectures and seminars are based on football, and the view of the Wembley pitch while studying is truly amazing and gives you an extra motivation.

Any advice for students looking to come to UCFB, in particular those thinking of applying for a scholarship?

I would advise every student to get involved, get your name seen and heard in the football business and apply for as many opportunities as possible. Receiving the scholarship gave me extra motivation for my time at UCFB. A scholarship on your CV makes you stand out, and this together with all the opportunities that UCFB offers gives you a great chance to get into the football business.