Student representatives from across our Undergraduate Sports department had a unique opportunity to work with industry leaders and professionals as they were invited to work with international sporting superstar team FC Barcelona and their Barça Innovation Hub entity.
Over the course of two days, students undertook fascinating lectures and inspirational masterclasses from club professionals on business intelligence, innovation, TV rights and sponsorships, and analytics. Learners discovered more about how life off the pitch can make a huge difference in the world of sport, and the inner workings of a professional athletics organisation.
Higher Education Course Leader for Sports Science with Management, Johnny Hie reflected on the trip, sharing, “The lectures and classes were amazing, and we were all so well looked after by the Barcelona team. The entire experience was immersive and fascinating.”
Alongside the Innovation Hub programme, students were given the chance to tour the iconic Camp Nou stadium, visiting the museum and FCB Joan Gamper Sports City, where they were given exclusive access to where both the men’s and women’s first team’s train.
Johnny continued, “It was a brilliant experience, which was both motivational and educational for our Higher Education students. On our final day, we toured the Olympic Park and main stadium, including the iconic swimming pool, with views over the entire city. The students got to experience the best Barcelona has to offer, and everyone had their fill of tapas!”
The Barça Innovation Hub aims to create an ecosystem of knowledge and innovation whilst working with brands, colleges, athletes and more to promote a culture of excellence and collaboration. Having launched in 2017, the Hub focuses on the growth and development of technology and media, advanced performance, education, and the future of sport science.