All of a sudden we find ourselves at the halfway mark of the Humanities Module for the FIFA Master 12th Edition. Had a fantastic trip to the 'Home of Cricket' and the 'Home of Rugby' yesterday; Lord's and Twickenham respectively. Fantastic to set foot on the ground where so many legends have gone before. Walking up the stairs to the Long Room at Lord's was incredible. To think that Don Bradman set foot in those exact surroundings to make history with the bat over 60 years ago is incredible.
We have now commenced the Internationalisation of Sport sub-module with Professor Pierre Lanfranchi. Pierre was my interviewer during the selection process and played a big part of my acceptance into the FIFA Master program. It is fantastic to finally meet him after 6 weeks of the course. Again I must thank Associate Professor Daryl Adair who assisted me with my application and rest assured I've passed on Daryl's regards to the rest of the De Montfort academic team!
I am making a presentation to the rest of the class on the topic of 'Australian Sport' this Friday. Any suggestions on what I should include? I don't know how I'm going to keep to the 1/2 hour timeslot!
Tuesday 8 November 2011
Wednesday 26 October 2011
FIELD TRIPS
A particularly great element of the FIFA Master course is the quantity and quality of field trips that CIES and the various Universities organise. Today we returned from a visit to the Reebok Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers. We stayed in the hotel which is fully integrated within the stadium itself. From there we also travelled to Manchester United, Manchester City and the Professional Footballer's Association. Here's a snapshot of each visit:
PFA: Unfortunately Chief Executive Gordon Taylor was caught up in the 'Tevez Affair' and therefore wasn't available to address the class. Instead we listened to George Berry, former Wolverhampton Wanderers player and professional footballer for 22 years. Had a number of interesting stories to tell and gave us all an idea of how the PFA operates and how it assists players in developing their careers.
Bolton Wanderers: Have had moderate levels of success during the 20th Century including a very successful decade in the 1950's. Have struggled to compete as well as the 'big' clubs over the past 50 years due to less available finances but have been in the Premier League for 11 consecutive seasons now. Main goal is to continue in the top flight of English football. Are also innovative in the way they attract new revenue streams by hosting a number of concerts at the ground and facilitating a huge number of functions throughout the Hotel itself.
Manchester United: Have a very strong attitude of 'we win the most trophies and therefore are the best club'. They believe people will follow them because they win. Their philosophy is they don't need to change anything too drastic as their continued formula for success is working and they are the benchmark in world football.
Manchester City: Not only myself but the entire class was very impressed with this club. Yes we realise they now have huge pools of money and resources to draw upon but you still need to know how to use that money wisely. Manchester City have done this very well. From the quality of their presentations, attitude towards their fans and interaction with commercial partners to their overall business model are all very refreshing. It may sound simple but from the minute we walked in we knew they cared about us. Friendly, approachable, confident in their future ambitions without being arrogant. Providing everyone in the class with a £10 gift voucher to use in the merchandise shop was the icing on the cake to a fantastic afternoon's experience. Compare this to Manchester United who made us wait on several occasions during the tour, made very dull and predictable presentations, had the most sour and disinterested tour guide who couldn't crack a smile and wanted us out of the stadium as quickly as possible (have never heard someone use one word answers as often as he did). To cap it all off the coffee was cold. Manchester City couldn't have been more different and professional. Maybe the 6-1 result over the weekend had something to do with it but one result shouldn't affect your ability to host. It wasn't hard to pick which club you would rather support or possibly want to work for in the future.
PFA: Unfortunately Chief Executive Gordon Taylor was caught up in the 'Tevez Affair' and therefore wasn't available to address the class. Instead we listened to George Berry, former Wolverhampton Wanderers player and professional footballer for 22 years. Had a number of interesting stories to tell and gave us all an idea of how the PFA operates and how it assists players in developing their careers.
Bolton Wanderers: Have had moderate levels of success during the 20th Century including a very successful decade in the 1950's. Have struggled to compete as well as the 'big' clubs over the past 50 years due to less available finances but have been in the Premier League for 11 consecutive seasons now. Main goal is to continue in the top flight of English football. Are also innovative in the way they attract new revenue streams by hosting a number of concerts at the ground and facilitating a huge number of functions throughout the Hotel itself.
Manchester United: Have a very strong attitude of 'we win the most trophies and therefore are the best club'. They believe people will follow them because they win. Their philosophy is they don't need to change anything too drastic as their continued formula for success is working and they are the benchmark in world football.
Manchester City: Not only myself but the entire class was very impressed with this club. Yes we realise they now have huge pools of money and resources to draw upon but you still need to know how to use that money wisely. Manchester City have done this very well. From the quality of their presentations, attitude towards their fans and interaction with commercial partners to their overall business model are all very refreshing. It may sound simple but from the minute we walked in we knew they cared about us. Friendly, approachable, confident in their future ambitions without being arrogant. Providing everyone in the class with a £10 gift voucher to use in the merchandise shop was the icing on the cake to a fantastic afternoon's experience. Compare this to Manchester United who made us wait on several occasions during the tour, made very dull and predictable presentations, had the most sour and disinterested tour guide who couldn't crack a smile and wanted us out of the stadium as quickly as possible (have never heard someone use one word answers as often as he did). To cap it all off the coffee was cold. Manchester City couldn't have been more different and professional. Maybe the 6-1 result over the weekend had something to do with it but one result shouldn't affect your ability to host. It wasn't hard to pick which club you would rather support or possibly want to work for in the future.
Tuesday 11 October 2011
WEEK 3
This week rounded off with the second instalment of class assessments on the 'Birth of Modernisation in Sport'. Two tasks in the first 3 weeks. The program directors don't muck around! Also had guest lectures from Nick Bitel, Chief Executive of the London Marathon and Jenny Green/James Fuller from UK Anti-Doping.
Students Alex Cabot, Rob Swain and I have founded the 'FIFA Master 12th Edition football team' and as a result, our first fixture will be an outdoor 6-a-side tournament scheduled for this weekend. Will be good to see the talent of the local Leicester community and pitch ourselves against a number of DMU students.
FUN FACT: The 1st October was the hottest day on record for Leicester in 2011. Peaking at 27C, I wouldn't like to know how mild their summer has been. Regardless, there are reports that by the end of the month, it will already be snowing. What a turnaround.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "If it takes 10 to kill me, I'll take 9"...Legendary British cyclist Tommy Simpson who tragically died during Stage 13 of the Tour de France in 1967.
Students Alex Cabot, Rob Swain and I have founded the 'FIFA Master 12th Edition football team' and as a result, our first fixture will be an outdoor 6-a-side tournament scheduled for this weekend. Will be good to see the talent of the local Leicester community and pitch ourselves against a number of DMU students.
FUN FACT: The 1st October was the hottest day on record for Leicester in 2011. Peaking at 27C, I wouldn't like to know how mild their summer has been. Regardless, there are reports that by the end of the month, it will already be snowing. What a turnaround.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "If it takes 10 to kill me, I'll take 9"...Legendary British cyclist Tommy Simpson who tragically died during Stage 13 of the Tour de France in 1967.
Sunday 2 October 2011
WEEK 2 - PART II
Week 2 of the FIFA Master program rounded off with a field visit to 'Rugby School'. Fascinating to learn the origins of the game and various 'myths and legends' that keep historians happy. To have the very school at which he attended state that there is no real evidence William Webb Ellis ever 'picked up the ball and ran with it' was very interesting. The school itself was an exact replica of Harry Potter's 'Hogwarts' with similar architecture/decor etc. Watched a couple of pupils play 'racquetball' (another form of squash) where they hit a tiny wooden ball against a wall. With the accuracy and power they hit it with, you wouldn't want to cop one in the eye (at which point our tour guide explained he had been hit in the stomach and hasn't been the same since).
This week, 5 classmates and I also took the opportunity to visit Emirates Stadium to watch Arsenal vs Olympiakos in the Champions League group stage. Would have to be one of the best stadiums I've ever visited (every single seat is padded!) and even though we were quite high up, we still felt almost on the sideline as the angle of seats is such that it's nearly a sheer drop! Arsenal won 2-1 in a very entertaining game.
This week, 5 classmates and I also took the opportunity to visit Emirates Stadium to watch Arsenal vs Olympiakos in the Champions League group stage. Would have to be one of the best stadiums I've ever visited (every single seat is padded!) and even though we were quite high up, we still felt almost on the sideline as the angle of seats is such that it's nearly a sheer drop! Arsenal won 2-1 in a very entertaining game.
Tuesday 27 September 2011
WEEK 2
Week 2 of my FIFA Master journey commenced with a 'field visit' to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club; Wimbledon. Was incredible to walk the halls of past champions, take a tour around Centre Court and Court 1 and visit the Wimbledon Museum. We also heard a couple of speeches from tournament delegates and even got to sit in the interview chair that the players frequent after their matches.
Today we presented our first assessment on 'How well Wimbledon has adapted to the changing world of modern sport'. Alex, Rob, Diana, Aneeqah and myself all presented a very good argument and we were pleased with our efforts. Will be interesting to see the marks from all presentations once they're released. We decided to use a debate format which was unique compared to the other presentation styles and I'm hoping this enabled us to differentiate ourselves from the rest. I guess only time will tell!
Today we presented our first assessment on 'How well Wimbledon has adapted to the changing world of modern sport'. Alex, Rob, Diana, Aneeqah and myself all presented a very good argument and we were pleased with our efforts. Will be interesting to see the marks from all presentations once they're released. We decided to use a debate format which was unique compared to the other presentation styles and I'm hoping this enabled us to differentiate ourselves from the rest. I guess only time will tell!
Friday 23 September 2011
DAY 4
Our first guest speaker, Rob Lake spoke to the class today. He gave his findings on his report into the history/structure of the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) in Britain and the struggles for the nation to produce world class tennis players. The last British Wimbledon Champion was Fred Perry in 1936! Last female won it in 1977, and last Davis Cup victory was also 1936. I find that incredible considering that tennis has a long and diverse history in the country. However, from what I've heard through various people, it is extremely difficult to change the habits of some of the people who run these organisations. They have held committee positions for years and are against change on almost every level. Our first group task was established and I will be presenting with Alex, Rob, Diana and Aneeqah on 'How well has Wimbledon adapted to the changing world of modern sport?'
Wednesday 21 September 2011
DAY 3
Official lectures commenced today based on sport as a construct and its many various definitions/forms. A good book which delves into this topic is Allen Guttmann's 'From Ritual to Record'. An overview was also given on the history of tennis. This led to the class being informed that we are visiting WIMBLEDON on Monday! Very excited to peruse the 'All England Club' which is widely regarded as the 'home' of tennis. Not sure if I'll get to have a hit out on Centre Court but here's to optimism!
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Border Security to Oscar Wilde:
BS: 'Sir, do you have anything to declare?'
OW: 'Nothing but my genius!'
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Border Security to Oscar Wilde:
BS: 'Sir, do you have anything to declare?'
OW: 'Nothing but my genius!'
Tuesday 20 September 2011
DAY 2
Today we had our 'official' photographs taken on the lawns of Trinity Chapel at De Montfort. The weather held off for the photos which was very lucky. Also had personal shots taken for the FIFA handbook and document to be distributed amongst industry executives. Also provided with a nice lunch by the University. Great to meet members of the CIES Scientific and Executive Committees and to be officially welcomed into the program. Lectures commence at 9am tomorrow morning. Better get some sleep.
Monday 19 September 2011
DAY 1
First day of introductions at De Montfort University. Listened to presentations from Vincent Schatzmann (CIES General Secretary), James Panter (De Montfort Admin), John Cavenaghi (SDA Bocconi Admin) and Stefano Aloise (UniNE and CIES Admin). Formal gathering tomorrow before lectures commence on Wednesday. No mucking about!
Sunday 18 September 2011
THE DAY HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!
Well it has been more than 12 months in the making but we are finally here. Tomorrow, 19th September 2011, the FIFA Master 12th Edition will officially commence. I'm extremely excited to start the course. It has been a long wait, full of anticipation. I have now met almost all of the 29 candidates. Everyone seems very friendly and keen to start. I am very much looking forward to the exciting times ahead.
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