GIS Student on Behind-the-Scenes Experience at BMW PGA Championship

Recently, GIS students had the opportunity to attend the BMW PGA Championship as part of their professional development, going behind the scenes throughout the 72nd edition of the event.

A two-shot victory won by J. J. Spaun on his tournament debut, students in attendance gained insight into how the annual tournament is organised through exclusive access to the event, supporting their studies by providing context as to how sports they watch on television operate.

Having recently graduated from his MSc Football Coaching & Analysis studies, Archie Simmonds was one of the select few who was part of the trip. Recounting the experience, he spoke to GIS about his time at Wentworth Club.

“This was a magnificent opportunity that I am highly grateful for,” he began.

“Being able to go behind the scenes at a major sporting event provided significant insight into possible careers outside of football, as well as the knowledge and skills that can be transferrable to careers in football. Truly understanding what goes on to run an event of such magnitude and meeting some of the people responsible for this was incredibly insightful.”

This comes as part of an extensive effort to provide students with industry experiences that allow them to understand what their future careers may look like, as well as highlighting the possible career paths they have, as Archie mentions.

“If students get the opportunity to go to an event such as the PGA day or similar within other sports,” he continued, “then I highly recommend they do it with an open mind!

“I went to the event knowing that I would get an eye-opening experience, but now I am considering opportunities within golf as well as football.”

Archie then built on the realisation that numerous skills can be transferred between sports such as golf and, the subject of his particular programme, football. This is also the sport that he specialised in through his previous undergraduate degree, though he explained that, through modules such as Philosophy in the Coaching Process, his master’s studies have allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of the discipline.

“I can look back across the two years and see my growth academically and personally.“

“Undertaking an MSc has supported me to adopt an evidence-based approach to my coaching methods, being able to deeply understand why I do what I do. Being able to coach alongside my studies has allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to practice more consistently and develop my coaching philosophy.”

Looking ahead, Archie plans to gain further coaching and analytical experience abroad so,mething even current students are able to do through GIS’ flexible learning model.

To learn more, visit the MSc Football Coaching & Analysis page, or to hear from more students and graduates about their experiences, internships, and careers, explore our latest news.

Article by Zakaria Anani