For most Global Institute of Sport students, the prospect of owning your own football club could be considered a dream or an ambition, but for one graduate in particular, it’s very much a reality.
Andrian Selivestru graduated with a Master’s in Football Business in 2022 and has since gone on to form FC Inter London, the largest Ukrainian youth football club in the UK.
Speaking about how the club’s creation came about, Andrian said: “Our journey began as a simple charity project aimed at improving the mental and psychological well-being of Ukrainian refugees.
“Initially, we didn't envision forming a club, creating teams, or competing in a league. Our primary goal was to provide Ukrainian children with the opportunity to play football and make new friends. It was Dr. Nick Wilde [former GIS academic] who inspired me to think bigger, showing me that we could make a significant positive impact on these children's lives.”
With over 150 registered players spread across three different branches and five competitive teams, the club has grown significantly since its inception and has even built a player pathway with Charlton Athletic’s Community Trust (CACT).
Reflecting on FC Inter London’s rapid growth, Selivestru said: “The club has evolved far beyond our expectations.
“We started with just 12 children of varying ages, and now our reach has expanded to three branches: East London, North London, and Brighton. In Brighton, the Ukrainian community sought our help, and we extended our club's name to them, allowing Ukrainian children from different cities to join local leagues more easily without the need to establish a new club.
“We've secured media partnerships with notable figures like Anglo-Ukrainian podcaster Sasha Kozak and the Ukrainian educational hub in London, supported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Education. Our relationships with Leyton Orient Trust, CACT, and Chelsea FC Academy have also been strengthened significantly.”
In addition to the support of his academics, a massive turning point arrived when Andrian successfully secured £12,000 of investment thanks to his inspiring pitch at the 2022 UCFB-GIS Sports Entrepreneur Award.
“Participating in the Sports Entrepreneur Award was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had,” says Andrian.
“Standing before the esteemed competition panel to pitch my idea and business plan was exhilarating, and winning the grand prize of £12,000 was an unbelievable experience that took some time to fully sink in.
“I received great support from GIS throughout my journey. The skills and knowledge gained from their courses were instrumental to my project's success, and the staff and lecturers provided invaluable assistance.”
Although FC Inter London continues to progress and make positive strides in the industry, Andrian admits there is still room for further development.
“We have grand ambitions for our club,” he revealed. “Our goal is to compete in the highest leagues possible, providing our children with opportunities to play quality football and participate in trials at professional academies. We also strive to motivate our players to excel academically, encouraging them to pursue higher education at college and university.”
When asked to offer some advice for GIS students looking to drive forward their career in sport, Andrian said: “Whatever you aim to achieve in football, gaining experience is crucial.
“Equally important are strong leadership skills. You must be able to work and communicate effectively in a positive environment. The football industry often presents stressful situations and organisations rely on the exceptional skills of their staff to navigate these challenges successfully.”
To learn more about GIS’ pioneering sports Master’s degrees, click here to request a prospectus.
Article by Ryan Booth
