‘I can’t imagine myself working in any other industry’: GIS Student on Role with Nadia on Supporting Mexico U17 during at the Vertex Cup

Working alongside Mexico U17 at the Vertex Cup in London, GIS student Nadia Flores Cocconi gained first-hand experience of the preparation and organisation behind international football.

The September tournament brought together the U17 teams of Argentina, Mexico, China and Tanzania, with Global Institute of Sport (GIS) students taking on internships across event support, media and team operations.

For Nadia, an MSc Sports Marketing & Management student, this meant joining Mexico as a Team Liaison Officer, working daily with the players and staff to support their needs.

As part of the role, Nadia supported the Mexico team and staff throughout the 10-day competition. “It was a very hands-on role,” she told GIS, with days typically running from 8am to 9pm, as she supported the team everywhere from the hotel and training ground to matchdays and even the players’ free time in London.

“My priority was to make sure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes so the players and coaching staff could focus entirely on the match,” she said, having worked particularly closely with the team’s nutritionist, operational staff, and the players themselves.

Peeking Behind the Curtain of Elite Football

The attention to detail involved in preparing the team was one of the things that struck Nadia most. Despite growing up in Argentina, a nation where football is, as Nadia says, “more than just a sport,” she was fascinated by just how much work goes on behind the scenes.

“I’ve studied football business and also worked as a Fan Engagement Assistant for a Premier League Team,” she said, “so I already had some understanding of how the industry works. However, being part of the day-to-day operations of a national team was a completely different experience.”

From managing nutrition and transport to coordinating laundry, training schedules and recovery sessions, Nadia gained a new appreciation for the many moving parts involved in keeping a team running smoothly, while learning to adapt to the demands of the role.

“I didn’t expect how much responsibility I would have or how quickly I would need to adapt and solve problems. There were always unexpected requests, and sometimes I had to find solutions on the spot.

“What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed that environment. I loved being busy, having different responsibilities every day and knowing that, even in a small way, I was contributing to the team’s preparation and overall experience.”

Settling into a New Role

Alongside the practical demands of the role, Nadia initially wondered how she would settle into an unfamiliar team environment.

“I have to admit, I was a little nervous at the beginning!

“I had never been in a role like this before,” she recalls, “and being Argentinian myself, I was also aware of the football rivalry between Argentina and Mexico, especially after the 2026 World Cup. I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to fit in with the team.”

However, her experience quickly put those worries to rest. From the first day, Nadia found herself welcomed by the team and forming connections that would last beyond the tournament.

“It was an incredible experience, and from the very beginning, everyone made me feel so welcome,” she said. “By the end of the tournament, it honestly felt as though we had known each other for years!”

The strength of these relationships was clear when it came time to say goodbye, with Nadia even receiving gifts from the Mexico U17 squad to show their appreciation of her work.

“What makes me happiest is that I’ve stayed in touch with several of them even after the tournament ended. I went into this experience expecting to gain professional experience, but I came away with wonderful memories, genuine friendships and connections that I will always value.”

Nadia’s Biggest Takeaways

The internship came during the first month of Nadia’s postgraduate studies, giving her an early opportunity to put her learning into practice. Reflecting on what she gained from the experience, she highlighted the importance of “learning to trust myself and my abilities.”

“Before the tournament, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect or whether I would be able to handle everything. But as the days went by, I realised that I was capable of much more than I had initially thought.”

“I came away from this experience feeling more confident, motivated and certain about the career I want to build in the sports industry.”

“It made me realise that this is exactly the kind of environment I would love to continue working in throughout my career.”

A Future in Football

For Nadia, the placement also highlighted the range of ways she could contribute to the sport she grew up loving.

“Growing up in Argentina, football has always been a huge part of my childhood.

“What I love most about the sports industry is that it’s not just about what happens on the pitch. There are so many people working behind the scenes, all contributing in different ways to make these incredible moments possible.

“One thing I’ve realised is that you don’t have to be a player or a coach to be part of football and have an impact. There are so many opportunities to contribute to the sport you love, and that’s something I find incredibly motivating.

“Studying my Master’s at GIS has given me the knowledge and confidence to pursue this career. Experiences like the Vertex Cup allow me to put what I’ve learnt into practice and continue growing professionally.

“If there’s one thing this experience has confirmed, it’s that I genuinely love what I do, and I can’t imagine myself working in any other industry.”

Visit the GIS News page to discover more student stories and explore how GIS students are gaining experience across the sports industry.

Article by Zakaria Anani