Pierce Hill Worrall on Studying at GIS and Starting His Football Business Career at Everton FC

When Pierce Hill Worrall began his undergraduate degree in Sport Business, he set himself a clear target. By the time he completed his MSc Football Business at GIS, he wanted to be working in the football industry. Through persistence, networking and a commitment to developing his skills, he achieved exactly that.

Today Pierce is a Premium Experiences Sales Executive at Everton FC, working on one of the most significant club projects in recent years. His journey is a testament to ambition, resilience and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone to pursue opportunities.

A Dream Career Begins with GIS

From the beginning of his studies, Pierce embraced every chance to build his professional experience. He focused on expanding his network, attending GIS events and taking on voluntary roles to strengthen his CV. This proactive approach helped him prepare for the competitive hiring process within football.

“For me, persistence was key. I kept my options open and for every interview knockback I took on the feedback and tried to implement it into the next one,” Pierce explained.

After countless applications and interviews, his determination paid off when he was offered a role with Everton FC. The club referenced his MSc in Football Business as part of their hiring decision, recognising the industry knowledge and exposure the programme provides.

A Growing Role at Everton FC

In his first twelve months at Everton, Pierce has been part of the team responsible for planning, selling and delivering premium matchday experiences at Hill Dickinson Stadium. He describes the first league match against Brighton as a standout moment that confirmed he had chosen the right career path.

His role is fast paced and varied. A typical week includes prospecting, client networking across the city, responding to enquiries and ensuring premium spaces are ready to host more than five thousand guests on matchdays. Weekends are spent delivering the matchday experience, an aspect of the role he finds especially rewarding.

Shaped by GIS Experiences

Pierce credits GIS with providing access to experiences that shaped both his confidence and understanding of the football industry. Studying within world class stadiums, meeting senior leaders and networking with professionals all played key roles in his development.

He highlights the GIS Global Summit in Miami as a particularly valuable experience. The opportunity to visit Inter Miami’s facilities, meet leaders in US sport and tour iconic venues pushed him outside his comfort zone and strengthened his ambition to work at the highest level.

Modules such as football operations and football finance proved directly relevant to his role, helping him understand the commercial structure of football clubs. Voluntary work at lower league clubs during his studies also helped him build a strong CV and gave him real experiences to refer to during interviews.

Skills and Mindset for Success

According to Pierce, success in football business and sales requires confidence and self belief, combined with practical skills.

“Active listening is the big one,” he said. “Communication skills are important too, but if you are not listening actively you miss what a customer really wants and needs.”

He also emphasises the importance of resilience, both in sales and in trying to break into football. “The hiring process can be frustrating and sometimes demotivating. You have to keep trying and be persistent with it. Most importantly, back yourself.”

Advice for Future GIS Students

Pierce encourages students to remain open minded when applying for roles within sport. His own position in premium sales was not a role he had originally envisioned, but it has become an exciting and fulfilling part of his career journey.

“Sometimes the best opportunity might not be the role you ever considered working in,” he said.

He also recommends making full use of the support available at GIS, from careers advice to CV guidance. Building strong relationships within your cohort is equally important, as many graduates eventually cross paths again within the industry.

Working with Purpose

For Pierce, the biggest motivation is simply being able to work within the sport he loves.

“Having a hands on role at a football club is a great feeling, especially on a matchday,” he said. “My advice is to back yourself, go for it and stay persistent.”

His journey shows how ambition, education and real world experience can combine to create a successful career in football business, even in one of the most competitive sectors of the sporting world.

Explore our MSc Football Business course to take your next step towards a career in the global football industry.