Sports leaders will share their career journeys
Joint ARU and Cambridge United event will focus on different roles in sport
Dr Harley Jean Simpson will chair the event later this month
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has teamed up with Cambridge United to host a special event for anyone interested in building a career in sport.
Taking place on Thursday, 27 November (6pm-7.30pm), the event will explore the different pathways from higher education into roles within football and the wider sports industry, and will feature four expert speakers who will share their own career journeys.
As Cambridge United’s official Education Partner, ARU works closely with the football club and Cambridge United Foundation to raise aspirations and create opportunities across the city.
Hosted at ARU’s Cambridge campus, the free event will be chaired by Dr Harley Jean Simpson, who combines her role as Senior Lecturer in Sport Coaching and Physical Education at ARU with being Head of Research at Cambridge United.
Three of the four speakers are ARU graduates and Dr Simpson will lead the discussion, which will explore themes of leadership, transferable skills and career development.
The panel includes Nick Tyler-Hicks, Cambridge United’s Head of Recruitment and a BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching & Physical Education graduate from ARU. Nick’s role at the Cledara Abbey Stadium combines modern data analytics with traditional and video scouting to identify, evaluate and acquire footballers who align with the club’s philosophy, budget and long-term vision.
Joining Nick is Janet Mills, Head of Human Resources and People at Cambridge United. Janet, who holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management from ARU, advises senior managers on all HR matters including equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding, and oversees the club’s recruitment process from interviews through to contracts.
Also on the panel are Vicky Neal, Head of Cambridge United Foundation, who has responsibility for delivering the charity’s objectives and oversees its 20-strong team, and Andrew Gleave, an ARU graduate and General Manager at the David Lloyd health club in Cambridge.
“We’re delighted to welcome four outstanding speakers – including three ARU graduates – who are each helping to shape the local sporting landscape, both on and off the pitch.
“This event will provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at working in sport and will show the vital role that it plays in both community engagement and wellbeing. Attendees should gain valuable insight into the diverse careers available within the industry, making this an unmissable opportunity for anyone considering a future in sport.”
Dr James Johnstone, Deputy Dean of ARU’s Faculty of Science & EngineeringThe event takes place on Thursday, 27 November (6pm-7.30pm) at ARU’s Cambridge campus. Attendance is free but places must be reserved in advance at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-cufc-aru-graduates-careers-in-the-sport-industry-tickets-1819655852639