A Day In The Life

A typical day for me starts off with checking our Marketing Comms calendar to see what needs to be sent out that day, if it isn’t already scheduled. I’ll then build out anything that needs to be sent out, and schedule this in across all of the relevant marketing channels as well as liaising with our Content and Comms teams to get campaigns out across social media and our website.

I’ll then move on to working on future campaigns, which ranges from our next match, to building out competitions, to planning the digital elements of a season ticket or kit launch and much more!  A big part of this is meeting with other Club departments to see how I can support them, such as Hospitality, Retail, Ticketing and Partnerships.

The best thing for me is the variety of work and that there’s always lots of things happening which keeps you on your toes! From commercialising transfer announcements to helping Partners activate their brand to seeing who’s the most popular player on the back of this year’s shirt – I’m fortunate to work with so many different departments and so many good people which makes every day different and fulfilling.

Oh, and I get to wave a flag on matchday in front of the Holte End as the players walk out – I’d say it’s the best view in the house!

My typical day is sitting at the North Stand Reception desk and meeting and greeting anybody that comes through the door, directing them in the right direction. A large part of my day would also include answering calls and transferring them or providing the caller with information when possible. I also work on a Matchday, where I meet and greet people and assist with the collection of tickets.

Everybody works together so well and is so pleasant and friendly. We all help each other to ensure it runs smoothly; teamwork makes the dream work.

As an Alternative Education Coordinator here at Aston Villa Foundation, every day is different. We work with an array of participants, from children as young as five to adults.

Our goal with the Alternative Education programme is to provide valuable opportunities for disengaged participants to re-establish themselves within their educational or employment journeys. The programme involves delivery designed to impact these participants by using football as a tool to improve their focus and open the door to opportunities that help develop their skillset within a chosen career path.

My role as a coordinator is to plan, develop, and deliver high-quality provision to disengaged participants within four key areas: Life Skills, Physical Health & Wellbeing, Sports Coaching, and Employability.

Our key focus is to provide tailored education alternatives for individuals or small groups who may require additional input. We pride ourselves on the partnerships we have created with many educational settings and rehabilitation services.

Within my role, it is important to recognise the value of building relationships and breaking down barriers with those who may not normally engage with educators. The power of the badge allows us that initial opportunity to unlock conversations and be recognised as a global brand.

That, and the fact that it is my boyhood club!

A typical day in my matchday role would include, firstly, undertaking a visual check of my area which includes the concourse, toilets, walkaways, staircases, checking for water leaks or spillages, seating, checking the fire cupboards, emergency phones. All done to complete a visual risk assessment; recording and reporting any problems if there are any. These would be escalated up to my Senior or the control room before the public enter the stadium.

Another part of my day would be welcoming supporters into the stand and to be observant during the game. I would watch the crowd, not the match!

Togetherness. All working to ensure the customer has a good lasting impression of OUR Football Club.

My typical day would involve downloading and preparing bank statements along with checking through orders in preparation for the invoices to be raised. I’d ensure all items on the bank statement are posted to the correct codes and Account Numbers. Then run an outstanding account report to check for any overdue invoices that require chasing. I would additionally deal with any outstanding queries and any that arise on the day.

I also have an amazing team that assist me with achieving all these daily tasks.

All departments are helpful and friendly and will always assist when needed. I always feel proud when I am asked where I work.

I guard the entrance of the North Stand and I help anybody that comes through the doors if need be. I help with guests coming in for functions – I help with directing people where to go if they’re lost, I check accreditation to make sure the right people are coming through.

It’s honestly amazing because of how many amazing people I’d meet in my role. Not just staff but the public, VIPs, even His Majesty the King!

That’s it; meeting people, especially matchdays. Friends become family, it’s like you’re coming home.