Students on the 2026/27 BUCS Emerging Club Leaders programme came together at Hotel Football and Wembley Stadium to prepare for the start of their club placements.
The BUCS Emerging Club Leaders programme, delivered in partnership with The FA, places university students in off-pitch volunteer roles at clubs across the National League System and Women's National League.
This September, the 2026/27 cohort kicked off their season at two Development Days. The North event was held at Hotel Football, Old Trafford, on Friday 25 September, and the South event at Wembley Stadium, in partnership with UCFB, on Wednesday 30 September.
Taking Ownership
Both days were built around the theme of Taking Ownership, with three core objectives: developing students' ability to communicate, create and collaborate, expanding their network of contacts, and preparing them for the start of their placements.
After a welcome and networking activation, students met their role-specific mentors for the first time, grouped into Media & Marketing, Community Engagement, Fan Experience, Fundraising & Sponsorship, Volunteer Officer and Operations. Benson Miyoba from Two Seven Seven then delivered two interactive sessions on Taking Ownership, the second focused on applying it to each student's own club and role.
In the afternoon, students at the North event heard from students who took part in the programme last season about what they did, what they learned and their advice for the year ahead. At Wembley, The FA National Youth Council introduced the wider youth leadership opportunities available across the game. Both days finished with students agreeing the specific actions they would take at their club over their first month, before a session on hours logging, expenses, masterclasses and key dates for the season.
What Students Said
When asked to describe the day in a few words, students said:
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“Inspiring, exciting and makes you feel ready to start”
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“Encouraging, inspiring, confidence boost”
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“Engaging. Insightful. Reassuring”
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“Organised, professional and creative”
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“Anything is possible”
One student summed it up simply: “Keep up the good work guys. And bring back Benson too.”
The Season Ahead
With placements now underway, students will continue to be supported throughout the season by their mentors, alongside mentor masterclasses, monthly check-ins and a graduation event to celebrate their achievements at the end of the year.
The BUCS Football Development team would like to thank The FA, UCFB and Wembley Stadium, Hotel Football, Benson Miyoba and Two Seven Seven, our mentors Dan Simmonite, Joshua Stockdale, Helen Beales and Florence Haines, The FA National Youth Council, the students who shared their experiences, and all of the universities and clubs supporting the programme.
