Jamie splits his studies with working in the beautiful game

A University of Northampton student is well on to his way to a successful career in the football industry after combining his studies with working for a professional club.

Multimedia Sports Journalism student, Jamie Duncan, secured an internship with Northampton Town Football Club’s Community Trust while in his first year of joining the University.

After impressing in the role, the Cobblers appointed Jamie as a part-time media and marketing executive for the Community Trust, and this paid position has also allowed him to work closely with the ladies’ team and more recently, the men’s first-team squad.

Jamie, who is now in his third year at university, is the key media contact for the Community Trust and runs its social media account and markets the department’s work, including producing videos of its work.

He also heads up the media team for the ladies’ section, managing two social media executives and a photographer, while writing match reports and interviewing players and the manager.

More recently, Jamie has been assisting the club’s press team with its coverage of the men’s side’s exploits in League Two.

“Working at an EFL club is something that has opened so many doors for me,” said Jamie. “There are many people out there with the same degree as me but by the time I graduate, I will have two-and-a-half years’ experience working with a professional football club, and not many people can say that they have done that.

“I am hoping to go full time with the club once I have graduated, but if that does not happen then I can take this valuable experience elsewhere, knowing I am ready for the job when it comes around.”

Jamie’s rise at The PTS Academy Stadium hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he’s been nominated for the national title of Student Intern of the Year, in the Santander Universities Student Impact Awards 2019.

Cobblers chairman, Kelvin Thomas, has been quick to congratulate Jamie on his dedication to the club and the award nomination.

Kelvin said: “I was delighted to see Jamie shortlisted for the Santander award, for his work with the Community Trust. It is fantastic to see that his hard work has been recognised and I am keeping my fingers crossed that he wins the award.”

Course Leader, Marc Webber, said: “We are proud of the real-life experience we offer to those that choose to come and study Multimedia Sports Journalism with us.

“Jamie’s achievement is the latest achievement by our students, who have worked on events such as the Henley Regatta to BTCC motor racing.”

Jamie, who grew up in Coventry, will find out if he’s won the award at a special ceremony in London on Wednesday 11 December.

Find out more about studying Multimedia Sports Journalism at the University of Northampton.