Meliz nets content creation role with the FA

Northamptonshire football’s governing body has snapped up a University of Northampton student to mastermind its content creation.

Multimedia Sports Journalism undergraduate, Meliz Veli, has secured an internship with Northamptonshire Football Association, which will see her bolster the organisation’s social media and communications output.

It’s a dream move for Meliz, who is looking to get some work experience under her belt to give her the very best chance of carving out a career in the football industry.

“I’m delighted to be working with the FA,” said Meliz, who has just started her second year of studies.

“I’ve been working with its partnerships manager, Christian Smith, to identify the projects I can work on, and we’ve already agreed I will help to develop its social media content, produce an enewsletter and even design a new mascot for the organisation.”

North Londoner Meliz has already enjoyed a successful association with the beautiful game. She signed for Tottenham Hotspur’s women’s set-up at the age of 13 after catching the eye of a Spurs scout, while playing for her school, Ashmole Academy. She is also a qualified referee and has been a coach.

Despite representing the Lilywhites, Meliz is a Manchester United fan, thanks to her dad, who is a season ticket-holder at Old Trafford.

She said: “I’ve always loved the game and am determined to work in the industry. The opportunity to work with the FA is amazing, and hopefully it will lead to me getting a role in football after I’ve graduated.

“My ultimate dream is to work for one of the game’s big clubs, but the competition is fierce, so I am giving myself a better chance by picking up experience, and getting the training I need on my university course.

“It’s still a male-dominated industry, but things have been changing for the better, in that respect, so more doors are opening for us.”

Christian Smith, Partnerships Manager at the Northamptonshire FA said: “Meliz is an absolute asset to the Association right now. As football goes through many changes as a result of the pandemic, effective communication with our stakeholders is even more important than ever. Benefitting from Meliz’s experience as a player, coach and qualified referee, and of course, her journalistic talent, is a demonstration of the strong partnership the NFA enjoys with the University.

“We very much hope that a combination of a first-class education and some practical, forward-thinking experience will lead Meliz into the industry with confidence and help her achieve all of her career goals.”

Last month the University signed a formal agreement to work closely with Northamptonshire FA – click the link below for details.

University and county FA team up to develop grassroots football in Northamptonshire