HIGHLIGHTS
Former FA Head shares sports industry insights
Business School students hear from Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick. A special guest talk from former Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick, saw students given an inspiring insight into how an Economics degree led to a glittering career in sports. Mr Barwick, who grew up near Hope Park campus in Childwall, is currently chairman of the Rugby Football League, and a former head of BBC and ITV Sport. During his three-year spell as head of The FA he worked with three England managers – Sven Goran Eriksson, Steve McClaren and Fabio Capello – and oversaw the completion of the new £789 million Wembley Stadium and the long-running ‘Respect’ Campaign. The 65-year-old addressed a packed-out lecture theatre for 90 minutes; discussing his early life, A level studies and university, before recalling his rise to prominence as a sporting administrator. Students were able to take part in a Q&A session afterwards, as he shared tips on working in the sports industry and the habits of successful people. “I didn’t expect to get into university and I didn’t apply,” 6 | PULSE Magazine
he said, during the session hosted by Hope alumnus and LLS founder Jordan Wright. “If I had my way I’d have studied English Literature, but I went through clearing because I hadn’t applied initially. My A Levels were a lot better than I thought. In fact, when they arrived I thought they were someone else’s results at first. Although it wasn’t my first choice, Economics worked out well for me in the end.” After graduating Mr Barwick began a career in journalism, progressing from local newspapers to the BBC. He said: “I always wanted to be a reporter, but my dad was a policeman and my mum a shop assistant so we didn’t have anyone we could call for advice or a way into the industry.” Speaking afterwards, Mr Barwick described his deep affection for Liverpool Hope. He said: “Hope is very much a part of my background; I played football on the pitches here when I was at Junior school and walked past this wonderful place every day. I think this is a great university and a great campus.”
