How the FBA Candidate Ricardo Teixeira experienced his internship at ESSMA

Ricardo Teixeira, a Candidate of the FBA Professional Master in Football Business, successfully completed his internship at ESSMA as part of the FBA Professional Master in Football Business. The FBA, an ESMMA Partner, offers its students a Professional Master in Football Business with the objective to deliver them all the necessary tools and an optimal learning environment in order to succeed in the passionate and dynamic football industry.

“Working for ESSMA, you realise how necessary it is to have a platform like theirs to condense knowledge and practices.”

Having worked in football since the beginning of my career in 2010, which includes major events and a Football Club, I was able to learn a lot. Being part of FIFA 2014 World Cup, Rio 2016 Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games and AFC Asian Cup 2019 was the most incredible experience of my life.  However, while I was living in the United Arab Emirates, I realised that I needed to enhance my knowledge and do something to help me to follow my dream: to work in a European Football Industry. So, I decided to apply to the Professional Masters Football Business at The FBA. 

Thanks to The FBA, I was able to kick-off my dream because currently I am based in Belgium doing my internship at the European Stadium & Safety Management Association (ESSMA). ESSMA offers a platform to stadium professionals where they can share, learn and discuss topics related to ESSMA’s areas of expertise: Development & Construction, Operations & Ticketing, Sustainability & SMART, Safety & Security, Fan Experience & Hospitality and Pitch Management.

“I had the opportunity to attend ESSMA's Safety and Security Workshop at Opel Arena in Mainz, Germany. There, it was possible to observe all the work gaining life when several professionals from clubs and stadiums gather to learn, share and teach about their practices.”

Working for ESSMA, you realise how necessary it is to have a platform like theirs to condense knowledge and practices. It is incredible to observe the complexity of questions received from the partners regarding Stadium Management and Development, and be part of it. It is a vital business intelligence and strategic support for the industry. I wish I had this platform while I was inside the Venue Operational Centre at the Allianz Parque during Palmeiras’ matchdays. 

Coincidently, I have been assigned with projects related to my experience in Ticketing and Stadium Operations. Topics like fan zones, access control, loyalty, subscription programs and data gathering. Also, CRM, digitalisation, maximising revenues from hospitality and area on the match and non-matchdays, among others were great, because I could learn the best practices from clubs, leagues and arenas. 

Additionally, ESSMA works through events such as its annual ESSMA Summit and workshops. I had the opportunity to attend ESSMA's Safety and Security Workshop at Opel Arena in Mainz, Germany. There, it was possible to observe all the work gaining life when several professionals from clubs and stadiums gather to learn, share and teach about their practices. To conclude, thanks to The FBA, I will be more prepared to follow my dream in Europe.

Ricardo Teixeira Ricardo is a Candidate of The FBA’s Professional Master in Football Business, expected to graduate in February 2020. Contact him via LinkedIn.