Finding Balance and a Future

Rachael joined UA92 at 26, balancing her studies with life as a new mum. Looking for a fresh start in the sports industry, she found UA92’s supportive environment, structured timetable and hands‑on opportunities exactly what she needed to take her next step.

I started at UA92 when I was 26, and my daughter was just six months old. Going back to education felt like a big decision, especially as I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do. I just knew I wanted to work in sport and didn’t have the experience to get there. UA92 felt like my chance.

From day one, UA92 was an incredibly welcoming place. Lecturers actually took the time to get to know us, what we wanted to do and what we were aiming for. I’ve struggled in bigger classes in the past, so the smaller groups at UA92 made a huge difference. Lecturers weren’t just talking at us, we mixed information with debates, discussions and workshops, which kept me engaged. Lecturers were always happy to go over things during lunch or after class, and staff across the building became familiar faces. It made day-to-day life easier, especially when you’re juggling other responsibilities.

We also had guest speakers from the sports industry come in regularly. It gave me an insight into different roles and, more importantly, gave me the chance to network. Through one of our projects with Salford City FC, I met Hannah Bermudez. When a ticketing role came up at the club, I applied. I honestly don’t think I’d have had the confidence or connections to do that without the project.

I also joined the women’s football team, even though I hadn’t played in a while. It was a good way to meet people and stay active. In my final year, I became the social secretary, organising things like Halloween scare mazes and Christmas events.

Because I was actively involved in sport at UA92, I was put forward for the BUCS Women’s Leadership Programme by one of the Sport92 coaches. Through the programme, I met other students from across the country who were passionate about women’s football, attended residentials and heard from people working at the FA. It was a great experience I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

The first few months were tough; there was no way around that. Adjusting to uni life with a baby takes planning. But UA92’s AM/PM timetable made it doable. Having the same half-day schedule meant I could organise childcare and get into a routine.

The block system helped too. Because each block only lasted six weeks, I tried to start assignments early and do a little each night. A couple of hundred words here and there added up and stopped me feeling overwhelmed.

After my graduation, I started a job at Everton Football Club as a Premium Relationship Executive in the hospitality department, before landing a role at Manchester United as an Ecommerce Customer Service and Trading Executive, exactly the kind of role I hoped I’d work towards when I first applied to UA92.

If you’re a parent and you’re worried about going to university, I get it. In all honestly, money was a big concern for me. But the AM/PM schedule meant I could work part-time alongside my degree, and I received childcare support from Student Finance England.

UA92 gave me the experience and confidence I needed to get into the sports industry. If you’re thinking about a career change or returning to education, it’s worth taking that first step. I went to an open day, asked questions, and got a feel for the place and that helped me realise I could actually do this.