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Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT
Interview with

Carl Lee | graduate 2019

What is your current professional activity? And your involvement in sport?
I am currently a teacher by profession where I facilitate Mathematics and Head of the said department. In relation to Sports, I am the president of FC Camerhogne, a football club with a Senior, U15, U19 and soon, Women Team, all under the Grenada Football Association. In addition, I am also privileged to be the Team Manager of The Grenada Senior National Men’s Team. 
 
Why did you choose to study the FIFA/CIES Programme in Sport Management at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus? 
While I have chosen education as a career, sports have always been my passion. In the last five years, that passion grew tremendously, and I needed to gain knowledge in the area of sports management and application in order to be relevant in this era. The UWI/FIFA/CIES Programme was ideal because football is my sport of choice and I wanted to get firsthand teachings, experience and advice from the best. In addition, the location has proven to be very suitable, fees reasonable and modes of learning extremely flexible considering my full-time working schedule. Moreover, sport has evolved from just a game of passion to one of business and in order to be relevant and exercise professionalism, I believe UWI/FIFA/CIES was the best choice. 
 
What were your expectations before the start of the course? And… were they met?
I expected to hear from and meet professionals in their areas of sport, detailing their experiences and sharing best practices for relevance in today’s sport. In addition, questions and sessions should be related to actual sporting events within our region as well as internationally. I must say all of this and more exceeded my expectations.
 
What would you say are the key strengths of the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management?
This programme exemplifies the real issues faced in sports, especially in our region. The lecturers are all professionals in their fields and were able to impart not only what was written but relate it to actual events. The projects were all evidence based and offered solutions, upgrades and even future developments for countries and sporting organizations. In addition, the course provided for classroom, online and field study, with individual and group presentations.  
 
What benefits (on a personal and/or professional level) did you gain from attending the course? 
This course has changed the way I view sport. While it is one to enjoy and have fun in, it has developed into a thriving business and demands from myself and others to have a more professional and business-like approach in management and execution of events. I am now able to accept and appreciate the efforts behind the scenes as it relates to effective communication, the approach to sports law and consequences and how the marketing and research aspect is critical in delivering a successful sport product.
 
How have the courses offered by the programme aided in developing your knowledge, competencies, and skills?
The courses were administered in such a way to challenge our theoretical and practical abilities. After every classroom/online session, activities were channeled towards real life events where knowledge, competencies and skills can be tested. This enabled me to understand, develop and apply what was learnt through the guidance of the professionals in their specific area of study. Furthermore, I was able to effectively assess my country’s situation, especially in football and seek clarity from my lecturers to foster the necessary improvements.
 
How has the programme contributed to your professional growth and employability?
While I view games for excitement and entertainment, since the programme, it is now more with a critical eye for details in marketing and the production of the product itself. I have developed from seeing people as just supporters, to looking at the market, where football is the product that I have to maintain. The engagements in the classroom and field, demonstrated that to be successful, one must have a professional mindset. I must commend the programme organizers for including sporting organizations/businesses in line with classroom discussions. This has enabled me to form networks and mentors in my sporting area. It therefore made me more marketable because of the reputable nature of the course and the influential people within the programme.
 
What is your best memory/highlight of the course?
The best memory of the course was the class trip to the Pan Am Games in Peru. I was able to see how an international event is executed; what we were taught being revealed to us in a few days. All the courses were on display and that showed me the relevance and importance of the programme. There were sessions with the organizers where we were able to ask questions, provide recommendations and even critique some of the limitations based on what we learnt; it was an epic and inspiring moment. This is what all courses should attempt to achieve, classrooms with real world relevance. 
 
Would you recommend the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management? Why?
Definitely! This blended learning programme brings the best minds throughout the region to learn and develop plans that will enable sports to prosper. The aspect of classroom sessions being displayed in real life discussions and events, provides for ease of learning and growth. Any person interested in Sports management should consider UWI/CIES/FIFA Postgraduate Diploma because it caters for your professional readiness for the real and present issues that affect sport in the region and wider world.