Herts students receive insight into how Watford Football Club is run

Over 50 students explored a wide range of Watford’s professional activities, many relating directly to their own studies. They received an overview of the club’s commercial strategy and partnerships, including how Watford FC works with brands and businesses to drive revenue, fan engagement and long-term growth.

They were also told about the role of the women’s programme at Watford FC and received a stadium tour.

The students were drawn from three University Schools: Hertfordshire Business School, the Health, Medicine and Life Sciences School, and its School of Science, Physics Engineering and Computer Science.

Students from the latter disciplines were especially interested to discover about Watford’s data protection and digital safety, including how the club manages supporter data, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. They also learnt about the club’s approach to using AI to gain a competitive edge across the business.

All the students also learnt about sustainability at Watford FC. As well as gaining insight into the practical projects that are enhancing the club’s environmental impact, they were tasked with identifying opportunities to improve sustainability across operations and the stadium.

Second year student Tyler McGleish from Bedfordshire, who is studying Tourism and Events Management, was one of the lucky ones to visit the Club, nicknamed ‘The Hornets’. He said:

“I want to build a career focused on sustainable futures, and hearing the sustainability talk really inspired me. It showed me how I can continue developing that ambition once I graduate.”

Herts has been the official higher education partner of Watford FC since 2024, providing its students with exclusive access to a range of work and educational opportunities at the Championship club.

The Herts logo is displayed on the sleeve of all men’s and women’s kit and across Vicarage Road stadium.

Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire’s, said:

“The University of Hertfordshire specialises in providing career-focused education that places high-quality skills and experience at its core, and we are proud to be working alongside such prestigious partners as Watford FC to deliver this.

“This is the first time that this initiative has taken place, and I am certain it will provide an inspirational and educational insight for many of our talented students into how a major club conducts a range of professional activities, allowing them to relate this to their studies.”

Watford’s Head of Commercial, Ben Newlyn added:

“Our partnership with The University of Hertfordshire is extremely important to us, not least because it allows us to connect with inspirational and forward-thinking students. It’s so important for us to listen and learn from the next generation to evolve as a football club.

“It was a pleasure to see the students walking around Vicarage Road learning about the importance of the club to the community and its history. There are so many incredible people here at Watford FC and seeing the student show a real interest in their profession was fantastic. We look forward to having students back in the future.”

Read more about the partnership between Watford FC and the University of Hertfordshire.