Schools’ Masterclass initiative prepares young entrepreneurs for business success

The Brighton & Hove Studio Ltd/www.thebhstudio.com 07792308722

Albion in the Community (AITC) in partnership with American Express hold a Schools Masterclass for GCSE students at the American Express Community Stadium. Students from Seaford Head Community College took part in tasks to help design a business plan for the stadium creating an app using IPADS. Brighton and Hove Albion defender, Inigo Calderon, AITC staff and 25 American Express volunteers were hand to help out with the day.

L-R - Inigo Calderon, students Maddie Jay, Rowan Whiteford, Christopher Fleischer, Stuart Green - Amex Volunteer, Amex volunteer Teresa Rutherford, — The Brighton & Hove Studio Ltd/www.thebhstudio.com 07792308722 Albion in the Community (AITC) in partnership with American Express hold a Schools Masterclass for GCSE students at the American Express Community Stadium. Students from Seaford Head Community College took part in tasks to help design a business plan for the stadium creating an app using IPADS. Brighton and Hove Albion defender, Inigo Calderon, AITC staff and 25 American Express volunteers were hand to help out with the day. L-R - Inigo Calderon, students Maddie Jay, Rowan Whiteford, Christopher Fleischer, Stuart Green - Amex Volunteer, Amex volunteer Teresa Rutherford,

The ‘Schools’ Masterclass’ programme, which runs through October will see students aged 14-16 from Tanbridge House School take part.

Now in its third year, the programme aims to give students the opportunity to develop core business skills, through hands-on practical tasks exploring elements of how Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club operates as a commercial business.

AITC staff, supported by around 40 American Express volunteers, mentor the students during the full-day sessions, sharing their business knowledge and insights and coaching them on the skills required to run a Championship football club.

Working in small teams, students take part in a series of ‘Apprentice’ style tasks, to develop a business idea, which they then present to the wider group.

Jo Robson, AITC head of schools’ education, said: “This month, we’re turning the American Express Community Stadium into one of the most innovative classrooms in the region.

“The stadium offers a motivating back drop, allowing students a real life business context.

“Feedback we’ve had from previous years is that the students benefit enormously from working with experienced American Express employees and AITC staff who can impart real life business know–how.”

At last year’s sessions, Brighton & Hove Albion player Inigo Calderon was on hand to provide encouragement for the students and to talk about the importance of team work and effective communication.

The degree-educated defender has previously lectured students on sports psychology at the American Express Community Stadium.