Fabian Pettersson is a student on our Sport Management BSc (Hons) degree and completed her from March to May in 2025. The degree is endorsed by CIMSPA  (the Chartered institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) against the professional standard of General Manager (available via this link).

From March to the end of May 2025, Fabian Pettersson has been immersed in the heart of grassroots football through his placement at Sussex County FA, linking in with Sussex County FA’s Nextgen Programme. Taking on the role of Development Intern, Fabian gained a first-hand look at how a County FA operates.

From the outset, Fabian was given a wide range of responsibilities. Whether it was budget management, supporting colleagues at events, or helping with the day-to-day operations of the organisation, he was quickly trusted to take ownership and contribute meaningfully to Sussex FA’s work. One of the defining features of his internship, however, was the opportunity to plan and manage his own event, the Sussex Walking Sports Day, which will be hosted in July.

“Being given full responsibility for an event was both a challenge and a privilege,” Fabian said. “Taking responsibility taught me how to coordinate logistics, liaise with participants and partners, and stay on top of a detailed project timeline. The support from my mentor and colleagues was always there, but they gave me the space to learn by doing. That’s something I’ll carry with me into my career.”

The Walking Sports Day has been a standout highlight, not just because of its size, but because it represents the values at the heart of Sussex FA: Inspiring Positive Change Through Football. The event aims to bring people above the age of 50+ and all backgrounds together through a variety of walking sports, including football, cricket, rugby, hockey and croquet, to encourage physical activity and social connection.

But Fabian’s impact wasn’t limited to events. With an interest in digital tools, he discovered Microsoft Power Automate and quickly realised its potential for improving internal processes. After experimenting with the software, he introduced it to the wider team and began showing colleagues how to use it to automate tasks such as email follow-ups and data collection.

One colleague, Dan Bartlett, who works in the Development team as a Football Development Officer, commented:

“The introduction of Power Automate has improved the efficiency of tasks from a variety of areas across Sussex County FA. From a personal view, the processes around setting up our new league Volunteers Network — with sign-ups receiving the necessary details automatically — saved a lot of time. Across the business, it will create a far slicker operation for our administration around County Cup Finals too.”

Contributing to a more efficient workplace and seeing the organisation benefit from something he introduced was a proud moment for Fabian. It demonstrated the value of initiative, curiosity, and thinking beyond the job description.

Throughout the placement, Fabian also had opportunities to present to others, delivering three presentations in total. These helped him build his public speaking skills and grow in confidence. Beyond the professional development, he also attended networking events with other County FAs, giving him a broader understanding of how football is developed both regionally, and nationally and building valuable contacts across the sports industry.

One of the most important takeaways from Fabian’s placement has been a deeper appreciation for how football is developed at a local level. From working with volunteers and grassroots coaches to supporting event delivery and strategic planning, he has gained a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of a County FA. He now sees how vital these efforts are in shaping the future of the game.

Reflecting on his time at Sussex FA, Fabian is quick to emphasise the positive culture and the people behind it.

“It’s been extremely fun being part of the team,” he says. “Everyone is welcoming, supportive, and eager to teach you. From day one, I was made to feel like part of the organisation. That sense of trust meant a lot, and it helped my confidence grow very quickly.”

The placement has not only strengthened Fabian’s CV but also solidified his interest in pursuing a career in the sports industry. With practical experience under his belt, he feels more prepared to stand out in a competitive job market and more connected to the kind of work he wants to do in the future.

Sussex County FA’s Development Officer, Abi Knight, said: “Fabian’s time with us at Sussex County FA as a Football Development Intern has been incredibly valuable.”

“His work on a collaborative project with other National Governing Bodies to deliver a walking sports event showed real initiative, creativity, and an ability to build meaningful partnerships across the sporting landscape in Sussex.”

“Having an intern like Fabian brings fresh insight and energy to our team, while we’re able to fully support him with his development and ambitions whilst he’s part of our Nextgen Programme.”

In short, Fabian’s time at Sussex FA has been a blend of learning, contribution, and personal growth. The placement enabled Fabian to consider how he have started to meet CIMSPA’s professional standard of General Manager against which the course is endorsed. From leading an event to introducing new systems and connecting with professionals across the industry, he has made the most of every opportunity.