Daily Work Journals
5/20/17 (First Day on the Job)
My first day of my internship with Oakland County FC was way different than what I had initially expected it to be. When I pictured working for the company I pictured levels to the company. I thought that there were rankings and some people had more power than other people. I was completely wrong in my logic. No individual person holds all the power for the company. Since I have been a current for Oakland County FC for the past two years I have gotten to know everyone on a personal level. It was almost like they were my friends instead of co-workers. Which is one thing that I loved. I was very excited to get started with my internship. It was such a blessing to be able to work with people that genuinely cared about me and wanted to see me grow in this profession. This brings me back to my first day on the job. My manager Nick told me that not all my work has to be done in the office. He even encouraged most of the work I complete to be done at my home on my own time. Which was excellent with my busy schedule and all.
My first day of my internship with Oakland County FC was way different than what I had initially expected it to be. When I pictured working for the company I pictured levels to the company. I thought that there were rankings and some people had more power than other people. I was completely wrong in my logic. No individual person holds all the power for the company. Since I have been a current for Oakland County FC for the past two years I have gotten to know everyone on a personal level. It was almost like they were my friends instead of co-workers. Which is one thing that I loved. I was very excited to get started with my internship. It was such a blessing to be able to work with people that genuinely cared about me and wanted to see me grow in this profession. This brings me back to my first day on the job. My manager Nick told me that not all my work has to be done in the office. He even encouraged most of the work I complete to be done at my home on my own time. Which was excellent with my busy schedule and all.
5/21/17 (How to Properly Represent the Organization)
My second day for my internship with Oakland County FC was similar to my first day. My manager Nick was just stressing the importance that we all must come to work with a positive attitude and be ready to attack the day at all angles. That has never been a problem with me. Nick knew that he would never have to worry about me coming into work with a bad attitude. As an up and coming semi pro team, the last thing that we needed was a bad reputation for people within our organization not being 100 percent invested in the business. I knew that if I wanted to get the most out of this internship that I was going to have to put my head down and be willing to go the extra mile. As you could probably have guessed I was not the only intern that worked for Oakland County FC. There were about 10-15 of us that were interns throughout the summer. It was good to get to know all my co- workers on a personal level. I will be talking more about each one of my co-workers later. I could tell that everyone brought something different to the table.
My second day for my internship with Oakland County FC was similar to my first day. My manager Nick was just stressing the importance that we all must come to work with a positive attitude and be ready to attack the day at all angles. That has never been a problem with me. Nick knew that he would never have to worry about me coming into work with a bad attitude. As an up and coming semi pro team, the last thing that we needed was a bad reputation for people within our organization not being 100 percent invested in the business. I knew that if I wanted to get the most out of this internship that I was going to have to put my head down and be willing to go the extra mile. As you could probably have guessed I was not the only intern that worked for Oakland County FC. There were about 10-15 of us that were interns throughout the summer. It was good to get to know all my co- workers on a personal level. I will be talking more about each one of my co-workers later. I could tell that everyone brought something different to the table.
5/27/17 (Becoming an Assistant Coach)
On the third day of my internship. Nick wanted to find out what department I was looking to go into in sports management after I graduate from Tiffin University next May. I told him that there is not a specific section of the sports management business that I was looking to go into. I told him right from the start that I wanted to learn everything about the company and the business. I wanted to learn all forms of the marketing and management departments. Nick knew from the first day that I started working for Oakland County FC that I was going to be someone that he can go to when he needs someone that he can rely on. Since I played for the team in previous years. Nick knew me on a personal level. It was nothing against the other interns, it was just that as a player, and now an employee he would be able to hold me to a higher standard than everyone else that was a current intern. So, within the first week of working there, I was asked by Nick to be one of the assistants for the Oakland County FC Reserve team. I was honored to do that.
On the third day of my internship. Nick wanted to find out what department I was looking to go into in sports management after I graduate from Tiffin University next May. I told him that there is not a specific section of the sports management business that I was looking to go into. I told him right from the start that I wanted to learn everything about the company and the business. I wanted to learn all forms of the marketing and management departments. Nick knew from the first day that I started working for Oakland County FC that I was going to be someone that he can go to when he needs someone that he can rely on. Since I played for the team in previous years. Nick knew me on a personal level. It was nothing against the other interns, it was just that as a player, and now an employee he would be able to hold me to a higher standard than everyone else that was a current intern. So, within the first week of working there, I was asked by Nick to be one of the assistants for the Oakland County FC Reserve team. I was honored to do that.
5/28/17 (My First Coaching Session)
The next day after accepting the role to be one of the players that will be helping coach the Oakland /County FC Reserve team I was excited to get out there and coach the session. Then I shortly remembered that I have never coached a team in my entire life. I have been a soccer player for the past 18 years. I have played my whole life and know the game very well. But since I have never coached before there was a lot that I had to learn. Being a coach is completely different than being a player, when you are a player you have teammates who are in the same shoes as you. You don’t really have to make any decisions for yourself because the coach does it for you. Now that I was in the coaching position I had to really use my leadership skills. Since some of my friends were on the reserve team I did not want to be looked at as a coach. I wanted to be looked at as me for who they know me to be. I wanted our relationship to stay the same. I was very excited for practices to start.
The next day after accepting the role to be one of the players that will be helping coach the Oakland /County FC Reserve team I was excited to get out there and coach the session. Then I shortly remembered that I have never coached a team in my entire life. I have been a soccer player for the past 18 years. I have played my whole life and know the game very well. But since I have never coached before there was a lot that I had to learn. Being a coach is completely different than being a player, when you are a player you have teammates who are in the same shoes as you. You don’t really have to make any decisions for yourself because the coach does it for you. Now that I was in the coaching position I had to really use my leadership skills. Since some of my friends were on the reserve team I did not want to be looked at as a coach. I wanted to be looked at as me for who they know me to be. I wanted our relationship to stay the same. I was very excited for practices to start.
5/30/17 (Learning New Coaching Techniques)
This was my first day being an assistant coach for the Oakland County Reserve team. I did not expect much coming in. I was just going to be a handy man for the day. Whatever nick needed me to do I would do. For the most part I just watched practice. I watched and paid attention to all the different coaching styles and techniques that were being used throughout the training session. It was a lot of fun to be around all the players. I got to meet a lot of new players that I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet. One of the things that I could do all by myself was I lead the warmup. This means that there were 5 different lines and we would do exercises and stretches to loosen up the body before the training session started. I took the warmup very seriously because it is crucial that the players are properly warmed up. If players are not properly warmed up they are more prone to have an injury occur. I thought that I did a good job making sure that each player was ready to go because during the practice we had no injuries, and all the boys were looking nice and sharp throughout the whole session.
This was my first day being an assistant coach for the Oakland County Reserve team. I did not expect much coming in. I was just going to be a handy man for the day. Whatever nick needed me to do I would do. For the most part I just watched practice. I watched and paid attention to all the different coaching styles and techniques that were being used throughout the training session. It was a lot of fun to be around all the players. I got to meet a lot of new players that I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet. One of the things that I could do all by myself was I lead the warmup. This means that there were 5 different lines and we would do exercises and stretches to loosen up the body before the training session started. I took the warmup very seriously because it is crucial that the players are properly warmed up. If players are not properly warmed up they are more prone to have an injury occur. I thought that I did a good job making sure that each player was ready to go because during the practice we had no injuries, and all the boys were looking nice and sharp throughout the whole session.
6/01/17 (Creating a Fun and Exciting Training Environment)
Today was my first practice where I would be helping the coaches run the training session. I honestly was not nervous at all. There was nothing to be nervous about. I have practiced soccer thousands of times. This practice was nothing different. The one thing that I wanted to make sure I did was show up to practice 30 minutes early so I could help set up the field. When setting up the field for a training session you want to make sure that you have all the training cones set up and have the warmup ready to go. This is so when the training session starts the coaches already have everything set up and we were ready to rock and roll. It was my job again to take the boys through their regular warmup before training starts. I ended up just having the boys line up in 1 big line going across the field and do a nice and slow dynamic warmup. I wanted the warmup to consist of a lot of stretching because I did not want any of our players to get injured. From there we went to a possession drill which lasted for about 30 minutes. Then we ended practice by doing a full field game.
Today was my first practice where I would be helping the coaches run the training session. I honestly was not nervous at all. There was nothing to be nervous about. I have practiced soccer thousands of times. This practice was nothing different. The one thing that I wanted to make sure I did was show up to practice 30 minutes early so I could help set up the field. When setting up the field for a training session you want to make sure that you have all the training cones set up and have the warmup ready to go. This is so when the training session starts the coaches already have everything set up and we were ready to rock and roll. It was my job again to take the boys through their regular warmup before training starts. I ended up just having the boys line up in 1 big line going across the field and do a nice and slow dynamic warmup. I wanted the warmup to consist of a lot of stretching because I did not want any of our players to get injured. From there we went to a possession drill which lasted for about 30 minutes. Then we ended practice by doing a full field game.
6/03/17 (Game Day Operations)
Today was game day, the best day of the week for us soccer players. But this week I worked and helped with the game day operations. This included a lot of activities and duties that people tend to forget about. But for our organization to be successful, everything had to be done correctly. We started out by meeting at the storage unit to pick up all the banners and the tents that will be set up around the stadium. From there we would head to the field to start setting everything up. We would go around the fence line and hang up all the banners of our sponsors. Then we would help set up the tents that would have merchandise that fans could buy throughout the game. After that was all set up, we would head to the locker room and get all the uniforms ready for the players. Making sure that each player has his jersey, shorts, and socks all ready for the big game ahead. After the locker room, we went to the field and set up the cones for the warmup. After the game was over it was my responsibility to take down the banners and get everything packed up in the vans. After every game, we would drive back to the storage unit and put everything away.
Today was game day, the best day of the week for us soccer players. But this week I worked and helped with the game day operations. This included a lot of activities and duties that people tend to forget about. But for our organization to be successful, everything had to be done correctly. We started out by meeting at the storage unit to pick up all the banners and the tents that will be set up around the stadium. From there we would head to the field to start setting everything up. We would go around the fence line and hang up all the banners of our sponsors. Then we would help set up the tents that would have merchandise that fans could buy throughout the game. After that was all set up, we would head to the locker room and get all the uniforms ready for the players. Making sure that each player has his jersey, shorts, and socks all ready for the big game ahead. After the locker room, we went to the field and set up the cones for the warmup. After the game was over it was my responsibility to take down the banners and get everything packed up in the vans. After every game, we would drive back to the storage unit and put everything away.
6-5-17 (Team Lunch and Improving OCFC Social Media)
We all expected today to be just a regular work day. But prior to going to work our manager Nick wanted to take us all out for lunch. At lunch, we were able to discuss how our experience working with the club. We discussed what we liked and what we haven’t really liked so far. Since this job is fits my major, and it is my favorite sport in the world. I had nothing but good things to say about my experience so far. I told him that I loved how the club is like a family, and we are growing tremendously which is only good for the sport as well as the organization itself. It was nice to listen to the other interns talk about what they liked and did not like because it gives you a different perspective that maybe you never thought of before. From lunch, we all went into the job and talked about marketing strategies and how we can reach out to more individuals. Our social media crew is excellent at Oakland County FC, but they are always open to hear new ideas. Working with employees that are open to new ideas was very comforting, they stressed that no idea is a bad idea.
We all expected today to be just a regular work day. But prior to going to work our manager Nick wanted to take us all out for lunch. At lunch, we were able to discuss how our experience working with the club. We discussed what we liked and what we haven’t really liked so far. Since this job is fits my major, and it is my favorite sport in the world. I had nothing but good things to say about my experience so far. I told him that I loved how the club is like a family, and we are growing tremendously which is only good for the sport as well as the organization itself. It was nice to listen to the other interns talk about what they liked and did not like because it gives you a different perspective that maybe you never thought of before. From lunch, we all went into the job and talked about marketing strategies and how we can reach out to more individuals. Our social media crew is excellent at Oakland County FC, but they are always open to hear new ideas. Working with employees that are open to new ideas was very comforting, they stressed that no idea is a bad idea.
6-6-17 (New Ideas for Home Games)
Today I was really looking forward to getting into work and sharing with my manager and my co-workers some of the new ideas that I have come up with. After being done with the first home match and seeing how the crowd was towards the players there was some good ideas that I wanted to propose. The first thing that I noticed about the crowd was that when we scored a goal they went crazy. They all got on their feet and were screaming. I proposed the idea that every goal Oakland County scores we get about 5-7 OCFC t-shirts and launch them into the crowd. This keeps the game exciting and gives fans something to look forward too while the game is being played. Nick loved the idea and said that we will try it out at the next home match. Also, I proposed the idea that on twitter that the club could do free gear for a lucky fan. All they would have to do is like and retweet our post and they have qualified themselves for a chance to win some cool gear. Since we are in a time where social media is big, this can help spread the word quickly about our brand and who we are.
Today I was really looking forward to getting into work and sharing with my manager and my co-workers some of the new ideas that I have come up with. After being done with the first home match and seeing how the crowd was towards the players there was some good ideas that I wanted to propose. The first thing that I noticed about the crowd was that when we scored a goal they went crazy. They all got on their feet and were screaming. I proposed the idea that every goal Oakland County scores we get about 5-7 OCFC t-shirts and launch them into the crowd. This keeps the game exciting and gives fans something to look forward too while the game is being played. Nick loved the idea and said that we will try it out at the next home match. Also, I proposed the idea that on twitter that the club could do free gear for a lucky fan. All they would have to do is like and retweet our post and they have qualified themselves for a chance to win some cool gear. Since we are in a time where social media is big, this can help spread the word quickly about our brand and who we are.
6-8-17 (Fun Day at Training)
Today was very fun overall, I had work with Oakland County FC. Than after I finished work I went directly to soccer practice to help the team. I did not want to overstep my boundaries because I was not a full-time coach but I noticed something about every single one of our training sessions. I noticed that all our training sessions are the same, we were doing the same dills every week. So, I proposed to Nick some new training drills that I would do at practice when I was playing at Tiffin University. Nick absolutely loved my drills and said that I can run the first half of practice. I spent most of the day trying to put together a fun session that all the boys will enjoy. I wanted to make the drills fun, but keep the intensity high. When I explained the drills at practice to the boys and we started getting in the swing of things you could tell that they were really enjoying themselves. It was nice to have a change and all the boys were loving the new drills that I had set up for them. Overall today was a great day, I’m so glad Nick gave me a chance to implement my strategies and bring them to the field.
Today was very fun overall, I had work with Oakland County FC. Than after I finished work I went directly to soccer practice to help the team. I did not want to overstep my boundaries because I was not a full-time coach but I noticed something about every single one of our training sessions. I noticed that all our training sessions are the same, we were doing the same dills every week. So, I proposed to Nick some new training drills that I would do at practice when I was playing at Tiffin University. Nick absolutely loved my drills and said that I can run the first half of practice. I spent most of the day trying to put together a fun session that all the boys will enjoy. I wanted to make the drills fun, but keep the intensity high. When I explained the drills at practice to the boys and we started getting in the swing of things you could tell that they were really enjoying themselves. It was nice to have a change and all the boys were loving the new drills that I had set up for them. Overall today was a great day, I’m so glad Nick gave me a chance to implement my strategies and bring them to the field.
6-10-17 (Game Day Operation)
Today was game day, but it was not for our first team boys. Today was a reserve team match. Just because it is a reserve team match does not mean that anything is going to change. We still all had to meet at the storage unit before the match and get all the banners and tents again. From there we would drive the supplies to the games. We would do the exact same set up each game. That means making sure the banners, tents, and merchandise is all ready to go prior to the game. After I set up the banners and make sure that everything was completed, we would head to the locker room and get all the uniforms squared out. This would mean that each player got a jersey, shorts, and a pair of socks. It was very important to make sure that all the uniforms were there so we did not have to experience any issues later in the evening. When the boys came out of the locker room for warm up. I already had all the cones set up and we were able to get going right away. I ended up being an assistant coach during that match which was very fun and exciting.
Today was game day, but it was not for our first team boys. Today was a reserve team match. Just because it is a reserve team match does not mean that anything is going to change. We still all had to meet at the storage unit before the match and get all the banners and tents again. From there we would drive the supplies to the games. We would do the exact same set up each game. That means making sure the banners, tents, and merchandise is all ready to go prior to the game. After I set up the banners and make sure that everything was completed, we would head to the locker room and get all the uniforms squared out. This would mean that each player got a jersey, shorts, and a pair of socks. It was very important to make sure that all the uniforms were there so we did not have to experience any issues later in the evening. When the boys came out of the locker room for warm up. I already had all the cones set up and we were able to get going right away. I ended up being an assistant coach during that match which was very fun and exciting.
6-11-17 (Championship Match)
Today was a very special day. Thus far in my internship With Oakland County FC I would say that today was my favorite day working with the club so far. What made today so special is myself and some of the boys could help with the Championship Match held at Clawson Park. This was a special needs team that got together to play a soccer match. It was so nice to be there to support both teams as they played the sport that they loved. We could interact and meet the players and even kick the ball around with them. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. To see the joy on all the little kids face when they found out they will have a chance to play soccer with us was priceless. Being able to work for an organization that goes above and beyond to do extra activities to help with the community is something that you cannot put a price on. I had so much fun getting to know the kids and seeing the joy on their face as we shared pour common interest in playing soccer. When the event was over, me and the team stayed after to help clean up and make sure that everything was taken care of.
Today was a very special day. Thus far in my internship With Oakland County FC I would say that today was my favorite day working with the club so far. What made today so special is myself and some of the boys could help with the Championship Match held at Clawson Park. This was a special needs team that got together to play a soccer match. It was so nice to be there to support both teams as they played the sport that they loved. We could interact and meet the players and even kick the ball around with them. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. To see the joy on all the little kids face when they found out they will have a chance to play soccer with us was priceless. Being able to work for an organization that goes above and beyond to do extra activities to help with the community is something that you cannot put a price on. I had so much fun getting to know the kids and seeing the joy on their face as we shared pour common interest in playing soccer. When the event was over, me and the team stayed after to help clean up and make sure that everything was taken care of.
6-15-17 (Office Work and Training)
Today I worked both in the office as well as help be the assistant coach for the reserve team. Today going into the office, I had some goals prior to arriving that I wanted to see if I could accomplish throughout todays specific work day. The first thing that I wanted to complete was help edit and get the footage from the games this season on to our YouTube channel. This year Oakland County FC has taken a huge step in enhancing its communication with our fans. Giving our fans access to the game film was something that we all thought that the fans deserved. I also had the idea that we could do a raffle at halftime, everyone that bought a ticket for the match would instantly qualify to win free cool prizes. It was just another idea that I had because our whole goal as a lower level semi pro soccer team is to get as many people as we can to our games. Following the work day, we had a very fun practice. I set up a bunch of games that would be super competitive and get the guys excited. Overall, today was a very fun day and I think all the lads really enjoyed themselves at training as well.
Today I worked both in the office as well as help be the assistant coach for the reserve team. Today going into the office, I had some goals prior to arriving that I wanted to see if I could accomplish throughout todays specific work day. The first thing that I wanted to complete was help edit and get the footage from the games this season on to our YouTube channel. This year Oakland County FC has taken a huge step in enhancing its communication with our fans. Giving our fans access to the game film was something that we all thought that the fans deserved. I also had the idea that we could do a raffle at halftime, everyone that bought a ticket for the match would instantly qualify to win free cool prizes. It was just another idea that I had because our whole goal as a lower level semi pro soccer team is to get as many people as we can to our games. Following the work day, we had a very fun practice. I set up a bunch of games that would be super competitive and get the guys excited. Overall, today was a very fun day and I think all the lads really enjoyed themselves at training as well.
6-18-17 (Game Day Operation)
Its game day again. But today’s game is different than most games. Today felt different, and indeed it had to be. We were going up against the top team in our league. All the boys had to be locked in and ready to go. Prior to the match we all decided to have a team and staff lunch to kind of get everyone on the same page. Also, having team lunches is great because the team can bond and just be themselves before heading to the game and taking care of business. From lunch, me and some of the crew headed to the storage unit to pick up the banners. Then of course we headed to the field to set everything up. Once everything was set up it was time to go to the locker rooms and make sure that all the uniforms are ready to go for the biggest game of the season thus far. When all the boys showed up to the locker room you could tell that they were ready to go. Even though the match did not go in our favor as we lost 3-2, the boys still played a great match. After the game, we cleaned up the banners and took them back to storage.
Its game day again. But today’s game is different than most games. Today felt different, and indeed it had to be. We were going up against the top team in our league. All the boys had to be locked in and ready to go. Prior to the match we all decided to have a team and staff lunch to kind of get everyone on the same page. Also, having team lunches is great because the team can bond and just be themselves before heading to the game and taking care of business. From lunch, me and some of the crew headed to the storage unit to pick up the banners. Then of course we headed to the field to set everything up. Once everything was set up it was time to go to the locker rooms and make sure that all the uniforms are ready to go for the biggest game of the season thus far. When all the boys showed up to the locker room you could tell that they were ready to go. Even though the match did not go in our favor as we lost 3-2, the boys still played a great match. After the game, we cleaned up the banners and took them back to storage.
6-22-17 (Team Breakfast and Training)
Today was a good day, it started off by me going out to breakfast with some of the interns before we headed into the work for the day. At breakfast, the main topic of discussion was how can we get more people to show up to our games. We already had a good grip on social media. I was not the head person who was running our social media pages, but I had a great deal of input on the content in which we distributed to the public. The best part about working with OCFC is that it is like a family. The bond that the organization has with its fans is something special. When we went to work I wanted to prepare questions that we can ask the players in our post-game interview. I did not want it to be your typical interview though, I wanted to ask them questions not related to soccer so our fans can get to know our players a bit more. I wanted our interviews to ask questions such as, What’s your favorite food? What kind of music do you like to listen to before a game? That kind of stuff. That night I headed to the training field to help assist the OCFC training for the night.
Today was a good day, it started off by me going out to breakfast with some of the interns before we headed into the work for the day. At breakfast, the main topic of discussion was how can we get more people to show up to our games. We already had a good grip on social media. I was not the head person who was running our social media pages, but I had a great deal of input on the content in which we distributed to the public. The best part about working with OCFC is that it is like a family. The bond that the organization has with its fans is something special. When we went to work I wanted to prepare questions that we can ask the players in our post-game interview. I did not want it to be your typical interview though, I wanted to ask them questions not related to soccer so our fans can get to know our players a bit more. I wanted our interviews to ask questions such as, What’s your favorite food? What kind of music do you like to listen to before a game? That kind of stuff. That night I headed to the training field to help assist the OCFC training for the night.
6-23-17 (Game Day Operation)
Today is game day, but it was not on our home turf tonight. Tonight, we would head to Chicago to play the number one team in our league again. The boys were looking to get revenge this time. Even though the game was not at home, me and the interns still had to head to the storage unit to get supplies. From there we headed to Chicago. We wanted to make sure that we got there early because we wanted to be able to set up the field and set up the locker room. It is very important especially when working with sports to be very efficient. Showing up to the field 30 minutes early to make sure that everything is set up can be crucial in the scheme of things. When the boys came out to the field we jumped right into a warm up. Since I oversaw the warmup I wanted to make sure that all the boys were drinking lots of water and were stretching good before the game. We cannot afford to have any injuries during this season. In the end, it did not matter because RWD Adria were just too good. The boys fell to a 4-1 loss. Sometimes things just don’t go your way.
Today is game day, but it was not on our home turf tonight. Tonight, we would head to Chicago to play the number one team in our league again. The boys were looking to get revenge this time. Even though the game was not at home, me and the interns still had to head to the storage unit to get supplies. From there we headed to Chicago. We wanted to make sure that we got there early because we wanted to be able to set up the field and set up the locker room. It is very important especially when working with sports to be very efficient. Showing up to the field 30 minutes early to make sure that everything is set up can be crucial in the scheme of things. When the boys came out to the field we jumped right into a warm up. Since I oversaw the warmup I wanted to make sure that all the boys were drinking lots of water and were stretching good before the game. We cannot afford to have any injuries during this season. In the end, it did not matter because RWD Adria were just too good. The boys fell to a 4-1 loss. Sometimes things just don’t go your way.
6-24-17 (Game Day Operation)
We are back at it again the next day as the lad’s head to Kalamazoo for a friendly against Kalamazoo FC. Even though it is a friendly the boys are still buzzing to get back out there and play. The cool part about friendly’s is we can carry a larger roster so there are some players that are on the reserve team that got called up to play for the first team. It is nice for those players because they can go out there and prove themselves. When we showed up in Kalamazoo the first thing I did was go on the field and set up warm up. But today I decided to shake things up a bit and try a different style warm up. After the boys were warmed up and the game has started it was my job for the day to take stats for the team. I would have to keep track of the goals and assists from each of the players. That was fun to do because it is cool to keep track of who is playing well, and who needs to maybe improve some aspects of their game. Overall it was a fun experience.
We are back at it again the next day as the lad’s head to Kalamazoo for a friendly against Kalamazoo FC. Even though it is a friendly the boys are still buzzing to get back out there and play. The cool part about friendly’s is we can carry a larger roster so there are some players that are on the reserve team that got called up to play for the first team. It is nice for those players because they can go out there and prove themselves. When we showed up in Kalamazoo the first thing I did was go on the field and set up warm up. But today I decided to shake things up a bit and try a different style warm up. After the boys were warmed up and the game has started it was my job for the day to take stats for the team. I would have to keep track of the goals and assists from each of the players. That was fun to do because it is cool to keep track of who is playing well, and who needs to maybe improve some aspects of their game. Overall it was a fun experience.
6-25-17 (Game Day Operation)
Today was game day for our reserve team. Our reserve team has not played a game in about 2 weeks or so. Therefore, it goes without saying that the boys are extremely excited to get on the field and play a game. They have been practicing well. Coming into the game I was very confident in our guys ability to get the job done and get the victory. As usual, we had to start the day off by going to the storage unit to get the banners for the game. After setting up the banners it was time to get all the uniforms ready for the players. After the boys arrived and got changed it was my responsibility for the day to warm up the goal keepers. Normally the goalkeepers have their own warm up that they do. I decided to change it up a bit and have them practice saving a lot of shots. Their warmup went for about 30 minutes. After that I had them stretch out whatever needed to be stretched so they are physically, as well as mentally ready for the game. The boys came out firing at all cylinders and got the win. I was very pleased with the result.
Today was game day for our reserve team. Our reserve team has not played a game in about 2 weeks or so. Therefore, it goes without saying that the boys are extremely excited to get on the field and play a game. They have been practicing well. Coming into the game I was very confident in our guys ability to get the job done and get the victory. As usual, we had to start the day off by going to the storage unit to get the banners for the game. After setting up the banners it was time to get all the uniforms ready for the players. After the boys arrived and got changed it was my responsibility for the day to warm up the goal keepers. Normally the goalkeepers have their own warm up that they do. I decided to change it up a bit and have them practice saving a lot of shots. Their warmup went for about 30 minutes. After that I had them stretch out whatever needed to be stretched so they are physically, as well as mentally ready for the game. The boys came out firing at all cylinders and got the win. I was very pleased with the result.
6-28-17 (Game Day Operation)
Today was game day, and today the boys traveled to our rival’s territory as we were set to play against Carpathia FC. As usual the day started off with me and some of the other interns heading to the storage unit to get the banners for the big match. This game was very important for us because at the time we were in 3rd place in the league. A win would be huge for us. After we set up the banners we had to go get all the uniforms setup. The cool part about today was that I did not have to do anything with the warmup. I was taking stats for the game so I had no obligations prior to kickoff. The boys ended up not plying their best match of the year, we lost the game. But we could not give up now. There was still a chance that we make the playoffs but we must keep winning. After the game, my manager nick decided to take the interns out to dinner and check up on us and see how our experience with the club is going. He is always going out of his way to make sure we have an awesome experience this summer.
Today was game day, and today the boys traveled to our rival’s territory as we were set to play against Carpathia FC. As usual the day started off with me and some of the other interns heading to the storage unit to get the banners for the big match. This game was very important for us because at the time we were in 3rd place in the league. A win would be huge for us. After we set up the banners we had to go get all the uniforms setup. The cool part about today was that I did not have to do anything with the warmup. I was taking stats for the game so I had no obligations prior to kickoff. The boys ended up not plying their best match of the year, we lost the game. But we could not give up now. There was still a chance that we make the playoffs but we must keep winning. After the game, my manager nick decided to take the interns out to dinner and check up on us and see how our experience with the club is going. He is always going out of his way to make sure we have an awesome experience this summer.
7-1-17 (Game Day Operation)
Today was game day. The boys needed this win to keep playoff hopes alive. All the players as well as the fans who attended the match knew of the importance of the match. I was very excited for today game because I got to see my friends who I play with at tiffin university. One of my good friends plays for Toledo Villa FC, so it was nice to watch him play. I was also excited because today I got to do new jobs prior to the match starting up. Today I did not have to go to the storage unit to pick up any supplies. Prior to kick off my jobs were to assist in match-day box office operations including ticket fulfillment, customer service, setup and breakdown, and sales. What this means is that I would stand outside the stadium and interact with the fans and make sure that each fan that enters the stadium has purchased a ticket. After that, I would walk around the stadium and be a handy man, I would assist any customers that need any help or have any questions prior to the game. The last job that I had after the game was to calculate our sales for the night. I was responsible for finding out how many fans there were at the game based off our ticket sales. It was fun to get a new job and to mix things up.
Today was game day. The boys needed this win to keep playoff hopes alive. All the players as well as the fans who attended the match knew of the importance of the match. I was very excited for today game because I got to see my friends who I play with at tiffin university. One of my good friends plays for Toledo Villa FC, so it was nice to watch him play. I was also excited because today I got to do new jobs prior to the match starting up. Today I did not have to go to the storage unit to pick up any supplies. Prior to kick off my jobs were to assist in match-day box office operations including ticket fulfillment, customer service, setup and breakdown, and sales. What this means is that I would stand outside the stadium and interact with the fans and make sure that each fan that enters the stadium has purchased a ticket. After that, I would walk around the stadium and be a handy man, I would assist any customers that need any help or have any questions prior to the game. The last job that I had after the game was to calculate our sales for the night. I was responsible for finding out how many fans there were at the game based off our ticket sales. It was fun to get a new job and to mix things up.
7-8-17 (Game Day Operation)
Today was a great day to be an Oakland County FC fan. Today the boys traveled to play Muskegon Risers FC who are one of the top teams in our league. As you know, every single game from here on out is a must win. Especially if we want to have a chance to make the playoffs. Prior to the match I was responsible for making sure that all the uniforms are set out and ready to go for the big match. After I got all the uniforms set out, I met with some of the fellow interns as we would have talked about how we were going to conduct the after-match interviews. Today I did not have to interview any players, but I was responsible to come up with 3 questions that the interviewer must ask the players. During the game, I was responsible for taking live stats of the players. When taking stats, you calculate how many minutes each player has played. As well as keep track of each players goals and assists. We ended up winning the game 3-2 in a thrilling ending with a free kick goal in which won us the match. It was an amazing atmosphere, even though we were not on our home turf. It was an amazing day to be part of the OCFC family.
Today was a great day to be an Oakland County FC fan. Today the boys traveled to play Muskegon Risers FC who are one of the top teams in our league. As you know, every single game from here on out is a must win. Especially if we want to have a chance to make the playoffs. Prior to the match I was responsible for making sure that all the uniforms are set out and ready to go for the big match. After I got all the uniforms set out, I met with some of the fellow interns as we would have talked about how we were going to conduct the after-match interviews. Today I did not have to interview any players, but I was responsible to come up with 3 questions that the interviewer must ask the players. During the game, I was responsible for taking live stats of the players. When taking stats, you calculate how many minutes each player has played. As well as keep track of each players goals and assists. We ended up winning the game 3-2 in a thrilling ending with a free kick goal in which won us the match. It was an amazing atmosphere, even though we were not on our home turf. It was an amazing day to be part of the OCFC family.
Final Reflections
I think that helping with game day operations as well as being an assistant coach really helped my personal development. It was nice to know what goes on behind the scenes prior to a sporting event. This is a lot of hard work that goes into each match and it was nice to experience that for myself. I think my contribution to new ideas to help the organization. Sense I played soccer for OCFC, as well as worked for them. The communication between me and my supervisor was excellent. I think that the internship showed me that I might want to go into coaching, it was something that I greatly enjoyed doing. My advice to other students interested in this job would be that they have to be passionate about soccer, and they have to be willing to work long hours without being paid. In the end the feeling is very rewarding.
I think that helping with game day operations as well as being an assistant coach really helped my personal development. It was nice to know what goes on behind the scenes prior to a sporting event. This is a lot of hard work that goes into each match and it was nice to experience that for myself. I think my contribution to new ideas to help the organization. Sense I played soccer for OCFC, as well as worked for them. The communication between me and my supervisor was excellent. I think that the internship showed me that I might want to go into coaching, it was something that I greatly enjoyed doing. My advice to other students interested in this job would be that they have to be passionate about soccer, and they have to be willing to work long hours without being paid. In the end the feeling is very rewarding.
Daily Log
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ocfc_hours.xlsx | |
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File Type: | xlsx |