sam margetts - life after birko

I joined the mighty Birkenhead United for the 2013 winter season. At the time I was also in my final year of an Industrial Design Degree at AUT University. Moving to Beach Haven proved to be the beginning of a pathway that would lead me to where I am today, in London working in football media along side some of the biggest stars in the game.

Through some amazing people within the club, I was put in contact with the owners of SOCCER.COM in North Carolina, USA. After chatting with me and looking at my background, they decided that they had a place for me in their company.

After completing my degree I spent a year as an intern at the headquarters of the online football store. Using my expertise in product design and football, it was my responsibility (among other tasks) to test and review the products that we sold so that people had a better knowledge and understanding of what they were buying.

As my yearlong internship ran down the decision was made that the company was in need of a European presence to continue to tell stories about the products we sell and the players and teams that used them in the best leagues in the world. Fortunately for me, I was seen as the right man for the job.

I moved to London early in 2015 and immediately began a role that included traveling to different parts of Europe to interview designers, brand representatives and stars of the game. The aim of the project is to provide a unique, behind the scenes look at the products, athletes and events that make up the game of football, from a grassroots level right up to the biggest world stages.

No workday is the same for me. When I’m not travelling to brand events I am editing video footage, shooting promotional/review videos, or coordinating upcoming events and product launches with brand representatives. Because we work with many different brands, there is always something new going on and I get to work with a range of very interesting people from different backgrounds. My knowledge of how products are designed and built, our customers and football in general has made the whole experience very exciting and, at times, it doesn’t even feel like work.

The most exciting (and nerve racking) part of my job is meeting and interviewing top footballers to get their take on the boots and equipment that they wear. It’s always a buzz to find that most top players are really nice, down to earth people that just love to chat about all things football related. Some of the highlights of my year so far have been testing boots with Thierry Henry, playing kick-ups on Old Trafford with Juan Mata, and meeting James Rodriguez at Real Madrid’s training ground.

I’m extremely grateful to Birkenhead United as they provided the initial stepping stone to help get me where I am today. Thanks to their amazing group of supporters, players, coaches and people that run the club there are always opportunities for people to get involved in the world of football, whether it be refereeing, university scholarships, professional playing career, coaching or business.

I will always have great memories of my time at Birko. The club does an amazing job of connecting football with the community, creating a real family atmosphere, and providing opportunities for every age and ability.

Best wishes to everyone I’ve met at this great club.

Sam

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