Blog

  • Amanda Nash – Exit Blog, Marketing, Communications, and Event Coordinator

    Thursday, April 16, 2026 | By

    As my internship placement with the Centre for Sport Capacity (CSC) comes to a close today, reflecting on the eventful and knowledge-packed semester due to the efforts of my team and I collaborating with many different partners and members is rewarding.

    To begin, my most memorable experience during my tenure was hosting the CSC Soccer Social Event. This event consisted of a networking panel with two of our partner clubs, and a watch party of the National Canada Men’s Soccer Team. Adding this experience under the CSC’s event history was an exciting learning experience and it was incredible to see all the students coming out to support!

    The growth of the CSC Instagram and LinkedIn was a focus throughout my placement. The CSC holds a special place within Brock as we are able to provide services and experiences to both Brock Faculty and the student body alike! With a starting goal of increasing our visibility within the Brock community, I made strong efforts to tailor our content to the very multi-oriented audience that the CSC has. By completing member features, research promotions, events, and interviews, I made sure to provide content that would cater to many different demographics. The CSC Instagram in particular has increased engagement by reaching many accounts in the last couple of months. The specific measure of increase was +800% since the time I started! Furthermore, our profile visits and link taps increased +100%. The link taps included our members’ work that we featured, interview promotions, organization and internship opportunity promotions, and more. The CSC has also communicated directly with the Brock Sport and Business Association to promote their networking event in March, and the SPMA Council through a highly successful collaborative post on Instagram. I committed to adding a creative appeal to all the research, developmental experiences, internship opportunities, and events that I promoted!

    The CSC has also added 3 new community partners in just the few months I have been interning. I truly value all our partnerships, and I’ve made sure to connect with each on multiple occasions to make sure they know the CSC values them as an organization. Partnering with Burlington Soccer Club, Dance Champions, and Niagara 1812 Football Club has not only increased the centre’s visibility within our local community, but has also provided brand new content and industry leading faces that our audience has not seen before! Some examples include Samantha Stewart the CMO of Burlington Soccer Club, Carmine Provenzano the COO of Niagara 1812, and Andrew Rusk the owner and director of Dance Champions. As a centre we have done extension collaborations through completing partner interviews, highlighting partners at the Soccer Social networking panel, and developing internship placements, aligning with our mission to continue improving the sportscape locally. Looking into the future, the CSC Director, Dr. Taylor McKee, has offered me the position to become the official Director of Marketing, Communications and Events! I was honoured to be offered this upgraded position, and I look forward to continue making an impact within our community as I complete my Master of Arts (Sport Management Specialization -Thesis route) starting September 2026!

     

    I’ve noticed I now have a new perspective on the Brock community after working so closely with many different departments and faculty. I started with the CSC as a new undergrad student in January of 2023, and I’ve worked towards a leadership role. Working for the centre has been paramount in learning my career path and goals. Transitioning from the student being supported to supporting new SPMA students was an incredible rewarding journey I saw through the development initiative of the CSC Soccer Working Group this semester. The CSC has also recently launched another student-led initiative called the Sports Performance Analytics (SPA) Lab. As the research communications coordinator for this lab, I will further enhance student experiences at Brock by allowing students to publish their own and analyze comprehensive sport industry research.

    One thing I would tell future interns working for the centre is to enjoy the experience and don’t forget to have fun! The semester went quickly as tasks do build up. Some examples include connecting with partners and members, scheduling weekly meetings with staff, coordinating off-campus experiences for students, organizing prizes and event plans, and leading marketing campaigns. I will continue to reflect on this experience to transfer all the skills I’ve learned into the future with me as the Director of Marketing, Communications and Events for the CSC and my future studies.

    Categories: Blog, Students

  • Amanda Nash – Entry Blog, Marketing, Communications, and Event Coordinator

    Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | By

    Hello! My name is Amanda Nash and I am completing my 4th year in the Honours Bachelor of Sport Management program at Brock University with a Minors degree in Psychology. I am starting my position with the Centre for Sport Capacity (CSC) as the Marketing, Communications, and Event Coordinator Intern! Working with incredible Professors and researchers such as Dr. Taylor McKee and Dr. Julie Stevens, I am thrilled to begin this chapter at the Centre assisting with daily marketing campaigns, connecting and developing partnerships, event facilitation, and research promotion.

    My Background in marketing, events, and related fields

    In my first year of my undergrad degree, I connected with Brock Sport Management Professors and peers and I joined the CSC and the Brock Sport and Business Association (BSBA) both in entry-level marketing/event volunteering roles. These entry positions launched my sport industry career, and I was able to gain hands-on experience in event planning and understanding the importance of promotional engagement on social media for organizational growth. My one-year position with the BSBA specifically involved developing marketing campaigns to support events and overall branding for the club. One example was the 7th Annual BSBA Networking Series. By assisting with this event, I took on multiple roles both during and pre/post-event.

    I started volunteering with the Centre for Sport Capacity as I became a Support Team Member. It quickly became the largest role in discovering who I am as a sports industry professional. Previous to securing the spot as the Centre intern for the Winter 2026 term, I had volunteered consistent hours with the Centre. Following the leadership of Grace Nelson, the past CSC Coordinator, I helped the team with numerous marketing and event campaigns. Some examples include the promotion and event implementation of;

    I have also assisted with marketing specific campaigns on our website and social media accounts. Some examples include;

    Outside of Brock University’s doors, I have a personal passion for the beauty and wellness industry. I have been working in customer service as a receptionist, as well as assisting with occasional events and social media content creation for a Niagara region hair salon staple, Pretty&Co Hair and Beauty Collective! I’ve assisted with the facilitation of the Wild Heart X Charm Party event and help with social media content on our Instagram page. Through interactive stories, humorous reels, aesthetic posts, and hair care information, I’m helping to support Pretty&Co’s owner, Sarah Hess’ vision. Her hair artistry, creativity, and remarkable mentorship defines Pretty&Co’s branding success. Growing the Instagram to pass 13k followers, this opportunity has opened a new field of event and communications knowledge for me. This knowledge is transferred throughout my work at the CSC, strengthening my professional skills.

    Current Position at the csc

    My dedication to CSC’s brand success is shown as I was offered an official internship position with the CSC and I’m truly grateful! This role (just in the first three weeks!) has provided me with opportunities to increase my leadership, creativity, and communication skills. Current and upcoming projects with the CSC involve working on the LinkedIn and Instagram pages to actively provide content for our audience. Additionally, we have multiple member and partner feature interviews to be released. We also have a new student-led initiative that I have been sharing a lead role in called the CSC Soccer Working Group (CSCSWG)! I launched the CSCSWG website and our goal is to build upon the CSC’s SportService framework to reach more organizations, specifically in the soccer industry. We hope to make a positive impact for safe sport practices in action with the potential to create student networking and internship opportunities. With the raising awareness of safe sport within this industry, I’m also enabling changes within our open resource safe sport panel/video webpage by improving access and adding updated content on our website for all sport industry professionals viewing.

    I am thrilled to begin my internship placement with the Centre. Within my first weeks I have already begun updating our website through WordPress, posting on our social platforms, and have facilitated multiple member and partner feature interviews and content (stay
    tuned!). The Centre opens up opportunities for many different professional sports pathways. Personally and professionally in my work, these pathways include communication/partnership development, digital media creation, videography, marketing, and event management within the sports and academia industry. As a creative and sports-loving student, the CSC allows me to expand my knowledge and is a fulfilling organization to be a part of. I make continuous strides to raise awareness of the incredible work our members have and are currently developing, and I’ve been building and will continue to build, a strong portfolio within this organization. If you are a student looking for an exceptional team that includes remarkable faculty mentors, opportunities to grow in your desired field, and want to contribute to impactful work, the CSC is the place for you!

    Categories: Students

  • January Member Showcase – Dr. Amanda Black

    Thursday, January 16, 2025 | By

    Background

    I have been involved in sports my whole life as an athlete, coach, athletic therapist, and researcher. I am passionate about sports and finding ways to help athletes better prevent and manage injuries. My research program is applied and aims to identify and disseminate practical solutions for athletes, parents, coaches, and clinicians. I have expertise in epidemiology, qualitative approaches, quantitative approaches, mixed methods, knowledge translation, and implementation science. My research interests include injury prevention, sport-related concussion, epidemiology, knowledge translation and implementation science, evidence-based athletic therapy practices and protocols, and evidence-based sports medicine and public health. Partnering with members of the sporting community to provide education and design research is a foundation of my research program, which I believe aligns with the vision of the Centre for Sport Capacity. I look forward to contributing to the Centre.

    Research Work/Projects

    I have several major ongoing research projects in my group:

    1. Canadian Integrated Injury and Health Surveillance System (Can-IIHSS):
      This research program, funded by CIHR and partnered with U SPORTS, aims to understand the incidence and risk factors of injuries, concussions, and mental health challenges among varsity athletes in Canada. The program is a collaboration between 20 universities across Canada, with the ultimate goal of developing prevention and management solutions.
    2. Context of Concussion Prevention in Youth Community Sport:
      This project, funded by SSHRC, seeks to understand the psychological and socio-cultural barriers, facilitators, and experiences associated with introducing and implementing concussion prevention initiatives in youth community sport. We are conducting focus groups and interviews with youth club coaches and administrators across Canada.
    3. Sports as a catalyst for health
      This project engages youth sport participants in the Niagara region who have an interest in addressing challenges related to injuries, mental health, or concussions in youth sport. We aim to partner with them to co-develop potential interventions that can be evaluated within the sport context.

    Clubs/Associations

    I used to coach soccer in Calgary before I moved. I still feel new to St. Catharines, so I haven’t had a chance to join any local clubs yet. My son has just started Sportball soccer, so perhaps I will coach again once he’s a bit older.

    Favourite TV Show

    I enjoy 9-1-1. The situations are a bit over the top, but as a trained first responder, I can appreciate the scenarios. Plus, with medical and first responder dramas, you never know when you’ll find a good teaching clip for class.

    Hobbies/Interests?

    I really enjoy traveling, learning about new cultures, and participating in sports.

    Knowledge Translation is a passion of the I3 group. Some examples of publicly available resources Dr. Black has contributed to are listed below.

    https://recoverconcussion.ca

    http://activesafe.azurewebsites.net

    https://parachute.ca/en/professional-resource/concussion-collection/concussion-protocol-resources-for-sport-organizations/

    https://cattonline.com/athlete/

    https://canadianblindsports.ca/resources/concussion-and-visual-impairments/

    Web page: i3labgroup.com

    Favourite Sport

    I love all sports. I played  some competitively and almost all sports at an intramural level in university (though I wasn’t good at all of them). I continued to play soccer in an adult league until COVID and would love to play again if I find the right club setting. I have an appreciation for the value of all sports.

    Achievement/Memorable Moment

    A few years ago, I had the opportunity to partner with U SPORTS and my colleagues at UBC to build a concussion education course specifically for varsity athletes. This course is now used by almost all U SPORTS schools and more.

    Future Plans

    I am currently working on developing strategies to better prevent and manage injuries and concussion in sports. I feel wearable sensors and technological tools may help use do this and I’m currently seeking funding for this work. I hope my research groupp at Brock can continue to be applied and help sport participants participate in the sport they love longterm and be a fun and productive place for future researchers and clinicians with a love for contributing to the field of sport medicine.

    Categories: Member Showcases

  • Jacob Snow – Exit Blog – Marketing, Communications, and Events Coordinator

    Thursday, December 12, 2024 | By

    The past four months at the Centre for Sport Capacity (CSC) have been a highly immersive and rewarding experience, offering numerous opportunities for growth. Throughout my time here, I have taken on a variety of roles and responsibilities that have greatly expanded both my skill set and professional knowledge. 

    As the Marketing, Communications, and Event Coordinator, I was entrusted with the responsibility of planning and coordinating a wide range of projects for the CSC. With each project I completed, I experienced significant personal and professional development. My duties included sharing information across various platforms, such as LinkedIn, CSC website, Facebook, Instagram, and Experience BU. As the lead for communications, I handled communication with partners and members and supervised other staff at the CSC. Additionally, I took charge of event planning and successfully organized and coordinated three distinct events—two in-person and one online. I further developed and enhanced many different skills such as: 

    • Working independently and adapting to new situations 
    • Effectively convey and receive information, both formally and informally, using verbal, non-verbal, and writing skills to different audiences in diverse situations 
    • Developing a plan, asking for feedback, and applying it 
    • Assessing information and exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, apply knowledge, make decisions, reflect, and overcome problems. 

    The accomplishment that I am most proud of from my time at CSC is organizing the Matt Hoven event that was centered around the Ontario tour of his book Hockey Priest: Father David Bauer and the Spirit of the Canadian Game. I was assigned the event lead and was responsible for the planning and promotion of the event. I mapped out the operational plan from start to finish featuring the catering, lay-out, partnerships, A/V, and coordinating with the speaker series. 

    Furthermore, I played a lead role in planning for the Measuring Impact in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation webinar with guest speaker Canadian Parks and Recreation (CPRA) CEO, Martin Sampson, analyzing CSC metrics, and the Meridian Centre Impact Report.  

    One of the most rewarding experiences for me was managing social media for the CSC. I explored various communication strategies and reviewed different designs to determine which would most effectively convey the message I wanted the audience to understand. Creating 30 posts across both LinkedIn and Instagram platforms, I really deepened my understanding of strategic sports marketing and social media management. 

    The internship experience specifically with the CSC, has provided me with the opportunity to apply the practical knowledge that I inherited from the sport management course work as well as showcase and enhance my existing skills from my past job experiences. It helped broaden my perspective of the sport industry and opened the door for many future career pathways. It has more than exceeded my expectations coming in and is an opportunity I have not taken for granted.  

    I would highly recommend any future SPMA student to get involved with the CSC at any chance that they get. It is a highly coveted organization that offers its staff to experience different sets of learning opportunities and different areas of interest. The organization allowed me to work independently and the ability to leave my mark at the CSC. The position gave me a newfound confidence to move forward as a future sport industry professional and for that I am extremely grateful.  

    I also want to thank my supervisors at the Centre, Dr. Julie Stevens and Grace Nelson, for their support over the last four months. It was an honour and a privilege to work at the CSC as Marketing, Communications, and Event Coordinator. I am incredibly grateful for the trust that was placed in me to work through various projects. Each of their mentorship and constructive feedback played a significant role in helping me expand my skills and knowledge.  

    Thank you for providing such a positive and inspiring work environment. I truly appreciate all the opportunities you’ve given me to learn, grow, and contribute to the team. 

     

    Categories: Blog, Students

  • Aranesh Pahwa – Entry Blog, Marketing, Communications, and Events Assistant

    Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | By

    The world of sport has always been an integral part of my life, from watching competitions to engaging in sport myself. It has shaped who I am today and how I see the world around me. So, when the opportunity to intern at The Centre for Sport Capacity (CSC) came up, I knew it was the perfect fit for me to continue my journey within the sports sector. 

    Hello! I am Aranesh Pahwa, a fourth-year Business Communication student at Brock University, also minoring in Digital Culture. Coming from India, sport in my home country brought people together in a powerful way, fostering community and a sense of belonging. Now, as an international student, I have the opportunity to contribute to the sport community here in Canada through my internship at the CSC. Joining the CSC team felt like stepping into a hub of creativity, collaboration, and innovation, where each day presented new opportunities to learn and contribute to the sport community. 

    My Brock Experience: A Foundation for Growth 

    My time at Brock University has been a transformative journey, both academically and personally. As a Business Communication student with a minor in Digital Culture, I have had the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics that have helped me develop the skills necessary for success in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving world. Brock’s unique focus on experiential learning and collaboration has been central to my growth as a communicator and has prepared me to take on challenging roles like my internship at the CSC. 

    How my Brock Experience led me to the CSC 

    It was through Brock’s strong emphasis on experiential learning that I first learned about the opportunity at the CSC. As part of my program, I was encouraged to seek internships that aligned with my career goals and interests. The course COMM 4F00 has helped me a lot .The CSC stood out as an organization that not only offered hands-on experience but also combined two of my passions: sport and communication. 

    The support from my professor Dr Kate Cassidy, along with my growing interest in sport management, pushed me to apply for the role. I knew that the skills I had developed during my time at Brock, especially in digital marketing and event planning, would make me a strong candidate for the position.  

    How I Came Across the CSC: A Perfect Match for my    Passion 

    As someone deeply passionate about the intersection of sport and communication, I was always on the lookout for opportunities that could combine these interests. While exploring internship options, I came across the CSC through a fellow student and became immediately intrigued by their unique approach to blending research with real-world impact in the sport sector. The CSC offered exactly what I was looking for—a place where I could apply my skills while contributing to meaningful projects in sport management. 

    What Drew me to the CSC 

    The moment I learned more about the CSC, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Several factors drew me to the Centre: 

    • Hands-on Experience in Sport Management: The CSC’s focus on experiential learning and direct involvement in sport-related projects immediately appealed to me. I was excited by the idea of contributing to projects that would have a real-world impact on the sport community in Niagara and beyond. The combination of research, marketing, and event management aligned perfectly with my interests. 
    • A Platform for Growth: I saw the CSC as a place where I could grow both professionally and personally. The opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals like Dr. Julie Stevens and Grace Nelson, who are leaders in their fields, meant that I would be able to learn from the best while also bringing my own ideas to the table. 
    • Contributing to the Sport Sector: Having grown up in India, where sport has the power to unite people, I wanted to be part of an organization that used sport as a tool for positive change. The CSC’s commitment to supporting sport organizations through research and practical solutions resonated with my personal values and career goals.

    Why I was Excited to Join the CSC 

    What truly excited me about becoming part of the CSC was the chance to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting while working on projects that mattered. From the start, I knew that this would be an internship where I could contribute meaningfully, develop new skills, and be part of an organization that’s making a difference in the sport sector. 

    The variety of tasks—ranging from social media management to event planning—also drew me in. The prospect of working on projects like the SportService initiative and helping organize events and workshops. 

    Skills I Bring to the CSC 

     Throughout my academic and extracurricular experiences, I’ve honed skills valuable to my role at the CSC: 

    • Digital Marketing and Social Media: Managing social media for Brock student organizations, including the Indian Student Association, has sharpened my digital marketing abilities, from creating engaging content to tracking analytics and enhancing audience engagement. 
    • Event Planning and Coordination: Organizing events has built my expertise in budgeting, logistics, promotion, and on-site execution skills essential in coordinating CSC activities. 
    • Communication and Collaboration: As a Business Communication student, clear communication and teamwork are strengths I rely on for coordinating with stakeholders and promoting events at CSC. 
    • Leadership and Problem-Solving: Serving as treasurer and president of the Brock Indian Student Association developed my problem-solving and multitasking abilities, which I apply to leadership roles within CSC projects, driving team success.

    As I move forward, I am excited to continue applying and learning the skills I have gained here tofor future roles and challenges. The CSC is truly a platform for growth, collaboration, and impact—an experience I will carry with me throughout my career journey. I look forward to seeing how the knowledge and connections I will build during my time at the CSC will shape my future in sport management and beyond. 

     

    Categories: Students

  • Bismanbir Singh – Entry Blog, Marketing, Communications, and Events Assistant

    Wednesday, November 06, 2024 | By

    Sport has been a major part my life since I was young. I have played a range of sports and have participated at national level in Field Hockey and Roller Hockey. Also, I started swimming at a young age and competed in state level championships throughout my time in secondary school. Swimming was the first sport where I experienced success.  Our Roller Hockey team was a national champion back in 2019, maintaining an ongoing streak of being champions from the past 6 years. My biggest achievement was when I got selected as one of the top 24 players to represent my country.  Sport can be a positive way to promote physical fitness and teamwork throughout the world. The journey has been quite long, but my passion for sport will always remain the same, and my passion for sport is one of the reasons why I am excited to intern at Centre for Sport Capacity (CSC).

    Hi! My name is Bismanbir Singh, and I am an international student from India. I live in Chandigarh, Punjab . It is one of the most beautiful cities of India. I am currently in my 4th year pursing a major in Business Communication and a minor in Media Studies, with graduation set for April 2025. I love watching and following different sports. My favourite sport to watch is Hockey (Field Hockey and Roller Hockey), I have started to follow Ice hockey since I’ve moved to Canada and to get back on field as soon as possible. I played at KBDAV Senior Secondary School which is well known for hosting many national level Championships. This year I will be interning as the Marketing, Event, and Communications Assistant at the Centre for Sport Capacity (CSC) at Brock University.

    I discovered the chance to be a part of the CSC team by going through the course calendar when searching for a a COMM 4F00 placement. Being an avid sport supporter, the opportunity to combine my passion with knowledge acquired in Business Communication and Media Studies was something I could not miss. The lessons I hope to learn at the CSC include increasing the capacity of sport organizations, working with the community, as well as marketing and event planning.  the most thrilling aspect about this position is that it blends sport and expertise in strategic communications and the management of events. I am particularly proud of my skills as an organizer, creative, and team player,  which will be beneficial for CSC’s future activities. I think this place is one of the best to put into practice all the communication skills acquired throughout the program while serving the community in the sporting field.

    My Brock experience has been instrumental in leading me to the Centre for Sport Capacity (CSC). Throughout my time in the Business Communication program, I’ve gained a strong foundation in Professional Communication, Media Analysis, and Public Relations, all of which are critical to my role at the CSC. Courses like Research Methods in Communication and Culture helped me develop analytical skills, which I now apply to understanding the impact of sports communication strategies. My involvement in Brock’s diverse academic and extracurricular activities also exposed me to various networking opportunities, ultimately leading me to the CSC placement through the course calendar. Brock’s emphasis on experiential learning, combined with my passion for sports, naturally steered me toward the CSC, where I can apply the skills I’ve developed and contribute meaningfully to sports capacity-building projects.

    At the Centre for Sport Capacity, I am most excited about applying and refining my skills in Professional Communication and Public Relations. Managing social media for the CSC allows me to use my knowledge of Networks, Digital Identities, and Interactions to engage and grow our audience while ensuring our messaging remains consistent and impactful. I am also eager to develop further insights into Media Analysis and Audience Studies as I work on projects like the State of Sport in Niagara Report – Webinar and Workshop. The opportunity to contribute to the Fee-for-service Model project will also be a great way to explore Organizational Culture and how integrated marketing communications can influence the development of new service offerings. Lastly, I am looking forward to organizing events like the Matt Hoven “Hockey Priest” Author Reading and Book Signing, where my event management and research skills will truly shine.

    In conclusion, my journey with sports has shaped not only my personal development but also my professional aspirations. As I step into my role at the Centre for Sport Capacity, I am thrilled to merge my lifelong passion for sports with the skills I have honed through my Business Communication program. This internship offers the perfect platform to apply my expertise in marketing, event planning, and communication in a meaningful way. I look forward to contributing to the CSC’s initiatives, growing as a professional, and learning new skills that will help me make a positive impact in the sports community. My experience at Brock and this placement will undoubtedly prepare me for the future, where I hope to continue blending my love for sports with a career in communication and event management.

     

    Categories: Students, Uncategorized

  • Vincent Ferro – Entry Blog, Research Analyst

    Monday, November 04, 2024 | By

    Introduction

    Hello. My name is Vincent Ferro. I am a dedicated 4th year Honours Geography student at Brock University, with a minor in Tourism, Environmental Studies, and Italian. My academic journey is complimented by my passion for athletics; I have proudly represented Brock as a member of the varsity swim team, track and field team, and cross-country team. My love for running and the outdoors drives my commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle. 

    Before joining the Brock varsity teams, I spent 12 years with Brock Niagara Aquatics, where I honed my skills in competitive swimming. In addition to my athletic pursuits, I am actively involved in leadership roles as the vice president of the Brock Golden Key Club and president of the Brock Catholic Association.

    I also hold a diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Technology from Niagara College, and I have been the gardener at Our Lady of the Scapular Church in Niagara Falls for the past eight years. Growing up in Niagara Falls has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the natural environment, and I am passionate about enhancing community spaces. 

    This internship aligns perfectly with my background and interests. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to projects that improve facilities and promote sustainability in our community. 

    How I discovered the CSC 

    Brock University Honours Geography program invites honours students to engage in internships, providing them with meaningful work experiences aligned with their career ambitions. I saw this as a valuable opportunity to further my professional development. 

    While exploring potential internships, I came across an opening at the Centre for Sport Capacity (CSC). I was already familiar with the Centre’s initiatives, events, and research, and I had heard positive feedback from peers who had worked there. This Researcher/Analyst position aligns well with my sports background, education and experience with GIS as well as my future career interests. 

    After submitting my application, I had the chance to meet with Dr. Julie Stevens, the director and Grace Nelson, the Centre’s coordinator. Following a thorough interview that offered great insights, I was thrilled to receive an invitation to join the CSC team. It was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse, especially after hearing such wonderful things about the organization. I was excited to contribute to their upcoming events and projects. 

    Greatly Anticipated Learning Journey 

    I am eager about the upcoming internship with CSC for a variety of reasons. The engaging projects planned for this term, particularly those involving GIS to analyze current sports facilities. I look forward to contributing to initiatives that drive positive changes and promote an inclusive sports environment in the Niagara region. 

    This experience will also allow me to develop essential skills for my career as a Research Analyst including: 

    • Data Analysis and Interpretation 
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Proficiency 
    • Research Methodology 
    • Report Writing and Presentation Skills 

    These competencies will be crucial throughout my internship and will significantly enhance my professional development. I am passionate about creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the sports community, and I am excited to apply this dedication during my time with CSC. 

    Conclusion 

    In conclusion, I am excited to embark on this internship with the Centre for Sport Capacity, where I will leverage my academic background and passion for sports to make a meaningful impact in the Niagara region. This role will not only enhance my skills as a GIS Research Analyst but also allow me to contribute to initiatives that promote inclusivity and sustainability in the sports community. I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights as I navigate this transformative journey. Thank you for joining me on this adventure! 

    Categories: Students

  • Jacob Snow – Entry Blog, Marketing, Communications, and Event Coordinator

    Thursday, September 19, 2024 | By

    Introduction 

    The world of sport has been integrated in various ways throughout my life. Whether it was watching or participating, sport found a way to always be around me and contribute to my day-to-day activities. It is fascinating how sport unites us and the infinite reasons why sport is relevant today and will be sticking around for the long haul. How many different ways do you think sport unites us? 

    Hello, my name is Jacob Snow. I am a fourth-year Sport Management (SPMA) student at Brock University. I come from a beautiful small town called Carleton Place, Ontario which is located within the Ottawa Valley. I grew up participating in sport such as hockey, paddling, cross country, softball, and track and field. I am also an avid sport fan, particularly with hockey, and I am a massive Vancouver Canucks fan. Recently, I joined the team at the Centre of Sport Capacity (CSC) as the Marketing, Communications, and Event Coordinator intern.  

    My nonprofit and commercial sport involvement has included working for organizations such as Carleton Place Minor Hockey Association (C.P.M.H.A.), Professional Womens Hockey League (P.W.H.L.), 5k Foam Fest, Naismith Basketball, National Hockey League (N.H.L.), and Brock University Intramurals. Some of the most integral skills that stem from working from these organizations include: 

    • Communication  
    • Customer service 
    • Event management 
    • Leadership 
    • Decision-making 

    Each experience and skill combined to create a strong portfolio in jumpstarting my professional career in sport. 

    Brock experience 

    Ever since I was young, my interest in sport has enticed me and was a part of my everyday life. I immersed myself in the sport world so much that I wanted to make a career out of it. This led to me pursuing my Sport Management degree.  All the factors that relate to sport and the individual journeys that the athletes and organizations face were intriguing to me. I used to think I had a good understanding of the sports world, but that did not come until my experience with the Brock University Sport Management program. Courses such as Sport Event Management, Governance in Sport, and Sport and Organizational Behaviour, demonstrated the diverse ways sport can be impacted such as what hard work goes on behind-the-scenes in the sport industry. 

    How I came across the CSC 

    The Brock University Sport Management program invites its honours students to take part in an internship. This allows students to be placed in full-time work experiences with an organization that relates to their future career path. I believed that this experience would help move my professional career forward. 

    While searching for an opportunity, the posting for an internship with Centre for Sport Capacity came up. I was familiar with the Centre, the events, and research that they conducted, and I knew peers with prior experience working with the CSC. They were offering a position in marketing, communications, and events. This met my skillset and was related to the future career path that I wanted to take. 

    Following the application, I met with the Centre’s coordinator Grace Nelson and Centre’s director Dr. Julie Stevens. After an extensive interview with plenty of insightful feedback, I was welcomed to the team at CSC. It was an offer I could not turn down, especially after hearing so many amazing things regarding the organization. In addition to seeing their past events and content that they have created, I was excited to be a part of it. 

    Most anticipated learning experience 

    There are many reasons as to why the upcoming internship experience with CSC is exciting. There are many interesting projects with the CSC that take place during this upcoming term. I am looking forward to making positive changes when working on these projects and trying to create a positive and inclusive environment for sport in the Niagara region. Moreover, these projects and this experience will help me develop more skills for my personal and professional career. The skills that I am excited to learn include: 

    • Business Communications 
    • Social Media and Website Management 
    • Event Planning 
    • Marketing and Promotion 

    Each of these will be skills I will use throughout the duration of the internship and will help me in my future endeavors. Creating a positive and inclusive environment within the sport community is one of my passions and it is something that I am excited to apply during this internship experience. 

    Conclusion 

    In brief, I am looking forward to being a part of the Centre for Sport Capacity and working in collaboration with Grace, Dr. Stevens, the support team, our partners, and our members. I am very excited to get started so I can apply my skills and knowledge to the position. The Centre is a highly coveted organization, and they are constantly trying to improve the state of the sport community within the local level of sport. Consequently, if an opportunity to be a part of the Centre arises, students should not hesitate to get involved in any way that they can. 

    Categories: Students

  • Curtis Dupuis-Sutton – Exit Blog, Marketing, Communications, and Events Coordinator

    Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | By

    As I head into my final days here at the Centre for Sport Capacity (CSC) as the Marketing, Communications, and Event Intern, I can look back at an amazing three months of professional and personal growth.

    Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity to work on many amazing projects that covered all the bases of marketing, communications, and events. My work at the CSC encompassed a variety of roles. To begin with, I was responsible for managing our social media accounts, across Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. During the internship, we saw tremendous growth in our social media metrics, especially on LinkedIn where we experienced a record month in July in terms of engagements (15,811), reactions (624), and impressions (8,714). In terms of social media marketing, I learned new skills in areas such as:

    Perhaps the most notable achievement of my time at the CSC was the development of the Centre’s new fee-for-service model, SportService, which is a professional service that is focused on expanding the capacity of sport organizations. This project challenged me in many ways and allowed me to develop a greater understanding of some of the issues many sport organizations are facing today. One of my favorite Sport Management courses thus far at Brock, SPMA 3P05, highlights that internal capacity is one of the major challenges non-profit sport organizations face. Through our conversations with community partners and members, I observed firsthand the impact internal capacity challenges can have on an organization, and how services like SportService can provide support in various areas such as event management, marketing, and communications.

    On June 27th, we hosted the Thriving Indigenous Sport Organizations webinar, which highlighted the success story of the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports & Recreation Council (MASRC). This event provided me with an opportunity to explore creative branding and marketing strategies, as well as learning how to host an event and engage your audience on an online platform.

    I also played a significant role in the 2024 Niagara Hope on the Horizon workshop in a number of areas, such as sponsorship, marketing, on-site event support, and event photography. The Hope on the Horizon workshop expanded my skills in event management and one of the biggest takeaways is the attention to detail that is required to execute a great event is no small task. From designing the program to considering sponsorship representation on the day of the event, every detail counts.

    One of the more memorable experiences from this role was our work at the 140th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Being involved with a significant Canadian sporting event was a thrilling opportunity for the Centre. Assigned as the Chair of Admissions, our role involved overseeing recruitment, scheduling, and management of 40+ volunteers, totaling around 70 shifts throughout the event week.   It was an enriching experience that provided numerous learning opportunities in areas such as volunteer management, event logistics, and event preparation. This experience also allowed me to interact with various individuals in the sport industry and the dedicated volunteers who supported us – who were amazing to work with. A key lesson learned throughout my time at the event was that well delivered events require well-informed decision making, regardless of the specific area of responsibility, and sometimes quick and in the moment.

    My time at the CSC has definitely impacted my career goals looking forward, not only has the work we conducted throughout the summer opened my eyes to various potential career paths and areas of interest, but the work and opinions of the CSC members and the passions many have for the industry has motivated me to want to further improve on my education and find an area of interest in the sport industry that I’m passionate about.

    The internship at the CSC is an immensely valuable opportunity for future students, the role provides you a wide array of exposure to different fields of interest, such as marketing, communications, and event management. For those students who are potentially unsure what field they want to pursue post-graduation, this opportunity would be ideal. Looking back on February of this year when I was applying to potential internships, I wanted to be in an organization that allowed me to be creative and have an impact – not only during my time in the role but also looking beyond my time. Dr. Julie Stevens and Grace Nelson allowed that to happen, by entrusting me to be creative and innovative, which I believe was the most important factor in my achievements in the past few months with the Centre. I am grateful to Dr. Julie Stevens and Grace Nelson for the incredible chance to grow and learn in such a unique environment.

    Categories: Students

  • July Member Showcase – Raul Rosales Zavaleta

    Wednesday, July 10, 2024 | By

    Background 

    My name is Raul Rosales, and I am from Lima, Peru. I participated in the Visiting International Scholar (VIS) program in the Sport Management department from May 2023 to April 2024. During this time, I had the chance to be part of the CSC activities as a participant and then as a member. 

    I have been involved in the academic field since 2008 when I started as a Full-time faculty member at the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas’ School of Business. At that moment, I was teaching International Business courses, but my interest was the Sport Management field. In 2010, my institution designated me as the lead coordinator of Peru´s first Sport Management undergraduate program: Business Administration and Sport Business. We started our new program in 2011 and in 2012, I became the chair until now. 

    I applied for the VIS program after getting my Doctor in Business Administration (DBA) degree to continue developing my research skills. I found at Brock not only outstanding academics but also great people with whom I want to continue my professional development in academia with. To become a member of the Center for Sport Capacity is an opportunity to continue my relationship with Brock University and a commitment to be part of the activities and work on joint projects such as conferences or research projects. 

    Research Area

    My main research interest is to contribute to the understanding of how sport could contribute to having a better world. Topics such as the governance of the sport that is related to the board role and activities, life skills development through the sport coaches’ activities, and sport volunteer behaviors are some of the research projects with which I am currently involved. 

    What is your Favourite TV Show? 

    Breaking Bad. I am watching it again. Some people might think that it is a series based on drug dealers, but I believe it is about human nature. 

    What are your current Hobbies and Interests? 

    Gardening. I like to spend some time trying to learn more about bougainvillea (ornamental vines), molles (trees) and Ficus (bush).  

    What’s your Favourite Sports team? 

    Club Alianza Lima (professional soccer team in Peru) 

    Achievements/Memorable Moments 

    Becoming a father. Lucia (21) and Sofia (9) are the greatest achievements of my life. It was a life game changer. 

    Future Plans 

    I plan to continue contributing to a better society through sport.  

    Categories: Member Showcases

1 2 3 … 9