5 December 2011

Two enterprising Business Studies pupils, Jake Daou and Freddie Stipanovsky, have shown their business skills by winning the first round of the Premier League Enterprise Academy Challenge. On 14 November they then represented Arsenal FC in the national final of the Premier League Enterprise Academy Challenge where they came a close second in this prestigious national event.

The pupils were asked to pitch their ideas on how to improve the match day experience for football supporters. They had to present their ideas to a large audience, comprising teams from all over the country, and the panel which included Richard Scudamore of the FA, an assistant to Vince Cable at the Department for Business and the chief executive of Manchester City FC.

There were players from Tottenham and presenters from Sky Sports, all of whom added to the excitement and atmosphere.

Jake and Freddie presented their ideas in a very professional and confident manner. Their ideas were original and are of interest to Arsenal FC who have invited them both to meet with the Head of Arsenal Travel, Events and Supporter Liaison, as well as the Junior Gunners Marketing Manager, to go through their presentation.

In addition, their tremendous effort and achievement will be recognised by Arsenal FC and the Premier League with a pitchside presentation on Tuesday 29 November at the Carling Cup Arsenal v Manchester City match.

Jake said, ‘It was an exceptional day that has helped me open my eyes to new possible careers. I have been left with an intriguing idea and an unforgettable experience. It was fantastic to present to such inspirational people. I am very grateful to St Mary Magdalene Academy and Arsenal for giving me such an exceptional experience. It was an amazing experience. Everything about the whole day of the presentations was good. Turning up at Whitehart Lane in the morning we did not know what to expect. We then met some amazing people; Lesley King of Tottenham, Sky presenters and Richard Scudamore of the FA.’

Freddie said, ‘It was really interesting watching the other groups from around the country present their ideas and it was a bit nerve racking waiting to go last, but once we got up on the stage it was really exciting to present our ideas to such a large professional audience. We were a bit gutted at first to come second, especially as it was a close second, but it is great to be second in a national competition. I was really proud to have represented Arsenal at a national event and I am very grateful to St Mary Magdalene Academy and Arsenal for giving me the opportunity.’

They are a credit to the Business Studies department, Africa House and St Mary Magdalene Academy.

Claire Thompson, Leading Teacher, Economics and Business Studies, said, ‘It was a tremendous experience for my Business Studies pupils to be given a real life business challenge and the opportunity to pitch to a high level audience at a prestigious national event. They have shown that they can have creative business ideas and pitch those ideas well in a professional setting. They have applied their business studies knowledge and skills very well. They are a credit to the Business Studies department and St Mary Magdalene Academy. I am very proud of both Jake Daou and Freddie Stipanovsky.’