Bream RFC’s exciting new eco clubhouse project has taken a big step forward, welcoming its first student consultant from the innovative Hartpury Sports Business Hub (HSBH).
MSc Sports Management student Noah Geltman has been assigned to work with the committee on the project that will see the delivery of a “low energy” clubhouse. Born and raised in New York, Noah has previously worked in marketing for the USA’s premier rugby competition Major League Rugby (MLR). He has also worked in a marketing role within US club New York Old Blue RFC.
Bream RFC announced last year that it had launched a new partnership with Hartpury University’s Sports Business Hub, which would see postgraduate students assisting the committee in developing a business plan and marketing strategy as they develop new facilities.
Richard Leppington, the committee member responsible for business at the club, said the partnership would give them a “huge amount of expertise” which would otherwise cost thousands of pounds through consultants, while at the same time giving students the chance to put theory-based learning into practice,
He added: “Noah comes with an extremely strong business and rugby pedigree and will add considerable value to the project. His initial work will concentrate on identifying the market wishing to use the facilities offered at our new eco-friendly clubhouse. This will then inform our business strategy over the next five years.”
Speaking about his new consultant role, Noah said: "One thing I think I can bring to the club is a very different perspective when it comes to brand development.
"Being from a place like New York City I have grown up in a multicultural, diverse, urban setting.
"I’d love to be able to take the tricks I used while working with Major League Rugby and New York Old Blue RFC and apply them with Bream.
"As for what I can get out of the project, I’m confident that working with Bream can challenge me in multiple categories under the sports management umbrella.
"This will not only help me develop as a leader on future projects, but expand my vision on what parts of a major project like this I may find the most interest in."
Set for an official launch later this spring, the Hartpury Sports Business Hub provides students and staff the opportunity to engage with key local and regional sports organisations to carry out live briefs and real-world research consultancy. Businesses benefit from having access to a postgraduate student for research, evaluation, and consultancy purposes. This ultimately boosts resources, provides valuable insights and intelligence, and saves money.
The Hub has already established positive collaborations with organisations including Active Essex, CIMSPA, Sport England, Hockey Wales and Forest Green Rovers.
Hartpury University has been ranked number one in the UK by full-time postgraduate students in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2021. The institution ranks number one in the UK for its postgraduate sports degrees, achieving 100 per cent student satisfaction, against a sector average of 81 per cent.
Degrees in this group include MSc Sports Coaching, MSc Strength and Conditioning and MSc Applied Performance Analysis in Sport. Five new postgraduate degrees have been announced for 2022.
