Aisha Fiaz

Meet Aisha, sport management graduate, who’s now making waves in her hometown of Luton. We caught up with her to hear how her degree helped her land a meaningful role—and why she’s passionate about using sport to bring people together.

So, Aisha, what do you do now?

I’m a Community Ambassador for Be Active Bedfordshire. I work with local organisations—like Luton Council and Active Luton—to help people become more physically active. My job is all about finding the right people and places to get communities moving, especially in areas where activity levels are low.

What kind of projects are you currently working on?

One of my projects is with supported living communities for people aged 55+. We started chair-based exercise sessions to help them stay active and social. It’s still growing, but the goal is to bring people together and improve both physical and mental health.

I also coordinate a swimming programme based in Luton for women over 40 from diverse backgrounds. It’s called Mind Underwater and is delivered by Several Seats. It helps build confidence, mental wellbeing, and swimming skills. We’ve run it multiple times now, and it’s amazing to see the impact.

What led you to pursue a career in sport and wellbeing?

My passion for sport and wellbeing started in childhood, watching global events like the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. I was inspired not just by the competition, but by the power of sport to unite people. I’ve always wanted to break down barriers—whether for diverse communities, people with disabilities, or young people—so that everyone has the chance to get involved. For me, sport isn’t just about performance; it’s a powerful tool to bring communities together and promote healthier, more connected lives.

How did your time at Solent help you get here?

Solent gave me the knowledge and confidence to work in sport. I learned how to write reports, evaluate projects, and understand how organisations work. I also did an internship with Hampshire FA and even took part in an intercultural exchange programme in the Netherlands.

My dissertation focused on South Asian males in grassroots football, which helped me connect with real people and understand the barriers they face. That experience really shaped my passion for inclusive sport.

Although it was a dissertation, it also acted as a community project that helped me connect with people and bring them together—something that’s a key part of my current role.

What challenges have you faced?

After graduating, it was tough finding the right job. I’m from a smaller town, and opportunities in sport weren’t easy to come by. I even worked outside the industry for a while. But I kept looking and eventually found roles that matched my passion.

And the rewards?

Giving back to my hometown. I grew up in Luton, and now I get to help people here live healthier, more connected lives. It’s also amazing working with a team that shares my passion.

I’m also lucky to work with a fantastic team who share the same goals and passion for making a difference.

What skills do you think are most important in your job?

Listening. You need to really hear what people want—not just assume. Communication is key, but it has to be personal and respectful.

In this role, you often meet people who are going through difficult times, so it’s important to really listen and understand where they’re coming from.

Just being present—showing up—can make a huge difference, not only for the community but also for my colleagues. Since they cover different areas across Bedfordshire, I’m always happy to step in, attend events, or help facilitate sessions when needed. Being supportive and reliable is a big part of effective community outreach.

Another key skill is staying on top of admin tasks—there’s a lot of documentation and reading involved. While these may seem like small things, they’re essential to keeping everything running smoothly.

Do you have any advice for students thinking about a career in sport management?

Don’t give up. Even if you take a break or try something else, you can always come back to what you love. Sometimes, it’s important to take a step back and give yourself time to figure out what you truly want to do. Don’t be afraid to volunteer or take on unpaid opportunities like internships—they’re valuable stepping stones while you find your career path. These experiences not only help you grow but also make your CV stand out when applying for permanent roles.

Value your degree. It opens doors—even if others don’t always see it.

Use your story. Your background and experiences matter. They help you connect with people and stand out. My volunteering and internship experiences played a key role in securing my current job, as they gave me hands-on experience working with diverse communities, including people with disabilities and carers.