Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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Women’s Rugby League World Cup plays part in Leeds Beckett students’ studies
250 undergraduate and 15 postgraduate students from the Sports Business Management and Sport Marketing courses conducted evaluation research, gaining first-hand insights into the tournament to inform their assessments.
First-year undergraduate students focused on the Sport Business Landscape. The students developed their understanding of sustainability in sport, while surveying the tournament’s carbon footprint.
Meanwhile, postgraduate students focused on Consumer Experiences. They assessed and reviewed their impressions of attending the event, providing informed feedback on how to encourage spectators to future Women’s Rugby League matches.
The unique learning concept comes from Sport Management Course Director Kacy Mackreth, who sees the implementation of real-world assessments as hugely valuable in broadening both staff and students’ knowledge of sport business and marketing.
As a volunteer in the Rugby League World Cup Power Squad, aiding in all six games of the tournament in Leeds, and a member of the Sports Presentations team, who manage on-field entertainment, Kacy is also studying a PhD in Rugby League.
“Having a major sporting event on our doorstep offers so many teachable moments,” Kacy explains. “The Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) is the most inclusive tournament the sport has ever seen, as it’s the first time the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions run concurrently. So, naturally it lends itself to providing our Sport Business Management and Sport Marketing students a truly authentic learning experience.”
Kacy continues, “Building on our long-standing relationships with the sport and our keen interest as staff to our curriculum, the opportunity to take them to the Women’s double header at Headingley Stadium was not one to be missed.
“It has afforded students the chance to better understand the RLWC 2021 sustainability, social impact, and marketing strategies to reflect on how the sport can continue to grow for the future. You never know, some may be part of the future workforce to help them just deliver on their vision.”
The opening Women’s Rugby League World Cup event at Headingley Stadium involved a double-header of fixtures, including England versus Brazil and Papua New Guinea against Canada.
England’s Women’s Rugby League team have been preparing for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup at the Carnegie School of Sport, undertaking a series of performance tests throughout the last two seasons.
Papua New Guinea Women are based at Leeds Beckett University’s Headingley Campus throughout the competition, enjoying access to the university’s world-class sports facilities and expertise.
Tickets for the next Leeds double-header on Wednesday 9 November are available to purchase from www.rlwc2021.com/tickets.