Gregg Noakes

Football Relations Executive
The Premier League

Why did you choose to study Geography and Sport Science at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ?

I had a keen interest in both subjects at school and wanted to carry on my studies in both fields. º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ was one of the only university’s which offered a joint honours course in both subjects and once I visited on the open day I knew º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ was the place for me.

What did you enjoy about your course?

The diversity between both subjects. One week I would be out on a Geography field trip taking samples from a lake and the next week I would be leading a rugby coaching session!

How has º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ inspired you and helped you to progress in your career?

My whole experience at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ prepared me well for a career in top-level sport. From seeing and interacting with elite athletes on campus to attending lectures from world-leading professors, the whole environment and culture is of the highest standard.

Would there be one piece of advice that you would give to current or prospective students looking to study Geography and Sport Science?

Embrace the variety in the modules during first year. Find out which ones you really enjoy and then choose the follow-on modules for second and third year. It will really help your enjoyment of the course and hopefully result in higher grades!

Did you take part in any extra-curricular activities during your studies? If so, how did this impact upon your º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ experience?

I played football for a side that we set up to compete in the North-Leicestershire League. It was a great way of staying involved in competitive sport, making new friends and travelling around the county. Every other extra-curricular activity I took part in only enhanced my º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ experience.

Can you tell us about your career journey so far?

After graduating, I started working for The Football Foundation, a sports charity which funds grassroots facilities.

From there, I moved to the Premier League, initially working on player registrations and contracts before moving to the Business Intelligence team. I currently work in the Football Department.

Can you tell us more about your current role?

My role primarily revolves around the 380 Premier League matches each season, ensuring that everything runs smoothly on a matchday. I manage a group of former players and managers who assess the performance of the match officials at each fixture on behalf of the League and the two participating Clubs.

What do you love the most about your job?

The chance to speak with Premier League players and managers is a very cool aspect of the job. As a lifelong Arsenal fan, to have the opportunity to present in front of the whole first team squad was an exciting moment. Additionally, witnessing Leicester City’s incredible achievement of winning the Premier League in my second season here was fantastic.

What does the future hold for you?

The implementation of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) into the Premier League for next season is the next big challenge.

Personally, I would like to progress my career at the Premier League but to coin a football cliché, at the moment I am very much taking things one match at a time and not looking too far ahead!

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

It always gives me an immense sense of pride when travelling abroad to see the reach that the Premier League has and the impact it has on so many people worldwide.