From the University of Hull to Arsenal: The graduate inspiring today’s students
SUCCESS: Ben Knapper, centre, celebrating an FA Cup win with Arsenal
From open-top bus trophy parades, to working with one of the most respected managers in the game, University of Hull graduate Ben Knapper has carved out an enviable career for himself in the competitive world of top-flight football.
And now he has returned to the university to tell current students how he got there.
Ben, who graduated with a degree in Sports Coaching and Performance in 2008, returned to Hull to speak to current Sport, Health and Exercise Science students about his journey.
After working at the highest level of data and performance analysis, he is now Loan Manager at Arsenal, supporting players before, during, and after they embark on a loan - either domestically or internationally.
Included in his talk was an inspiring story about a reunion the former university football team captain enjoyed with his coach at Hull in one of the most prestigious competitions in Europe.
Ben said: “I look back on my time at Hull as being absolutely vital in underpinning my career – I really do feel a huge debt of gratitude to the university.
“Studying at Hull really whet my appetite for what I wanted to do in my career – I do not believe I would have gone on to do the things I have done without that grounding.
“The relationships I formed and the opportunities that I got as a result were directly responsible for my career accelerating over the first few years. Through the University of Hull, I was able to get access to amazing, applied work experience opportunities that gave me a first-hand insight into the professional football industry.”
TOP TEAM: Ben Knapper with Arsene Wenger and Arsenal staff
While studying at Hull, Ben was given the chance to join Scunthorpe United, working in data and performance analysis.
After a stint working at the club, and experiencing the highs and lows of promotion – and then relegation – to the Championship, Ben applied to join Prozone Sports.
Working at one of the country’s leading sports analysis companies, and gaining experience at clubs across the top two divisions of English football, opened new doors for him.
Then came the day in 2010 when one of football’s biggest clubs – and greatest managers – came knocking.
“Sitting on a train, travelling down to London to meet Arsene Wenger, was an incredibly surreal experience,” Ben said.
“Through Prozone, I had worked with Arsenal, and the club had seen that I had been there every day within the club, and decided to invite me to work with them full-time.
“They could obviously see the value I could add to the club, but at the time, I saw Arsene as one of the most successful managers in English football history – how could I add value to that?”
Since joining Arsenal permanently just over a decade ago, Ben’s knowledge of performance analysis has helped the club land six trophies, including four FA Cups.
On the pitch, Ben is responsible for helping loan players achieve their potential and develop, and from a commercial perspective is involved in strategically managing assets in order to drive revenue and help create and maintain a pipeline of talent into the first team.
Giving his advice to students on how to make the most of their time at university, Ben said: “I would say that now, more than ever, it is about proactively seeking opportunities to gain relevant applied experience alongside your academic studies.
“Professional sport is a highly competitive industry to gain access to. From as early as possible, you should look to build up your offering to a potential employer in all aspects.
“Self-development is also imperative – having a desire to continue to learn. All of these things will also serve to increase your network and help to build your personal brand.
“There are no guarantees of course, but proactively taking these steps will increase your chances of success, no doubt.”
ALUMNUS: University of Hull graduate Ben Knapper at work at Arsenal
Dr Grant Abt, Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology at the university, taught Ben during his time at Hull.
He said: “It’s so pleasing to see Ben doing well - through hard work, seeking out opportunities, talent, a love of sport, and a real commitment to lifelong learning.
“Hearing Ben acknowledge the role that his studies and academic staff at Hull played in developing his foundation knowledge, experiences, and skills was gracious, and should highlight to current and future students that a university education is a key step toward your future ambitions.”
Professor John Saxton, Head of the Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science at Hull, said: “Ben’s talk was inspirational and really shows how studying sport at the University of Hull provides a strong platform for great achievements, life-long learning and personal development.”
While captaining the football team at the university, Ben was coached by Graham Potter, now boss of Premier League team Brighton.
It was during a trip to Sweden, as Arsenal competed in the Europa League competition, that Ben had a chance reunion with his former coach from his university days.
At the time, Graham was coaching Ostersund, and had taken the club from the fourth division of Swedish football to the top flight. Ben and Graham crossed paths when Arsenal took on Ostersund.
You can find out more about studying sport, health and exercise science at the university here.