Tom Lacey at Queens Tennis Club

For Tom Lacey, sport has always been more than a hobby — it has been the centre of his life, his motivation, and ultimately, his career direction. Growing up with a passion for both playing and studying sport, Tom knew early on that he wanted a future shaped by the industry he loved. Equally driven by an interest in business, he sought a degree that would allow him to combine these two worlds. When he discovered BSc (hons) Sports Management, everything aligned. It was, as he describes, “the perfect combination” of his interests — and the beginning of a journey that would take him all the way from Bournemouth to Australia.

Why BU was the right choice

Tom’s decision to study at Bournemouth University came from a powerful first impression. After visiting the campus for the first time, he felt an immediate sense of belonging. BU represented a fresh start — a chance to move away from home, meet new people and challenge himself in a completely new environment.

That instinct proved right. BU became the place where Tom found his community, discovered new opportunities and developed the confidence that would shape his professional life.

A Course grounded in the real world

One of the standout features of Tom’s Sports Management degree was how closely the teaching aligned with real industry practice. Lecturers regularly connected academic content to real‑world scenarios, helping students understand not just the theory behind sports management, but how it plays out in everyday professional environments.

This approach made learning more meaningful for Tom. It allowed him to build practical skills and see exactly how his studies would transfer into the workplace — something he would later prove during an exceptional placement year.

Finding his place through BU football

While the academic side was enriching, Tom describes the broader university experience as equally transformative. Joining a society — BU Football — provided him with friends, purpose and a sense of belonging. What began as participation evolved into leadership, with Tom first becoming Social Secretary and later President of the BU football team.

These roles were proud accomplishments for him, offering experience in leadership, communication, and team coordination — skills that would play a major role in his career.

A placement that defined his career direction

Tom’s 13‑month placement at the LTA National Tennis Centre was a turning point. At just 19 years old, he found himself working with some of the best tennis players in the country and helping manage a major national facility. The experience was as challenging as it was rewarding, offering insight into the operations behind elite sport.

His placement also took him beyond the National Tennis Centre and into iconic sporting environments. Tom worked at Wimbledon, Queen’s and Nottingham, supporting the LTA partnerships team at some of the most prestigious tennis events in the world. These opportunities strengthened his passion for working in elite sport and demonstrated the real value of saying “yes” to new challenges — advice he now passes on to others.

Taking his skills global

After graduating, Tom’s journey took him even further afield — all the way to Australia. He now works at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre as an Operations and Events Specialist, a role that sees him coordinating major events, managing daily operations and supporting junior tennis programmes.

For Tom, the most rewarding part of the job is the impact he has on others. Whether contributing to the success of elite athletes or supporting young players in improving their game, he finds fulfilment in knowing his work helps people achieve their goals.

Advice for Future Students

Tom’s message to future BU students — or anyone pursuing a career in sport — is clear:

• Always put yourself forward. Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone.
• Embrace challenge. Growth happens when you push yourself into new environments and conversations.
• Make the most of your time at university. Join societies, take on leadership roles and engage with the community around you.

Three Words That Sum It All Up

When asked to describe his BU experience in three words, Tom chose:
Fulfilling, directional, opportunistic.

Three words that perfectly capture a journey defined by passion, hard work and the courage to seize every opportunity — wherever in the world it may lead.