“I find it both challenging and motivating to work in a male-dominated world”

What has your professional journey looked like so far?

Sara Blondeel: “Football has fascinated me since I was very young. My career began at the Belgian Pro League, the umbrella organisation for professional football clubs in Belgium. I was given the chance to gain experience there through an internship arranged by the VUB. Four years ago, I made the move to one of those clubs, KRC Genk. It was a great switch, as I now get to experience up close the passion and emotion that originally made me fall in love with the sport.”

“I started out as the Kids Club Coordinator, with the goal of engaging young fans between the ages of 4 and 12. After two years, I transitioned into the commercial team, where I’m now responsible for managing our major partners and actively involved in attracting new sponsorships. KRC Genk is the only professional football club in Belgium that operates as a non-profit, which means we have to generate our own income. That makes my job not only challenging, but truly fascinating.”

Where does your love of football come from?

“I grew up with three brothers, all of whom played football at a high level — it was always the main topic of conversation in our household. I didn’t play as a child myself, but every weekend I was on the sidelines, cheering them on. That’s where my passion for the game was born. When I turned 18, I decided to start playing football myself, and I loved it — right up until my professional career in football took off. Balancing the two eventually became too difficult, so I had to hang up my boots. But staying active in the football world made that decision a lot easier.”

Are there any particular connections from your student days that have stayed with you?

“The class that left the biggest impression on me was taught by Professor Inge Derom in sport management. Thanks to her, we had the opportunity to visit a number of organisations and see firsthand how things work in the field. We visited RSC Anderlecht, the Royal Belgian Hockey Association, and even a prison, where we learnt how De Rode Antraciet uses sport and culture as part of rehabilitation programmes. Those practical experiences had the biggest impact on me — you’re really placed in the heart of the profession. I also had a great rapport with the professor herself.”

Did your time at the VUB shape the way you think?

“I think I chose the VUB because the university felt like the right fit for my personality. It really emphasises developing your own opinions — something I’ve always considered very important. I felt at home there from day one. Especially during the Master’s programmes, we were encouraged to think critically, form our own viewpoints and learn how to substantiate them properly.”

How do you try to make a difference in society today?

“At KRC Genk, community spirit is crucial, and as a member of staff you’re expected to actively promote that. Through the KRC Genk Foundation — our social outreach arm — we support four to five projects every week. These range from cycling lessons for women from migrant backgrounds to running a café for young people with dementia, where they can reminisce over football memories. The club demands a lot from its team, and I’m happy to contribute. On a personal level, I also hope to make a small difference as a woman working in men’s football, and maybe even serve as a role model for students with similar ambitions. Currently, women occupy only 5 per cent of management roles in football. There’s definitely still progress to be made.”

What are your career ambitions moving forward?

“I’m proud of the path I’ve taken so far and very motivated to continue contributing to KRC Genk. My heart beats blue. That’s why my ambition is to keep growing within the club and eventually take on a management role, where I can fully use my skills and passion to help take the club to the next level.”

Do you have any golden advice for today’s graduates?

“It might sound like a cliché, but my advice is: do what you love. I’ve worked in three different organisations now, and I’ve learned just how important it is to enjoy going to work every day. I’ve been at KRC Genk for four years now and not once have I gone to work reluctantly. I also really value the fact that I’m challenged every day — no two days are the same. That’s one of the perks of working in a relatively small team.”

If you had to choose a course of study again today, would you make the same choice?

“I think I would. At the time, I was torn between two very different paths: law or physical education. Looking back at my 18-year-old self, I realise I definitely wasn’t ready for a law degree then. Physical education was the perfect choice, and thankfully the course offered a broad range of specialisations later on, which allowed me to further tailor my studies.”