A unique Brock University course has developed a reputation for giving students front-row access to the world of sport, turning classroom lessons into unforgettable memories.
From working at international competitions like the Canada Games and the Canadian Football League's Grey Cup to interacting with industry leaders, the Major Games Field Course offers more than just hands-on learning for Sport Management students.
The Brock Sport Management's Major Games Field Course has taken Associate Professor Laura Cousens (front row, far left) and her students to a variety of large-scale sporting events, including the 110th Grey Cup in Hamilton.
"It's those pinch me' moments that make it special," said Laura Cousens, an Associate Professor who has led the course through various major sporting events over the past 15 years. "Our students have been in VIP lounges, met athletes and executives and worked behind the scenes at some of the biggest sporting events in the world. Those moments stick with them."
The half-credit experiential learning course has placed students in key operational roles at events such as the Pan Am Games, North American Indigenous Games and Ontario Senior and Winter Games.
Through these roles, students bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry application by gaining direct experience in event logistics, sponsorship, media relations and athlete services.
Students take on critical responsibilities that mirror sport management roles such as managing transportation schedules for teams at the Canada Games, overseeing athlete check-ins, co-ordinating VIP hospitality at the North American Indigenous Games or handling media relations at the Commonwealth Games. At the Ontario Senior Games, one student even became the official rule expert for a competitive bridge tournament, de-escalating disputes among serious-minded participants.
The impact of the course also extends beyond the students themselves. Many of the events they support have deep connections to local communities, creating lasting benefits for athletes, fans and volunteers alike.
"Our students don't just show up to work an event and leave," Cousens said. "They contribute to something bigger. Whether it's helping deliver a seamless experience at the Canada Games or ensuring that senior athletes at the Ontario Games have the best competition environment possible, they're making a difference."
The course also fosters strong connections between Brock University and key stakeholders in sport.
Alumni working in the industry frequently step up to mentor students, offering insight into careers in sponsorship, finance and media.
"We've had incredible experiences with alumni hosting us," Cousens said. "At one event, our students were surprised with a luxury suite at a Toronto Blue Jays game, where they found themselves side by side with players from the Toronto Raptors. Those types of interactions show them the real-world dynamics of the industry."
The course wouldn't be possible without support from across campus, with Alumni Relations, Brock International and Information Technology Services contributing behind the scenes to ensure students can take part in these immersive learning opportunities.
"It takes a village," Cousens said. "So many people at Brock make this possible, even if they don't realize the impact they're having. Without their help, we couldn't provide these incredible experiences."
