A Champions League Football Career: From ICMS to Sporting Clube de Portugal

ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) student Margarida Vicente always knew football was her future, and now she’s living that dream at Sporting Clube de Portugal (SCP).  

As a little girl in Portugal, she played the game, studied it, and dreamed of the day she’d be part of the action at the highest level. 

Fast forward to today, and Margarida isn’t just watching from the sidelines.  

Thanks to the ICMS Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program, she’s right in the thick of it, working as a Team Manager at SCP, one of the country’s most legendary football clubs. 

The Job You Dream About

Imagine this. You’re a student, and your ‘classroom’ is a professional football club.  

That’s Margarida’s reality, made possible by ICMS’s WIL program, which integrates real-world industry placements into every degree.  

Her role at SCP is all about making sure the team runs like a well-oiled machine.  

Training sessions? She’s there, setting up equipment and ensuring schedules are followed.  

Player logistics? She’s coordinating arrivals, managing access to facilities, and keeping everything on track.  

Admin? She’s handling team sheets, attendance, and all the behind-the-scenes details that keep the club moving. 

“It’s my job to make sure everything is in place so the players and coaches can focus on performance,” Margarida says.  

“Every day is different, and every day I’m learning.” 

Game Day Magic

For Margarida, the highlight of her placement is seeing it all come together on game day.  

“Watching the team play and knowing I’ve contributed, even in a small way, is an incredible feeling,” she says.  

“It’s not just about the 90 minutes on the pitch. It’s the preparation, the teamwork, the culture. Being part of that is something I’ll never forget.” 

And it’s not just about the wins (though those are nice, too).  

It’s about being part of a team that operates at the highest level.  

“I’ve learned so much about discipline, organisation, and what it takes to succeed in this environment,” Margarida says.  

“It’s been inspiring.” 

From Player to Manager

Margarida’s love for football is as personal as it is professional.  

She’s played the game since she was five, representing the Portuguese U17 National Team and competing in Australia’s NPL1 league.  

But while she once dreamed of being on the pitch, she’s now focused on making her mark off it. 

“This placement has confirmed my ambition to work in elite football management,” she says.  

“I want to support players, contribute to their development, and help clubs succeed. This experience has shown me what’s possible.” 

Why ICMS?

How does a footballer from Portugal end up studying sports management in Sydney?  

For Margarida, it was all about ICMS’s focus on real-world experience.  

The WIL program, which is part of every degree at ICMS, was a major drawcard.  

“I chose ICMS because it connects theory with practice,” she says.  

“The Work Integrated Learning program has been a game-changer, giving me the chance to apply what I’ve learned in class to real-life situations.” 

The flexibility of ICMS’s programs has also been key, allowing Margarida to balance her studies with a demanding football schedule.  

“It’s the perfect fit for someone like me who wants to pursue a career in sports while still playing the game,” she says. 

The Future Looks Bright

Margarida’s ultimate goal is to build a career in professional football management, supporting players and contributing to the success of a club or national team. And with her ICMS education and SCP experience, she’s well on her way. 

“Getting to work at a top club like Sporting Clube de Portugal while still a student is incredible,” she says.  

“It’s given me the confidence and experience to pursue my dream.”