10 Minutes with Joy Dlamini

Can you give our readers a bit of background about yourself and when you knew you wanted to work in the sports industry?

I’m Joy, a 20-year-old Sports Science student going into my 3rd year and will be going on to do my master’s degree in physiotherapy. For the past 1.5 seasons, I’ve been doing performance analysis with the academy team at Manchester United. This opportunity has opened so many doors for me, such as mentoring and inspiring the younger generation with my story, which is where I have found my passion as a mentor, leader and coach.

Can you tell us about what your role involves?

I’ve been involved in coaching, refereeing, and helping out with events held by the Manchester United Foundation, which focuses on getting children involved in football and teamwork. I have also done two talks to young school girls on Women’s Day, inspiring them to chase their dreams regardless of the barriers they face.

What has been your favourite part of the experience so far?

Firstly, inspiring other young girls to become the best version of themselves. When a girl said to me, “How does it feel to be an inspiration to young girls?” I could have cried. I thought I’d only hear it in 10 years, but along this journey, I’ve been continually shocked at how many things I’ve achieved so early on. Secondly, being at Manchester United. This has been my Grandad and I’s club since birth. I promised to take him to a game, but unfortunately, he passed away before I could, so I promised to make him proud. Playing on the pitch and even being at the stadium has been surreal and amazing, but overall, it’s fulfilling the promise I made.

How did you find out about this opportunity to work at Manchester United? If you had an application process, what did it involve?

I found the role in my first year of university; well, actually, it found me. It came up on my phone, and I instantly said to myself, ‘You are nowhere near qualified enough to apply for this role, but what’s the worst that could happen?’ so I went for it. Then, I was offered an interview, which was a presentation on performance analysis. Bearing in mind that I did not know much about it, I researched and spent time on it. I remember shaking during the interview and being unable to speak, but in the end, they said I did well and gave me the role. Of course, there was a lot to learn, but that’s the mindset I went in with. I didn’t know a lot, but I was ready to learn.

One of the biggest challenges for young people who want to work in sports is the lack of knowledge about available opportunities. How can others get involved in a similar opportunity, and do you know of any other programmes Manchester United run to help young people gain industry experience?

The Manchester United Foundation runs a variety of programs and roles for those wanting to build experience in the sports industry. They work hard to remove potential barriers people with a genuine passion may face and are willing to teach anyone who wants to learn. They are also starting a leadership course in September 2023, allowing young people to get hands-on experience at a top-level club working at Old Trafford while obtaining a degree at Manchester Metropolitan University. Here is the link for the leadership course. Please do get in touch for further details, as I’ll be at the club for the 2023/24 season.

Have you faced any challenges when looking for opportunities in the industry? How were you able to overcome them?

My biggest challenge early on was lack of support, and I’ve recognised this with girls I have mentored. Working in football as a black female is seen as “unrealistic” and a waste of time, so it’s common to see families unwilling to invest time or money for you to get trials, placements or job interviews. As I’ve grown into the role, they are starting to see the vision and are becoming more and more supportive, but it is true when the journey started, it was lonely. It’s really important to keep chasing your dreams regardless of other people’s opinions and views because they will change, and in the end, you’ll only have yourself to blame in the end for listening to them. It will turn out better than you can imagine if you give it 100%.

I have also set out to support girls in this position: if you don’t have much support, I want to be that person. I will pass on every bit of knowledge, qualifications, and opportunities I can to help you achieve your dreams. It took one person to give me a chance, and I want to be that person for others.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a young person who has a similar background to you and feels the industry is not for them?

Do not look for people like you in this industry- look for the change you want to make. Even if you were to enter an industry where everyone looks like you, you are not like everyone else. You are unique and hold the most powerful addition to any industry: being yourself. You are bringing a whole new perspective to the table, which cannot be replaced, so if you go in trying to be like everyone else, you will be easily replaceable.

If you were to choose one person to shine a light on who is working in the industry or creating opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to access the industry, who would it be and why?

I cannot pick one, so here are three: Tyra Mills, Esther Ope Elias, and Ella Ireri. Each and every one of these women is building an amazing career for themselves, which is inspiring on its own, but in addition, they are setting out to open the door for girls who look like them to follow. Tyra is always getting involved in coaching and events with big brands and teams, showcasing what this role can open doors to. Esther has started her own foundation to provide opportunities for girls from underrepresented backgrounds, coaching them towards their football development, mentoring, leading and being a fantastic inspiration to them. Ella starting ‘Bridged’ is a testimony within itself, opening the door for so many and providing a platform I wish was available when I was trying to figure out my own journey.

In this day and age, the typical mindset is to make it for yourself and shut the door behind you so nobody takes your place, but these women recognise the power of collaboration, and bringing in more girls like us is where change starts.

Want to connect with Joy? Head over to our Networks page to find our more!