St. Augustine Prep Students Explore Sports Careers at Subaru Park

On Tuesday, September 29, a group of Hermits from grades 8 through 12 traveled to Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, for the Work in Sports Camp, presented by Widener University in partnership with the Philadelphia Union.

The group included students participating in the Prep’s Innovation, Experiential Learning and Entrepreneurship Program as well as the inaugural cohort of IEE Fellows, who are interested in exploring careers throughout the sports industry and beyond.

The experience gave students a behind-the-scenes look at professional sports and introduced them to the many people, skills and disciplines required to bring a gameday experience to life.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Professional Sports

The day began inside Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, where students explored gameday operations and fan experience throughout the stadium’s concourse, Union Shop and hospitality suites.

Students then participated in sessions examining several professional pathways within the sports industry:

• Gameday operations and fan experience

• Sports communications, marketing, social media and public relations

• Physical therapy and athlete wellness

• Ticketing and fan services

• Food and beverage operations

• Retail and merchandise

• Sports, event, tourism and business management

Widener University faculty and Philadelphia Union professionals shared their experiences with students, showing how these areas work together within a professional sports organization.

Seeing how the Philadelphia Union operates behind the scenes opened my eyes to how many different people and roles it takes to run a professional team. Learning about the sports medicine side has made me seriously consider it as a possible career path.

CJ Phillips '28

The group also visited the WSFS Bank Sportsplex, where students toured office and athletic spaces and continued exploring the business, communications and health-related careers found throughout the industry.

Connecting Student Interests With Career Opportunities

The Work in Sports Camp offered more than a tour of a professional stadium. It allowed students to ask questions, meet professionals in their field and see how their academic interests could develop into meaningful careers.

For Hermits interested in communications, marketing, business, physical therapy, event management, or athletics, the experience provided a practical view of what working in those fields can look like. It also introduced students to career possibilities they may not previously have associated with professional sports.

The opportunity reflects the purpose of St. Augustine Prep’s Innovation, Experiential Learning and Entrepreneurship Program: connecting classroom learning with practical experiences, professional mentorship and career exploration.

I was really excited that eighth graders got to be part of this experience. It was so cool to see what happens behind the scenes with the Philadelphia Union and to meet professors and students from Widener University. I’m grateful to the Prep and my teachers for giving us this opportunity!

T.J. Spena '31

Experiential Learning in Action

Through IEE programming and related academic opportunities, St. Augustine Prep challenges students to think boldly, explore their interests and develop as adaptable leaders grounded in the Augustinian values of truth, unity and love.

Programs such as the Work in Sports Camp bring those goals to life by placing students in professional environments where they can engage directly with experts and better understand the pathways available to them.

These opportunities are not limited to students who have already decided upon a career. They also help young men discover new interests, clarify their goals and begin making informed decisions about college and life beyond the Prep.

We thank Widener University and the Philadelphia Union for welcoming our students and providing an informative and memorable day at Subaru Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Work in Sports Camp?

The Work in Sports Camp is a career-exploration experience presented by Widener University in partnership with the Philadelphia Union. It introduces high school students to professional opportunities throughout the sports industry.

Who from St. Augustine Prep attended?

The participating group included students involved in the Prep’s Innovation, Experiential Learning and Entrepreneurship Program and other students interested in exploring sports-related careers.

Where did the experience take place?

Students visited Subaru Park and the WSFS Bank Sportsplex in Chester, Pennsylvania, home to the Philadelphia Union and its professional operations.

What career fields did the students explore?

Sessions addressed gameday and fan experience, sports communications, physical therapy, ticketing and sales, food and beverage, retail, marketing, and sports and event management.

What is St. Augustine Prep’s IEE Program?

Innovation, Experiential Learning and Entrepreneurship at St. Augustine Prep connects academic learning with mentorship, professional experiences, leadership development, innovation and career exploration beyond the classroom.