MatchFit Academy: Getting to Know Ben Findlay

Welcoming new faces and new energy is a key component in what keep us MatchFit. Since January, the team has had the pleasure of working with Ben Findlay, the first of our 2026 interns in MatchFit Academy’s rolling 3-month internship programme.

Via the internship programme, part of our wider ‘Staying MatchFit’ playbook for high-performance, we are committed to shaping the next generation of communicators through real-world experience in sport and comms. 

We caught up with Ben to find out what makes him tick, and to answer all the important questions such as his go-to locker room song and must-have dinner table guests. No prizes for guessing which football club Ben supports!

Think you've got a better locker room song for the MatchFit team? Well you could well be our next intern, with applications now welcome for our Apr-Jun opening. Email intern@matchfit.agency with your locker room song of choice and rationale, plus a short cover letter and CV. The application deadline is Friday 20th March.

‍

Meet Ben:

‍

What 3 words do you think best describe you?

‍

• Calm - I like to think I effectively channel some of that Cole Palmer composure into my every day, not getting rattled by much (except by deluded Arsenal fans).

• Inquisitive - I like asking questions - from how did the universe come to be, to how will gloryhunting fans explain to their kids why they support who they do?!

• Selective - I can be particular in what I like, but what I like, I love.

‍

What is it that interests you about a career in sports / public relations?

‍

• Being creative - I love that the world of PR allows the saying ‘no idea is a silly idea’ to hold true, meaning I’m rewarded for thinking outside the box.

• Working on campaigns with big clients in sport and football - I’ve always joked with friends about certain players or clubs being thought of as better than they are because of ‘good PR’. Therefore, to be part of a team that drives the image of top organisations in sport feels like a nice homage to that idea.

• Building relations with media/journalists - I originally wanted to work in sports journalism, therefore to work with them from the other side of the table offers an interesting insight into that world, without being right in the thick of it.

‍

What have you found most interesting or challenging during your time so far at MatchFit?

Getting to grips with the journalistic and influencer landscape, how to build those relations and where to use them. My prior knowledge of how journalists and influencers operate in relation to campaigns and events was definitely limited, so this has been a learning curve so far - one still continuing! 

‍

What is your background in sport?

I worked across sport governance research for a group looking at the operation of sport governing bodies, athlete psychology and technical developments in sport. I’ve since worked in successive internships in sport partnerships, supporting sponsorship sales between brands and rights holders, as well as securing commercial endorsements for talent.

‍

Who is your ultimate sporting hero?

N’golo Kante - A Chelsea legend, he plays the position I played growing up, and got to the very top of the game whilst staying humble and never losing touch with his roots - plus always having a smile on his face!

‍

What is it that you love the most about sport?

The power it has to be such a source of positivity and joy in people’s lives. It’s unique in its ability to bring people together from all different backgrounds and therefore really powerful for social messaging and cut through.

‍

If you had to pick one locker-room song, what would it be and why?

Heat Waves by Glass Animals - It’s my favourite FIFA song. Great chorus, has the football connection, but it’s fairly peaceful so it works for getting in the zone and relaxing.

‍

If you could invite 3 famous guests round for dinner, who would it be? And who would you get to do the cooking?

Frank Lampard, José Mourinho and Ricky Gervais. 

Lampard + José = Chelsea’s two biggest legends, the best ever player and the best ever manager.

Ricky is someone who is known for mocking big stars, is funny in his own right, and I love his roles in The Office and Afterlife.

As for who would cook, I would say José. I reckon he can transfer his methodical approach and demand for quality to the kitchen. He always has a secret ingredient for success.

‍

We all know about your love for Salt & Vinegar Squares, but if you could pick your perfect 3-course menu, what would it be?

• Starter: Mushroom Arancini with a tomato dipping sauce
• Lunch: Fried chicken burger with smoked streaky bacon, cheese, pickles and burger sauce with rosemary fries and a garlic mayo dip
• Desert: Chocolate fondant

‍