UEFA People stories: Valérie’s experience working in two different teams

From the UEFA Academy team to Corporate Communications, Valérie Robert-Tissot has never been afraid to take a new path. After stepping away for six months, she returned to UEFA in a completely different role and hasn’t looked back. With a love for storytelling and connecting the dots between teams, she shares how each move has helped her see the bigger picture of UEFA’s mission, and why trying something new can be one of the best ways to grow.

How did your journey at UEFA start, and what have you learned from working in different roles or departments?

I joined UEFA in January 2020, just three months before the world changed with COVID. I started at the UEFA Academy as a Promotion and Management Assistant, where I spent two years promoting our education programmes, managing communications across digital and print platforms and organising events.

After that, I moved to the Communications team, first as a Content Communications Coordinator and now as a Specialist. Together with the team, I manage UEFA’s corporate social media accounts, contribute to the website and create content like articles and newsletters. It’s a dynamic mix of journalism, community management and project coordination.

What I loved about the UEFA Academy was the startup-like spirit within a larger organisation. Creativity was encouraged, especially during the pandemic, when we had to rethink how we delivered training and make online learning engaging. It was a real crash course in adaptability. I wore many hats: writing social media posts, organising events, liaising with legal, managing budgets, you name it. I think it helped me build my confidence and got me out of my comfort zone a lot.

Daily team meetings online in the middle of the lockdownValérie Robert-Tissot

In Communications, what I enjoy most is the variety and the opportunity to collaborate with so many different teams. No two days are the same. One day I’m writing about a Disney partnership to get girls into football, the next I’m covering a UEFA Foundation project and then I might be at a Champions League match promoting an innovation event. It’s a constant discovery of new stories and corners of the organisation I didn’t even know existed.

How did each move shape your understanding of UEFA’s mission and culture?

Working in two different teams, across two divisions (and even two buildings) has really broadened my perspective on UEFA. It’s helped me see just how interconnected everything is.

Beyond expanding my network, I’ve also come to appreciate how the culture and energy can vary from one team to another. That awareness is incredibly valuable in my current role, where understanding different perspectives is key to effective communication.

I’ve also learnt how important face-to-face interactions are. When people know you personally, they’re more likely to trust your work, be proactive and share information. It helps break down silos. When you’re deeply involved in a single project, it can feel like the most important thing in the world, but working in communications gives you a broader view. You see how everything fits together and that perspective is really helpful.

That’s something I actively try to foster in my role: connecting the dots, encouraging a unified approach and making sure teams are aware of what others are working on. Sometimes, someone in one building might be starting a project that closely aligns with something another team is already doing, but they’re unaware of each other. Part of my job is to bring those people together so we can create a more coherent and impactful final message.

What other department would you be interested in working in, and why?

Visiting the Calcio Sociale project supported by the UEFA Foundation in Rome, ItalyValérie Robert-Tissot

I’d be interested in exploring either the Marketing department or the UEFA Foundation for Children. Marketing appeals to me because of my academic background and the creative freedom it offers. The Foundation, on the other hand, aligns with my passion for humanitarian work. I’ve worked for the Red Cross in the past and volunteered for Amnesty International, and whenever I get to work on projects that raise awareness for meaningful causes, I find it incredibly fulfilling. Meeting beneficiaries and seeing the impact firsthand is always inspiring.

One of my most memorable experiences with the UEFA Foundation was visiting the Calcio Sociale project in Rome. It’s based in Corviale, a neighbourhood not far from the city centre, the Trevi Fountain and all the tourist hotspots. But despite its proximity to all that beauty, Corviale is a place marked by corruption, violence and drug-related issues.

We had the chance to visit a truly inspiring project led by a man who’s using football to bring joy and hope to the children of the area. Through his football academy, he’s creating a safe space where kids can dream, grow and simply be kids. It was a powerful reminder of the real impact football can have beyond the pitch.

Was there someone who supported or inspired you during your transitions?

With Andy, my manager, at the 2024 Women's Champions League final in Bilbao, SpainValérie Robert-Tissot

It might sound like a cliché, but each of my managers has brought something unique to my journey, and that’s one of the reasons I believe internal mobility is so valuable. You get exposed to different leadership styles, expectations and ways of thinking.

At the UEFA Academy, Thomas Junod taught me the importance of rigour and continuous improvement, values that are deeply embedded in the Academy’s culture. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone with such a strong work ethic and drive to go the extra mile.

Then, when I joined the Communications team, Andy Jones helped me build confidence from day one. I was leading projects and even went on my first work trip just three weeks in! He also taught me how fast-paced and ever-changing the digital world is, and how important it is to stay adaptable. I also learnt that corporate communications requires a sharp awareness of internal and external dynamics: anything can become a sensitive topic.

More recently, I’ve had the chance to work with Andy James (yes, another Andy!), who brings a strong sense of vision to the team. Beyond the day-to-day, he has a clear long-term direction, which I really appreciate; it gives purpose and structure to our work and helps us stay aligned as a team.