In 2022, Futures created a new employee initiative to recognise those that have gone above and beyond in their role: the Futures Quarterly Award. Award winners are nominated by their peers for reasons ranging from strong client delivery and management to supporting their colleagues and contributing to team culture. The prize is two tickets to a sporting event of their choice including accommodation and travel where the budget allows, depending on how ambitious they have been with the event they choose!
Ben Arthur won the award in Q4 of 2022 as a Graduate Analyst and travelled to Cape Town to attend the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Ben joined in September 2021 as Graduate Analyst and made a large impact early on. His colleagues nominated him for not only his dedication to the Man United and Matchroom accounts but also for his role across team initiatives. His willingness to help recruitment efforts, lead the graduate programme, and plan the team reward trip in 2024 have made Ben an integral member of the Futures team! It’s pleasing to add that since winning the award, Ben has continued to shine having been promoted twice and is now a Senior Analyst.
Ben had tickets to see Cape Town City FC take on Polokwane City at The Athlone Stadium. It was a tight affair, with the home side Cape Town City FC narrowly edging the match, winning 1-0. Ben elaborated on his choice:
“Having always been a passionate football fan, I'd always wanted to go to a match in Africa and had fond memories of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The atmosphere at the match did not disappoint with singing and dancing throughout, as well as a DJ at half-time! It was great to see such a diverse and inclusive crowd, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together.”
Beyond the football match itself, Ben was intrigued by the clear impact of the English Premier League on the country, noting that:
“Most locals I spoke to had a favourite Premier League club and followed them closely. The league's popularity was perhaps best shown by the Man United shirts being placed right alongside the Springboks rugby shirts in certain retail stores.”
While he was in Cape Town, Ben had a packed itinerary including attending a music concert in the unique setting of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and made the bold choice to paraglide over Sea Point! Other unforgettable highlights included hiking up Lion’s Head and taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, both offering incredible views of the city.
All in all, Ben had a very enjoyable trip and was thankful to be afforded such a generous and unique opportunity by Futures - one which has had such a positive impact in the workplace.
