Colin Jackson: How did you get started in your role at UEFA?

Domenico Tropea: I volunteered for the UEFA Euro 2008 in Klagenfurt, Austria. My goal was to meet people, network and gain experience, which was what led me to be a better candidate to apply for a position to work for UEFA.

CJ: As a Canadian yourself, how big is football as a sport in Canada?

DT: I come from an Italian background, so I still have close roots to football and Europe, and soccer is quite an emerging sport in Canada. More and more people are playing it and they're actually creating more football fields rather than baseball or American football fields, so it's very popular and it's moving up.

CJ: What does your role at UEFA involve?

DT: It involves assisting the competition manager in making sure that the Europa League concept is properly implemented in the competition. We also support what's called the 'venue manager,' which are the venue directors which we send onsite to co-ordinate and to see that the match is respected.

CJ: How difficult is that to actually work?

DT: It's tough because you're co-ordinating many VD's (venue directors). We have a panel of about 48, because there's 48 clubs, and each club has a venue director, so it's quite difficult logistically to organise hotels, travels and many other things.

CJ: Do you find any difficulties within your role?

DT: Coming from Canada, my knowledge of football is very limited. I'm working on it, but compared to my other colleagues at work who are born in Europe, they eat and breathe football so I'm trying to match up to their knowledge of football.

CJ: What advice would you give to young people looking to do your job?

DT: To achieve and to be where I am today it took a lot of perserverance. I believed in it and I would set goals. Believe in yourself and make it happen. I applied as a volunteer and that was the stepping stone. I had my break and I met several people who helped me get into UEFA.

CJ: Well I certainly envy your job and hopefully you can sort me out for a couple of tickets for your competitions?

DT: For sure, definitely, I'll hook you up.

CJ: I'll hold you to that (both laugh).