Where Are They Now: Pascal Xanthos – Women’s First Team Assistant Manager at Hearts FC

A UCFB graduate is thriving in his coaching career, working as first team assistant manager at an Scottish Women’s Premier League side.

Pascal Xanthos, who studied BA (Hons) Football Coaching and Management, now coaches the first team at Hearts Women.

His current role is only the latest of an already extraordinary career in coaching since graduating from UCFB, as Pascal has also worked as Everton FC Women’s first team performance analyst, and as a tournament football analyst at FIFA.

Speaking about his role at Hearts, he said: “The most important thing is the analysis of training sessions and matchdays as well, so we make sure that we have the right information for the players and we deliver and articulate messages to them in the most concise way that we can.

“After that, coaching the team units and individuals, and we try to deliver all the information and all the details that we want from our game plans and our model game week in, week out.”

He added: “The best thing about working in football is that it all starts as a hobby, playing football out in our neighbourhoods, where we all dream of being in these big stadiums.

“Having a hobby and a passion as a job is very important, as it gives you that extra one per cent that you need.”

Pascal then went on to speak about his time studying with us, saying: “My time at UCFB was an exceptional journey.

“It was the first academic experience I had in this country. It was a brand new experience which made me very excited as I was starting from scratch.

“Meeting people with so much experience in this field helps so much. It helps you to stay hungry and keep working hard towards your goal.

“What makes UCFB stand out is that it prioritises the individual, first and foremost. They don’t see the students as a crowd, but they individualise the needs of every single student.

“They give you enough time to express yourself, while also giving you people who can support you on your journey after graduating. It’s not just the three years, but knowing people who can open doors for you when you leave university.”

He finished, offering advice to students dreaming of scoring their career goals in sports coaching: “Be honest and have a lot of empathy for the environment around you.

“It’s important to promote your own individuality while listening to the indibuduals around you, as we are creating a community where people can express themselves and contribute.”

Learn more about the many UCFB graduates who have gone on to secure exceptional roles across the football and wider sports industry.

You can also view a prospectus to kick off your own career in sport through UCFB.