Coaching student takes up role as analyst at Irish Premier Division side

One of our students has started a new role as an intern analyst at a League of Ireland Premier Division club.

Finlay Ross, a BA (Hons) Football Coaching and Management student, has taken up the new role at three-time Irish champions Cork City FC.

In his new role, he will be looking through several academy matches, including the Cork City U14, U17 and U19 teams, and clipping together key moments to help progress each side.

Finlay said: “It could be anything, from playing out from the back to a counter-attack which leads to a goalscoring chance. 

“I am very excited to get going with it. Cork is quite a big club, so to be contributing to them somewhat is an incredible feeling.”

He added: “Almost everything I’ve learnt at university will help me in this role. The modules about analysis are obviously a big help but I’ve found advice from guest speakers to be very helpful.

“Having analysts from both Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United helped me understand what skills I needed to work on.

“It’s been incredible so far at UCFB, better than I could’ve hoped. Everyone I’ve met from tutors to students and even the people that greet you at the door are lovely. Love it here.”

He finished: “Put yourself out there, the more people you meet and the more people you learn from, the more opportunities will come in my opinion.

“Obviously you need to work hard to gain a good reputation, but I think networking with others similar to you goes a long way.”