After playing for a variety of EFL clubs, including Darlington, Southport and Shrewsbury Town, James Caton enrolled on UCFB’s BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Management course, playing for the UCFB Men’s Academy alongside his studies.
Here, he shares how he found both his degree and the Academy and how UCFB helped propel his career in football…
Why did you choose to join UCFB’s academy when playing in the EFL?
I chose to join the UCFB Academy as I was approached by an old psychologist who I have always kept in touch with who was also a lecturer at UCFB at the time. He explained the benefits of having a degree given the short time-span a career in football can have so I jumped at the chance.
Tell us about the UCFB academy and how it improved your game after the EFL.
The UCFB Academy is run very professionally, mirroring a full-time football environment. Training in the morning, video analysis of games, gym programming, technical and tactical detail and feedback statistically after each game too! Having access to all of these things enables you to identify areas to develop and become a better player.
What were some of your personal highlights playing for the academy team?
My personal highlights were winning the league in my first year. Alongside that, it was great being able to mentor some of the younger players who looked up to me because of my previous EFL experience and seeing them grow was very beneficial to me.
How did you find balancing your training with your academic work?
Balancing the educational side of things with the football wasn’t easy but I always have the elite mentality of anything is possible. It was about developing a routine that would enable me to work smartly in order to be efficient with regards to the educational side of things as well as the football side.
You now play for Dover Athletic. How important do you think your work in the academy was for landing a role in this team?
I think that the move to Dover came about because of my existing football credentials, however what I will say is that the full-time environment of the UCFB Academy stood me in good stead to be totally prepared for the opportunity.
How did you find your BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Management degree?
The degree was tough but it paid off. It made me realise that completing a degree is one of the most rewarding and satisfying feelings because of the difficulties involved. I am a perfectionist and although the degree provided hurdles, I was absolutely delighted to finish the degree and add another string to my bow! It has given me the thirst for more and I am currently looking to explore a Master’s degree in MSc Sports Directorship with GIS.
What advice do you have for any football league players thinking of studying at UCFB?
My advice that I would give would be to seriously consider adding alternative avenues to your portfolio for sure. Whether that’s a degree or a course in another industry, it is extremely important to recognise that a career in the football league can be short lived, so if an opportunity arises to add other qualifications, it can only benefit you in the long run!
