A UCFB and Global Institute of Sport alumnus has been speaking of his pride after winning a local inspiration award in Milton Keynes.

Wesley McGrath studied BA (Hons) Sports Business and Coaching at UCFB before studying MSc Football Coaching and Analysis at the Global Institute of Sport.

Now he works as the owner and founder of Kick Off Football Academy, as well as a coach, scout and analyst there, building up young aspiring footballers in the Milton Keynes area.

He was recently named as Milton Keynes’ most inspiring male PT/fitness/coach for 2023 in the Milton Keynes Inspiration Awards.

 “I didn’t actually know I’d been nominated for the award, a parent had to tell me,” Wesley said.

“It is a lot of recognition for lots and lots of hard work and graft dedicated to my craft.”

Speaking about his time at UCFB, he said: “When I went to an open day at Wembley Stadium, I just found it was the place for me. I found it was home.

“Everybody was on the same page. Everybody wanted to look after you. I got that real family feel from everyone connected with UCFB and GIS.”

He added: “Some of the modules I did for my degree, in terms of the media and the marketing side of things… As the founder and owner of my own business, I have to take those into account and I couldn’t have had any knowledge on that without the help of UCFB and GIS.”

He finished: “If you want something, make it happen. Find somebody who will help you along the way. That’s one of my biggest things I’ve taken away from my time at UCFB and GIS.”

To find out more about the wide array of sports industry-related undergraduate degrees on offer at UCFB, click here.