UCFB’s Blended degree programmes have the majority of learning taking place online, through our dedicated Online Hub. However, there is also the exclusive chance to learn on-campus at either UCFB Wembley, London, or UCFB Etihad Campus, Manchester, for two weeks of each academic year.
As a student on UCFB’s BA (Hons) Football Coaching (Blended) programme, Luke Perkes is able to work, coach and study at the same time – all thanks to the flexibility of his online course. Here, he shares how he balances all three and why he chose to take on a degree on top of everything else…
Tell us about how your BA (Hons) Football Coaching (Blended) degree works and some of the highlights of the course so far.
The degree works with five or six modules split across the academic year. Normally there are two or three before the Christmas break and the same after. Instead of the normal university lifestyle of going into lectures and completing the work within a lecture hall, in my Blended degree we do everything behind a laptop and in the comfort of our own home.
Personal highlights of the course so far for myself was actually knowing I was capable of the learning and achieving the grades. I spent a long time away from education, so I was very apprehensive, but once I got stuck into the work my mind was at ease. I am also enjoying meeting new people within the course and building relationships.
What is the main advantage of primarily studying your degree online?
The main advantage for myself is that I am able to be very flexible with my schedule and to have that work/life balance, instead of having the commitment of being on campus for set days during the week. My life is all systems go at the moment, from working a full-time job, managing a men’s football team, to studying for my UEFA C coaching badge. Studying online allows me to complete and focus on other aspects of my life, so when it is time to get the work done I know that will be my full focus.
I set myself high standards that I work towards, so I understand the reality of the task in front of me, but that’s what I know I have to do and want to do if I am to reach my goals and have a successful career in football.
You worked as a coach for several years before starting your degree programme. What inspired you to study for a degree at this point?
The inspiration for me to study now was knowing what I needed to do for the career I wanted and the path I was to take to reach my goals. Working in football there is always competition in any job role, so I knew if I wanted to challenge myself to beat the competitors around me then adding a degree to my CV was something I had to do.
I also felt from a personal level I wasn’t ready to delve into higher education straight after College. I wanted to experience and travel the world, so that’s what I did. I lived in the United States for four years where I worked and coached Soccer for the Chicago Fire, AYSO 300 and Texas Rush Soccer Club. It helped me become the person and coach I am today.
Also being a football fan from a very young age, knowing Wembley Stadium would be my campus for residentials we have each year was something I couldn’t miss out on.
You now work as a Sports Coach for Go Active Coaching. How have you found balancing this role alongside your degree?
This is a new role for myself, as I only started back in May 2022 as my first year of studying came to an end. I’m now just starting balancing my degree with this role in my second year.
However, within my first year of studying I was working for Truro & Penwith College as an Academy Sports Coach, within the Football Academy. I found the balance between work and studying to be smooth as I only worked three days a week, allowing me to have ample time to study and get my work completed, whilst still being able to fully focus on my job role too. The College were also very supportive in allowing me time off to be able to attend University events such as the Global Sports Summit in Miami.
You also attended the 2022 GIS Miami Summit. Tell us about this experience and what you learnt about the sports industry.
When I heard and found out current students and alumni of UCFB had opportunities to spend a week in various locations to learn, network and gain insight into the sports industry I knew I had to find out more. I registered my interest for both Miami and New York and luckily enough got a spot on the Miami Summit. I’ve been very fortunate to travel to various parts of America, watch sporting events, experience different cultures but I have never had the experience and opportunity like UCFB provide on these summits.
From day one you are chucked straight into the thick of it, making conversation with like-minded individuals and people who are genuinely interested in helping you. You are put in stimulating situations throughout the course of the week, which enabled me to talk about my journey, targets and goals. It also allowed me to have genuine conversation with the guest speakers to build relationships and rapport. I have always been brought up to be respectful and that has stuck with me even more since returning home. People will always remember what you say and how you come across.
Which is why for me, I loved finding out the pathway and journey the guest speakers had made to get to where they are. They are all just regular people who worked hard, had a dream and took opportunities when they were given to them, some even going above and beyond the norm to get those chances. I learned a lot from Deiver Montes (Avalon Sports) and Mayowa Owolabi (Club Champions League) during the Summit and they are two people I stay in regular contact with now.
What was your favourite part of the Summit?
I had many favourite parts from the Summit. The first was making new friends from UCFB, living with them all for a week, socialising and making memories. I also really enjoyed meeting staff members, including Sharona, James, Rich and various people who make UCFB what it is today and finding more out about them and their backgrounds.
One thing stuck with me ever since coming home from Miami: knowing opportunities will come for me if I am humble, continue to work hard and persevere.
I was very lucky to be offered an internship in Miami over the summer, but I had to turn down the offer due to starting a new job the week before. I could’ve looked back and thought of this as a setback, but I am always seeing the positives. Someone looked at me thinking ‘I am going to give him a chance’. Thanks to UCFB I know there will always be more chances around the corner.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to study a Blended degree at UCFB?
The advice I would give to anyone would be very straight forward: know exactly what you are signing up for. Just because the course is online doesn’t make it easy. You have to be very clear and concise with managing your schedule and time. Ultimately though, you must be able to enjoy what you are planning to study. I am glad I waited as long as I did, as I couldn’t imagine another university providing what UCFB can offer myself and other students in terms of work experience, opportunity and support.
Find out more about UCFB's BA (Hons) Football Coaching (Blended) programme.
