Yes, undertaking research and attending lectures and seminars forms a part of UCFB’s pioneering coaching programmes. You won’t find a university course up or down the country where that’s not the case.
But the difference is, perhaps, that this is not the main area of focus at UCFB. To become the best coach, Darren Smith, Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Management course, argues, you have to experience the game first-hand, to live, breath and sleep football, in order to develop as a coach.
Commenting on the unique structure of the course, he said: “We put the students in the sorts of situations where they might work in the industry in the future. From the first week we put you in a situation where you might have to coach young kids.”
He adds: “[Our benefits are] those unique experiences that I don’t think many universities can offer in terms of our placements. A lot of students from year one have volunteer placements in organisations, including big sports brands, from Level 4, which is great.”
While several UCFB students gain placements at Premier League clubs, and there are currently graduates working at 19 of the 20 top flight teams, Darren is cautious not to overlook the benefits of coaching in less corporate, more real, environments and building up from there.
Special day pulling together @Pioneers_Day but having @ucfb Coaching Students past and present supporting the 100 females really topped today off, really proud. @Soph_Dennington @vicb41 @ChelsieSavins @Jdickinson108 @CoachRazak @_Megan_Abbott pic.twitter.com/4FfHfLK2vh
— Darren Smith (@coachdarren) July 12, 2022
“Throughout my career grassroots is actually where I’ve developed most to work in a professional football environment. We don’t just look at the nice, glossy, professional clubs, we look at real life experiences of working in leisure centres, working schools.”
Summarising his opinion, Darren said: “It’s not a typical suited and booted lecturer – I’m always in a tracksuit! It’s about bringing the classroom to life out on the pitch.”
Click here to find out more about UCFB’s coaching programmes.