Bloomsbury are more than just a football club. The London-based academy coaches children from a range of different backgrounds, using the platform and popularity of football to teach valuable life lessons as well as a love of the game.
With several UCFB students, as well as alumni, working at Bloomsbury across various roles, from leading training sessions, to analysing media and match day reports, this exceptional club has our students firmly at its heart.
Josh Arnold, a graduate of the BA (Hons) Sports Business and Coaching programme at UCFB Wembley, and now Academy Coordinator at the club, said: “My role is a fascinating mix of organising training and fixtures, running programmes, overseeing other coaches and aiming to improve and grow Bloomsbury Football for those benefitting most from it.”
Josh added: “I love being on the pitch with the players, whether that is for match day or a training session. Preparing, delivering and evaluating sessions and matches are the most enjoyable parts of the job for me.”
It’s the hands-on experience of working pitch-side with the players that’s also a personal highlight for student Max Llanwarne, who landed a role at Bloomsbury over a year ago, only a month after beginning his undergraduate degree.
The BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Management student said: “Of course being on the pitch coaching is what I love most, but along with this the coaching staff, the competitive work environment, the importance of coach development and the brilliant academy teams here make the job a complete joy.”
Max added: “The mechanics behind the game and individuals are also really interesting. My degree helped me understand the psychology behind types of learners, personality types, types of leadership and management, which has helped massively in my progression at Bloomsbury.”
Having begun as a casual coach at the club, Max has impressively worked his way up the rankings. He now leads two age groups, is the established Player Care Coordinator and even accompanied the club at their pre-season tour to St. George’s Park, demonstrating the power of perseverance and hard work.
But working alongside fellow UCFB Wembley students, in the iconic city of London, also provides a source of inspiration for the young coach.
He said: “It’s great working with other students and seeing the number of people at Bloomsbury from UCFB grow – it’s very beneficial for us. We have one big thing in common straight away, which helps us all bond and work together well.”
Max added: “Living and working in London is a dream come true, and doing so whilst coaching the game I love with like-minded individuals is something I’m so happy and proud of. My motivation grows day by day, walking down Wembley Way, believing I can make an impact and do something special within the football world.”
