Wednesday 16 September 2015

International career opportunity

Debrecen FC is offering the chance to gain valuable international experience at their Elite Football Academy in Hungary.

The successful candidate (s) will have the opportunity to improve their coaching under the supervision of UEFA 'A' qualified mentor coaches, participating fully in official club training, goalkeeping training, individual training and physical training.

There will also be scouting opportunities under the supervision of the PSV Eindhoven official scout. Although this is an unpaid role students can apply for the Erasmus grant from UCLan.

For further information about the traineeship please click here. To express your interest please email international co-ordinator Sandor Nagy stating 'referred by Rachel Gee' within the email.

Monday 14 September 2015

Volunteer opportunities

R9 FC Soccer School is offering volunteering opportunities for students to work as Level 1 or 2 football coaches.

Essential requirements are FA Level 1 minimum, at least one year coaching experience, enhanced DBS within the year and available on Saturday and/or Sunday mornings.

Volunteers will become a valued member of the R9 FC family, as they strongly believe in professional coach development.

You will have the opportunity to work with a group of talented football players willing to learn and develop, with the possibility to take on a paid position in the future.

If anyone is interested please email your CV.

Tuesday 8 September 2015

Graduate uses sport to change lives

UCLan Sports Coaching graduate Richard Steele is helping people improve their lives through his work in an educational role at a professional football club.

Richard is employed by Leyton Orient Trust as a Tutor for BTEC Sport Level 2 & 3, and also coaches football to students from the BTEC programme along with community coaching in the London area.

Students taught by Richard are provided with a pathway through the coaching programme to join Leyton Orient Academy. One recent example of this is winger Sandro Semedo, who was recommended to the Academy and has now signed a two-year professional contract with the club.

The Trust aims to positively impact on the lives of disadvantaged Londoners through sports, educational and leisure projects.

Since its creation in 1989, over £30 million has been invested in local communities and touched the lives of over 100,000 young people during that time.

For more information about the Trust please click here.

Tuesday 4 August 2015

Students continue to make a difference in Africa

UCLan Sport students joined colleagues from across the campus to visit Zambia to support the delivery of key health messages to young people about the dangers of drug abuse and HIV through the power of sport.

More than 40 undergraduates from a range of sports, media, law, physiotherapy and sexual health courses spent a total of eight weeks across three cohort visits in the African country as part of the UCLan Sport for Development Project.

The scheme involves students working with peer leader volunteers from Sport in Action, a Zambian based Sport for Development NGO, to deliver key health messages and life skills through sport and physical activity.

Sports Therapy student Sam Heap took part in the trip and said it was an eye-opening experience: "HIV, AIDs and drug abuse is a massive issue in Africa. We had to teach and educate the children about these problems through the use of sport. It was challenging at first because of the language barrier, but with the help of other peer leaders we managed to overcome this.

"We spent the first week in a community school with three of us looking after over 200 children. The trip was a big culture shock but also very life-changing for me. In the UK you can donate to charity, but to be able to actually go there and see what the problems are was an enlightening experience."

The UCLan Sport for Development Project was established in 2008 by Senior Lecturer Cliff Olsson. It gives students the opportunity to study the global value and contribution sport can make towards supporting wider international development such as the Millennium Development Goals and gives them a better informed perspective of global challenges.

Cliff commented: "This programme continues to go from strength to strength and is essentially about coaching at a community level and the differences it can make to the lives of these young people in improving life quality. It takes learning beyond the classroom and provides an experience that we believe underpins real learning for the real world.

"The project is led by final year undergraduates who develop leadership, management and problem solving skills over a three week period in Zambia. It's a unique opportunity that reinforces UCLan's commitment to providing real life experiences for our students."

In the past few years UCLan students have raised nearly £20,000 towards buying basic sports equipment and supported the building of basketball courts in local rural schools in Zambia.

The project has also provided the opportunity for local voluntary sports leaders from Zambia to come to Preston and share their skills and knowledge with community volunteers and children from local schools.

To view pictures from the trip please click here.

Wednesday 22 July 2015

Career opportunity

ESPZEN Soccer School in Singapore is looking to recruit a Senior Coach to join their team of international coaches.

Their soccer school sees over 600 young players per week and is still growing, with the intention to expand throughout South East Asia.

Applicants need a degree in sport coaching, sport science or related subject, UEFA B License Certificate and Youth Coaching Certificate. Experience of working with players from 4 - 16 years and a First Aid qualification is also necessary.

Please email James Gow for further information.

Wednesday 15 July 2015

Graduate enjoys double celebration

UCLan Sports Coaching graduate Sarah Nickless is celebrating after securing her dream job and winning a prestigious prize for academic excellence.

Sarah has been appointed as Football Development Officer for Somerset Football Association, where she will support the delivery of the National Game Strategy in partnership with key stakeholders.

She has also been rewarded for her efforts as a student after winning the S08 Sportswear Award for Academic Excellence 2015 on a programme within the Division of Sports Coaching and Development.

During her time at the university Sarah gained a wealth of additional experience, including being chosen to attend the BUCS Deloitte Leadership Academy, travelling to Rwanda as part of the FA's Changing Lives Programme and working as a Football Activator to help increase provision of the sport at UCLan.

Division Leader Leona Trimble said Sarah had reaped the rewards for going the extra mile during the course of her studies: "We are absolutely delighted for Sarah in graduating top of her divisional year group and then landing her dream job.

"She epitomised all that we advocate at UCLan - working hard academically, gaining additional qualifications and voluntary work to enhance her employability skills, and gaining relevant international experiences to enrich her learning.

"All the divisional staff are proud to have guided and supported Sarah along the way and wish her every success in the future."

Tuesday 23 June 2015

Hard work pays double reward

We advise our undergraduates to gain as much practical experience as possible during the course of their studies.

Lee Marshall embraced this ethos to such an extent he's now secured two jobs after completing his Sports Coaching degree. Before joining UCLan Lee was unsure of which career to pursue, but having previously done some sports volunteering he decided to see where this could take him.

He commented: "If I'm being honest I coasted through my first year and it wasn't until signing up for the UCLan Sport 4U project in year two that things started to fall into place.

"It gave me the opportunity to gain additional coaching qualifications and I began to see my grades improve as I bought into what the degree was offering to me. I also won a Preston Volunteer of Year award which was a great honour."

In addition to working with Sport 4U, Lee gained more experience with Salford Community Leisure and has now progressed into a full-time coaching role there. His commitment to establishing a reputation for himself has reaped its rewards as he has also secured a position in professional rugby league.

"I support Swinton Lions and they invited me down for a chat after hearing about some of my work," said Lee. "I ended up being appointed Community Development Officer which is a brilliant bonus on top of my other role.

"It shows that if you put something into volunteering it can lead somewhere. People might think university is all about socialising, but focusing on what you're really there for is crucial. Don't be content with just doing the minimum – go the extra mile and people do take notice.

"The course and the lecturers were fantastic, and the advice they gave me to get out there and volunteer and gain experience has got me to where I am. Being shown by others how they manage projects, and allowed to help out on them, has allowed me to take that knowledge and secure these roles.

"A degree on its own won't get you a job, but couple it with experience and you give yourself a much better chance."

Wednesday 20 May 2015

Coaching student wins UCLan volunteer award

UCLan Sports Coaching student Sophie Morrison's dedication to volunteering was rewarded as she scooped a prestigious university prize.

After completing over 1,000 hours work during her time at UCLan, Sophie was crowned Student Volunteer of the Year 2015 at the recent Centre for Volunteering & Community Leadership Awards.

Sophie has worked with three different organisations, UCLan Taekwondo, The King's School at Pontefract and Ultimate Taekwondo, regularly going the extra mile to boost her future career prospects.

She has gained a wealth of coaching and teaching experience at junior and senior level, and has worked both nationally and internationally over the past three years.

Sophie, who plans to undertake a Master's degree after graduating this summer, said she was delighted to receive the award.

"To be recognised for my work over the last three years is a great feeling," said Sophie. "I've been able to put what I've learnt into practice outside of the university, whilst having the opportunity to travel all over Great Britain and into Europe."

Division Leader Leona Trimble added: "Sophie's award is extremely well deserved. We encourage all our students to gain as much practical experience as possible to help them achieve their career goals, and Sophie has definitely embraced this ethos. She has a bright future ahead of her to look forward to."

The highlight of Sophie's extensive volunteering was her recent trip to the Netherlands with the Ultimate Taekwondo team, where she worked as their Performance Analyst at the Dutch Open. Sophie filmed each performance, giving one-to-one feedback to the athletes to help them during the competition.

Team Coach Kathy Hook commented: "Sophie's work has been extremely beneficial and the analysis has been very professional and well delivered. Her feedback to the students has been very useful, always making it clear to them what she was highlighting.

"I hope Sophie continues to work with Team Ultimate, as she has been a great asset to the team and her input would be sorely missed."

Tuesday 28 April 2015

Career opportunity

UCLan Students' Union are looking for a University Netball Officer to enhance the provision of recreational Netball at the university.

The successful student will be responsible for facilitating a programme that enables all kinds of students to participate in regular Netball.

You will be supported by a network of people from England Netball, UCLan and the local netball community.

This is a great opportunity to enhance your CV, gain references from a National Governing Body, access training opportunities, receive tickets to matches and freebies from England Netball.

Please click here for more information or email the Opportunities Centre to request an application form.

Monday 27 April 2015

Career opportunities

Elite Coaching Solutions have a number of Sports Coaching and Sports Development roles available.

Please click here for the job description and here for the person specification.

For further information or to apply please contact Simon Austerberry or Tel: 07743 413719.

Thursday 26 March 2015

Coaching opportunities

Middle East Youth Soccer Organisation (MEYSO) are looking for coaches who are passionate about coaching and have a flair for working with young people.

They need coaches who are resilient, highly driven and self motivated, who will go the extra mile to ensure that players achieve beyond their own expectations.

Candidates should have the ability, passion and enthusiasm to coach young people from all over the world within the heart of Dubai and the surrounding area to help build on the Academy's community coaching and advanced team coaching curriculum.

The successful candidates can expect to work in an atmosphere of mutual support and co-operation. You should have excellent communication skills with children aged 3-11 years and able to give fun sessions which focus upon a learning topic from the curriculum.

Candidates should be at least a Level 2 FA coach, have experience of running a team/s within 8-16 year olds and have the drive to go above and beyond their role.

To apply please email your CV and a video of you coaching an age group of your choice (preferably foundation phase) to Ian Fern.

Friday 13 March 2015

Graduate secures Florida coaching role



Our programme provides graduates with a platform to progress into careers across the world.

After successfully completing his Sports Coaching degree, Chris Farnworth secured a position with Global Premier Soccer (GPS) in Fort Myers, Florida.

GPS is one of the largest and most successful soccer clubs in the USA, with 10 franchises from Vermont to Florida.

The company strives to improve players technically, tactically, physically and psychologically, providing them with the best coaching available in a professional and elite environment.

Chris commented: "It's fantastic down here. I'm coaching an under 14s boys and under 10s girls team for Florida Knights, as well as being in charge of the recreational league here. I wouldn't have been able to do this without my degree and other qualifications."

For more information about GPS please click here.

Monday 9 March 2015

St George's Park welcomes UCLan students

UCLan Sports Coaching undergraduates recently visited St George's Park National Football Centre for a first-hand look at an elite sporting environment.

As part of their final year studies, the group viewed the range of support services available to England's top footballers at the Burton-upon-Trent venue.

During their tour of the facilities, students took part in a variety of activities including a dynamic warm-up and plyometric session, body composition analysis and Hydroworx underwater treadmill running.

The students said they thoroughly enjoyed their visit. Aimee McKeown commented: "The trip certainly opened my eyes and provided me with better knowledge of the subjects we experienced.

"I wouldn't have got an opportunity like this if I was studying back home in Belfast, as we just don't have these type of facilities. It was a top day and a quality experience."

Emils Curtis added: "The whole day was amazing. It was great to see the facilities elite athletes are able to use and what support they may receive if they get injured.

"This trip has been one of my best days since I've been in England and I definitely won't forget it. Being able to swim in ice cold water and run on the underwater treadmill was the highlight. If there's another trip like this in the future it would certainly be something not to miss out on."

The visit was facilitated by Perform - the official healthcare provider to St. George's Park. To view a selection of images from the day please click here, or to check out video footage please click here.

Thursday 26 February 2015

Coaching opportunities

Elite Coaching Solutions (ECS) require NGB Qualified Level 2 Coaches to deliver their varied Physical Development sessions in Bolton and Preston.

Coaches will undertake mentoring and training in the first two weeks of working with the company, to allow you to observe and be observed before moving on to delivering sessions alone.

You will then undergo coach observations on a monthly basis to aid development. Sessions include:
  • Sporting Breakfast Clubs
  • Dinnertime Intervention Clubs
  • After School Clubs (All Sports)
  • Tailored Sports Premium Curriculum Programmes (Teacher CPD, Skills Identification Programmes etc)
  • SEN Children Programmes
  • Physical Phonics
ECS have a large number of hours available for appropriate candidates. Starting salary will be £10 per hour, with a view to this increasing if the candidate matches ECS' high standards in the first three months of employment.

Coaches must have use of a vehicle, as the role involves to travel to and from venues across Preston and Bolton.

For further information please email Calum Aspen or Tel: 07738 963607.

Monday 9 February 2015

Students receive volunteer awards

Two UCLan Sports Coaching undergraduates were recently rewarded for their volunteer efforts during 2014.

Andy Hilton and Tom Storey were recognised for their excellent work, during the ceremony to launch the 10th annual Preston Sports Awards.

The pair give up their time every Saturday to conduct coaching sessions for children aged 4-13 at The Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Development Centre.

Andy hopes to use the experience as a platform to progress into coaching in the USA, and whilst Tom is currently keeping his options open he is hopeful the work will boost his future career prospects.

Senior Lecturer Cliff Olsson commented: "I'd like to pass on my congratulations to Tom and Andy. They both represent everything that outstanding coaching students should aspire to, which is to make a difference and a contribution to the communities they work in. Well done lads, you should be very proud."

Friday 6 February 2015

Coaching opportunities

Glover's Swim School have a number of Coaching roles available across Lancashire.

They require instructors who are qualified with either the Amateur Swimming Association or The Swimming Teachers Association for paid roles.

Alternatively, if anyone is looking to gain experience on a voluntary basis, Glover's would be more than happy for them to assist while gaining experience and guidance alongside their senior teachers.

For more information please email Thomas Glover.

Wednesday 4 February 2015

Warriors visits enhance UCLan partnership

Mark (centre) with Carl Cunningham & Craig Wright
Our undergraduates recently had the opportunity to engage with staff from one of the country's top sports clubs.

Wigan Warriors' duo Mark Quinn and Amanda Wilkinson came into UCLan to speak with students about their roles with the Super League giants and their experiences in the sports industry.

Mark is Warriors' Head of Sports Science and Analysis, while Amanda works as a Performance Coach and Marketing Executive.

They have both enjoyed success in their roles, with Mark having the opportunity to travel to Australia to conduct research during last year's World Club Challenge and Amanda becoming Rugby League's first-ever UKCC Level 3 Coach.

Mark said their visits helped to reinforce the relationship between UCLan and the Warriors: "It's brilliant to have the link with the University. Some of the technology they have and the ideas we can bounce off each other is invaluable.

"It's also great to be able provide opportunities for students to see what happens in a high performance environment. By discussing what goes on behind the scenes, we're able to show students how they can apply what they learn at UCLan to the real world.

"The students could also see how my trip to Australia fitted in with postgraduate study, as the research I carried out is being used towards my PhD studies."

Monday 2 February 2015

Graduate uses knockbacks as springboard to success

Turning a negative into a positive is a great skill to have, and UCLan Sports Coaching graduate Paul Cobbe is a shining example of what can be done if you master it.

Paul's passion for sport developed at an early age, and he was always destined to pursue a sporting educational pathway. After his efforts to secure PGCE placements proved unsuccessful, Paul spent some time as a Fitness Instructor before joining our Sports Coaching Master's programme.

Paul said this was the catalyst in providing him with an abundance of learning capabilities and developmental opportunities he was not previously aware of.

"In hindsight, my perceived 'failure' to obtain a placement was a blessing in disguise," he said. "My time spent at UCLan can be best described as inspirational and fulfilling.

"Through academic and practical based sessions delivered by knowledgeable and highly experienced personnel, I obtained an array of skills and attributes that have truly unearthed my potential as a sports educationalist.

"Formative discussions, peer-assessment, tutorial support and the availability of online resources are just some examples which encouraged me to think independently and reflect critically."

During his time on the course, Paul became more aware of his strengths and abilities by developing strategies that allowed him to adapt and contribute meaningful behaviours towards positive outcomes.

He improved aspects of his communication skills during a Performance Analysis module which he says helped him understand how and why he behaved in certain ways in a variety of situations.

"I'm now aware of how specific actions can influence the behaviour of others whom I ultimately hope to persuade within the coaching process," said Paul. "The programme has allowed me to deal more comfortably with the various personalities and types of people I interact with.

"I see all problems as a challenge and I'm willing to push my capabilities, whilst taking the time to critically and effectively reflect upon my actions. I believe I've yet to reach my potential – both as an individual and as a sporting practitioner.

"The course presents an ideal opportunity for anyone willing to enrich their own skills, attributes, knowledge and experiences.

"Given the complex and multi-faceted domain of coaching, I'd advise anyone considering the course to be willing to interpret all forms of feedback in a positive manner, so you can become a self-critical and reflective practitioner. Be willing to accept criticism and be open to advice from others."

Since completing his Master's, Paul has secured a role as a Sports Tutor for Liverpool-based vocational training company, Cornerstone.

Having seen previous plans fall by the wayside, Paul has now adopted a 'what's meant to be will be' mentality. PhD research or the completion of his football coaching badges are just two of his future options, but Paul is currently happy with the path his career has taken.

He said: "The learning experience at UCLan has provided me with an array of tools and skills necessary for me to adapt and successfully contribute to whatever task I'm presented with.

"Whether I enjoy success or failure in the future, I'll take what I can from the experience and move onto the next hurdle that life presents me with 'no loss of enthusiasm' – as famously reinforced by Winston Churchill."

Monday 19 January 2015

Career opportunities

China ClubFootball is China's biggest grassroots football provider, and a licensed joint-venture.

Established to promote and develop grassroots football in China, ClubFootball operates grassroots coaching programmes for Chinese and international children in Beijing, as well as leagues, competitions and events for men, women and corporate clients.

ClubFootball also provides an on-the-ground presence in China for a variety of project partners including the Premier League, Manchester City and British Council.

China ClubFootball has the following opportunities available:
For more information about China ClubFootball please click here.

Sunday 18 January 2015

Football Coaching opportunities



Total Soccer Centres are looking to employ coaches to work in the Preston area. Roles would include running training sessions and coaching teams within structured leagues.

Successful candidates may also be invited to work on holiday schemes programmes which run across various sites in the area. Coaches will possess the following qualities:

Essential
  • Outgoing personality with a passion for football
  • Fantastic personal skillsStrong time-keeping and organisation
  • Experience of working in grassroots football
  • Outstanding professional appearance
  • FA qualified to either level 1, 2 or 3
Desirable
  • Own transportation
  • Experience of delivering 6 week schemes of work
  • Committed to improving standards
  • Experience in promotion and marketing
  • Good planning skills
  • Driving licence
Interviews will be held at Myerscough College, Preston, and may involve running a session. Rates of pay depend on qualifications and experience. A travel allowance will also be granted for any coach travelling more than 10 miles to the venue.

For an application form please email Michael O’Neill.

Total soccer centres are a successful sports based organisation that delivers to around 250 children per weekend. In addition to weekly sessions we also run after school clubs, holiday schemes, PPA cover in primary schools and run grassroots tournaments.

A number of previous coaches have gone on to secure work within professional clubs. In addition, around 5 players per season are scouted and signed from our weekly sessions.

Saturday 17 January 2015

Assistant Coaches required

Rugbytots is recruiting Assistant Coaches across South Preston and Chorley to work on a Saturday and/or Sunday morning.

They are looking for highly organised, reliable and adaptable people who enjoy working with children aged 2-7 - patience is another key skill!

A rugby background and previous coaching experience is useful but by no means essential - training is provided.

Assistant Coaches that work for a minimum of 30 hours, and display reliability and ability, would receive positive references, a contribution to funding CPD courses of their choice and the possibility of training to be a Lead Coach.

If interested please email your CV, and a paragraph or two outlining why you think you would be particularly suitable for this role, to Ian Mehta.