Graduates

UCLan is recognised for its outstanding course provision which gives students the skills, knowledge and personal attributes necessary to succeed at the University and in their future careers.

Graduates Aaron Briggs and John McGuigan now work at Manchester City, Sarah Chalmers secured a role at Lee Valley VeloPark, while Matt Busby is currently at Blackburn Rovers.

Aaron and John use expertise gained from using a match analysis programme as part of their degrees to prepare presentations aimed at assisting City's Academy squad in their pre and post-match briefings.

For over three years UCLan has provided computerised analysis for top professional clubs across the North West.

Aaron's placement in his final year was a key factor in helping him up the career ladder: "My course leader approached me at the start of my last year of study and told me there was a possibility that Preston North End wanted someone to help out with their computerised match analysis," said Aaron.

"We use a system called 'ProZone' to help analyse performances and those of our opponents. It's one of the leading software programmes on the market and is facts and figures based.

We look at our opponents, asses their strengths and weaknesses and then I report to the coaches. They then relay the necessary information to the players. The experience I gained at Preston was vital when it came to getting the job at City."

John also gained valuable work experience during his time at UCLan, working as a match analyst with the England Ladies squad. John excelled in the role and was soon given the opportunity to travel around the world with the team providing further support.

After graduating, the FA offered John a full-time position in match analysis that allowed him to provide support not only to the England Ladies squad, but all the other English squads too. John now works alongside Aaron at Manchester City.

Sarah assists the duty manager with the efficient and safe operation of the entire VeloPark. Lee Valley is the only cycling venue in the world to have all four cycling disciplines (velodrome track, BMX track, mountain bike trails and road track) in one venue.

Sarah commented: "Without UCLan, I would undoubtedly not be where I am today. The university staff instilled a new lease of confidence into me and helped me belief in myself, without which, I would never have relocated to London by myself.

"The opportunities UCLan offers in sport are the best I've come across in comparison with other universities, most notably my trip to Zambia to coach sports. It's such a talking point and a massive bonus when it comes to job interviews and definitely helped me achieve my job.

"I'm sad my UCLan experience is over, but it's something I'll never forget and I hope to still be a part of the university's legacy for years to come."

Matt used his final year placement to land his dream job with Rovers. Whilst completing his Sports Coaching degree he worked as a match analyst at Ewood Park, but knew this would help him get a foot in the door.

Matt also gained additional qualifications outside of university that added the relevant tools to his strength and conditioning toolbox. He now works at Blackburn providing support to Academy coaches.

For more graduate profile stories, please click any of the following numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.