Rocky road reaps rewards

Careers in sport often take a very different path from the one you start out on. UCLan postgraduate student Chris Brammall describes his own as a 'rocky road' and one which is still developing.

Following a highly successful time as a sports coach, coach educator and lecturer working for Schools, Professional Football Clubs, Universities and Colleges, Sporting Charities and Community Organisations, Chris signed a four-year contract with the Football Association as a PE & Coaching in Education Coordinator (NW).

He is one of just six appointments made by the FA nationally and is tasked with working with Premier League and Football League clubs to deliver a coaching programme which links to the national curriculum, and he believes the role will benefit children by helping other coaches educate them to partake in more active lifestyles.

Chris has also chosen to pursue a Master's in Sports Coaching and, after researching a number of other universities, he decided UCLan was the place to be."The University has a growing reputation in sport. The staff, research informed teaching, course modules and excellent facilities made it an easy decision for me when I decided to take on postgraduate study."

Away from his main job and studies, Chris still does volunteer work and thinks anyone looking to work in sport needs to be flexible: "It's important to have a plan, but don't try and look too far ahead as your career may not take the path you expect," he said.

"Find out what your main passions are and look for jobs in that area, but be prepared to do different things. Networking is vital and you need to keep learning as you progress to stay ahead of the game."