Passion to Profession: The Journeys of Three Aspiring Football Coaches

Our Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development offers a variety of exciting career paths within the football industry. With the help of our partners, the University of South Wales, students have the opportunity to develop skills in the community football development, principles of coaching, social inclusion and sports management.

All lectures, seminars, and tutorials are delivered in a supportive environment and our tutors dedicate a great deal of support to each student.

Alongside the academic element of the course, students complete up to 200 hours of voluntary coaching within the community, working with Cardiff City FC Community Foundation and Cardiff City FC Academy staff to develop their experiences in real life settings.

Meet Coree Davies, Alex Carvalho, and Henry George, who are currently studying on the Foundation Degree at the Community Foundation.

Below they share their unique experiences, challenges, and dreams – offering a glimpse into the power of education and hands-on coaching in shaping the future of aspiring football coaches.

Coree:

"My name is Coree Davies and I’m 20 years old.

I currently coach the Llanrumney first youth team are under 17s and I’ve been coaching them since I’ve left high school.

While being on placement with Easton high school, I assisted every year from 7 to 11 on subjects such as nutrition and health and well-being on the Premier League Inspires Programme.

Before Christmas, I also helped coach and train the under 12s and 13s at Cardiff City FC with the valuable mentoring of the Academy Head Coaches. Being able to watch the children play and have fun is what I enjoy most about football coaching. From watching the Academy sessions, I got valuable coaching points from Ben and his team by observing the technical points of each session.

At the end of the year, I’ll also receive my FAW C Certificate which will benefit my team in the long run.

In the future, I see myself coaching either in America, or for a high-level football club."

Alex:

"My name is Alex Carvalho and I’m 20 years old.

I’m currently on placement at the Community Foundation where I volunteer on the Premier League Primary Stars programme at Romney Primary School. Before that, I was also working at Saint Helens Primary School on placement.

My favourite thing about being on placement is that I get to understand how to coach different ages and how much of an impact I can have. I love being able to experience teaching different groups of kids, from different backgrounds.

I’ve been coaching Llanrumney United for over a year now. What I love most about coaching is the bond I’ve created with the kids. If I’m ever not around for a session for whatever reason, they’ll be asking me where I am and wondering what I’m doing – which feels really good.

I’m still figuring out what I want for the future, but what I can say is everything I’m learning and experiencing now is helping me build on my strengths and skills. I’m excited to see what the future holds for me after the Community Foundation."

Henry:

My name is Henry George and I am 19 years old.

I started working for the Community Foundation by helping with football activities, in the family stand at Cardiff City Stadium. I’ve now grown from this to supporting Premier League Kicks sessions and coaching in and around the local community – such as Grangetown, Pentwyn and Barry.

What I enjoy most about being a football coach is being able to have a laugh with the kids at the session. If they enjoy their session, I enjoy the session. As long as everyone has fun and enjoys the activities – that’s all that matters.

Initially, I struggled with the academic side of the Football Coaching degree. But overtime, with the support of the Tutors, I’ve become more confident and happier with the work I’m completing - and to the level I’m doing it at too!

In terms of my future, I’d like to be able to coach football on a more professional level and hopefully Academy level."

As you can see, the Foundation Degree not only opens doors to exciting career paths in the football industry but also provides a comprehensive and supportive learning experience.

Insights from students like Coree, Alex and Henry represent the transformative impact of personalised teaching and hands-on coaching, for both personal and professional growth in the world of football.

Although the UCAS Deadline has now passed, we can still help you apply directly to University of South Wales for 2024 entry. Learn more here!

Together, we're changing the game.