Students on the Sports Coaching degree course delivered thanks to a partnership between Wolves Foundation and the University of Wolverhampton enjoyed a coaching session from two of the club’s international stars.
As part of their own studies towards their coaching qualifications, prior to the end of last season Brazilian international Andre and South Korean international Hee Chan Hwang led a session involving the students which was observed by the PFA as part of their coach education programme.
This is just one example of the many enrichment opportunities connected to the degree, which is taught primarily at Molineux and the Foundation Indoor Arena at Aldersley, and prepares students for graduate level employment.
“It was a great opportunity to take our Sports Coaching Degree students over to Compton to observe some coach education from the PFA, working Hwang and Andre,” said Teddy Munroe, Student Development Officer with Wolves Foundation.
“The session was focusing on creating chances from wide areas and it was brilliant for our students to hear both the rationale and detail from two professional footballers whilst delivering the session.
“It was also very beneficial to hear the feedback on different aspects of the session from the PFA mentor.”
The degree features work-based learning modules and placements across the wide range of Foundation projects, offering students the opportunity for hands-on practical experience to accompany their learning and prepare them for employment.
Student Nico Cowan said: “It was a privilege to have this experience through the University course, and to work with professional football players in person felt very surreal.
“It was great to have in-depth conversations with the two on their thoughts and ideas of the session as well as hearing the detailed feedback and advice from the PFA Mentor, an amazing experience I’m really grateful for.”
As well as the academic and practical learning undertaken during the degree, students will also have the potential to represent the University in a variety of sports teams who compete nationally in BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) competitions.
During the course they will also enjoy networking opportunities and the chance to establish links with employers, as well as receiving high quality mentoring and personal development guidance alongside career plans as preparation for graduate-level employment.
Already this year, four students among the Level 4 cohort are heading to coach at Challenger Sports Football Summer Camps across the USA and Canada for three months over the summer.
“We are delighted to have linked up with the University of Wolverhampton to deliver a Sports Coaching degree, and the first year has been very successful for all the students involved,” says Brad Moore, Post 16 Education & Skills Manager with Wolves Foundation.
“The mixture of academic learning, much of which is delivered in sight of the pitch at Molineux, along with the practical sessions and enrichment opportunities combines to offer a really strong all-round experience for those on the course.
“The opportunity to take part in a coaching session delivered by Andre and Hwang was another strand to the programme, which is aimed to prepare students for roles within coaching and the sports industry after graduation.
“We are receiving regular and positive feedback from the first cohort, and are looking forward to the degree course going from strength to strength over the coming years.”
Expressions of interest are now being taken for the next intake of students in September. Click here to complete the form.
