St Mary’s University, London students on the Chelsea FC Foundation Coaching & Development Degree programme were recently given an exciting opportunity to support the Reece and Lauren James Cup, working alongside staff from the Chelsea FC Academy throughout the tournament.
As part of their role, our students acted as team liaisons, welcoming visiting professional academies from across the globe and accompanying them throughout the competition. They supported coaches from the sidelines during matches, helping ensure teams were fully prepared and coordinated.
This hands-on experience offered St Mary’s students a unique window into what it’s like to operate within an elite football environment. They observed firsthand how coaches communicate key messages, manage player expectations, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary staff team at academy level. Opportunities like these play a significant part in shaping students’ professional development, allowing them to build confidence, industry awareness, and practical employability skills.
Speaking on the event Tom Sims (Project Coordinator on the Chelsea FC Foundation Degree Programme) said, “We extend our sincere thanks to the Chelsea FC Academy staff for providing such an invaluable experience, and congratulations to all teams who took part in the tournament.
"Our students represented the University brilliantly — and we look forward to continuing to build opportunities like this that enrich their learning and prepare them for careers in the sport industry.”
