Chelsea Football Club Foundation Coaching and Development (Top-up) BSc (Hons)

This degree gives me the opportunity to practically apply concepts that I learn in the classroom. I'm gaining first-hand experience in an environment that I want to work in.

I don't live on campus, but the ability to live at home and travel was a huge factor for choosing St Mary’s. It's great to come on to campus, everyone knows everyone and it’s a friendly atmosphere. The facilities are great and are always available for us to use.

I've been on this course for six months now and I can say that my coaching ability from the start until now has improved. I think that my thinking has improved the most; for example my ability to coach through game situations and create my own identity of what I want to see in my players.

I like life on campus because you get to see a lot of people and socialise as well. For some of our modules we've worked with students on the Physical and Sport Education degree, which is good because we got to branch out of our natural group and work with new people.

Using Stamford Bridge and Cobham Training Ground is probably the best thing about the course because how many people can say they have coached at the training ground or been inside the bridge? It has also been good because I've got to learn and work with top coaches from which I've received feedback and advice. It's also been good to see some of the players play and the see the difference in ability from what I'm used to at grassroots level. 

I would highly recommend this unique degree programme provided by St Mary’s University and Chelsea FC Foundation. Giving you the opportunity to practically apply the theory learnt in the classroom to a host of different settings.

We have also gained first-hand experience in different departments across Chelsea FC Foundation at locations such as Stamford Bridge and Cobham Training Ground within our work placement module. We are lucky enough to learn from highly experienced and talented people in their field and they go above and beyond to make our experience great.

This degree covers a variety of modules that will prepare you not only in football but also other sports. I have gained experiences in being on professional work placements of my own choice which the FdSc staff supported me on.

The staff on the FdSc Programme are the best practitioners I have come across they make you feel at home and provide you with opportunities to reach your full potential by individualising student learning. The staff on the FdSc Programme always go above and beyond I cant thank them enough for delivering a fantastic student experience. 

The qualities and experience that I have gained from this degree has helped me develop holistically and ensured I am equipped with the correct skill sets to deal with the high demands in the sports industry.

Combining practical experiences as part of Chelsea FC Foundation and the High-Quality learning environment of St Mary’s, provides a really engaging and diverse learning experience, blending theory and practice. 

The programme team provide expertise to compliment our experiences and learning, with opportunities such as supporting some great events and studying at Cobham and Stamford Bridge. 

I can personally testify to the employability benefits of this, having been fortunate to secure a Part-Time contract at Chelsea FC Foundation, accompanying my studies.