One degree, one big career shaped. Now aged 21, Jack has just finished our degree course in Football Coaching. Despite awaiting his results, he has already secured the next steps in his career, with exciting opportunities ahead.

He joined us in 2021, having studied at college 6th Form and already visioned himself coaching and aware of what was on offer at Derby County.

Jack said ‘’When I first signed up for the course, the plan was to get any form of coaching experience. Soon after working elsewhere, I saw the Trust were looking for Casual Coaches and I managed to get that opportunity. It all took off from there really.

It was seeing the impact what DCCT have in the community and being a Derby fan, that made this degree course stand out to Jack. ‘’As a fan, it was just a good opportunity for me to give back. I used to come to the Holiday Coaching when I was kid. Getting involved in the degree and learning from the coaches that have acted like mentors has given me the education, as well as the working experience I needed.

Jack made the most of his placements, got involved and tried to absorb as much as he could around the experienced coaching team. ‘’ The placement opportunities they gave us were brilliant. The contacts allowed me to take on extra things, like the Casual Coach role. The learning and practical skills you get really benefit you as football coach. It’s not just about that though, it’s all the stuff around it like the classroom work too.

After handing in his final assignment, Jack applied for a full-time position at the Trust and was soon given the role as a permanent coach. He works closely within the Schools and Coaching department, providing football coaching for youngsters across Derby. ‘’I started the degree with no experience, and now finishing the degree as a full-time member of staff. It’s my day job, and whilst it is different, it’s great to see that progression in my career path.’’

Looking back at the past three years, Jack was blown away by what he has been able to accomplish; ‘’I would have probably laughed at you if you told younger me that I would be working full-time for the company that gave me a degree, work experience and placements in the space of a few years. It didn’t seem real, but it was made real through hard work and the mentors we had and the ability to learn on the job.’’

It's this passion and gratitude that has helped Jack get where he is after studying with us. He went on to say ‘’I only got here thanks to the degree and all those extra sessions they put on for us. DCCT made my progression possible and gave me the bug for coaching. I was just a guy who just finished 6th form and now I’m in a dream role.’’

On our degree courses, you’ll gain a vast array of experiences within Derby County Football Club’s community setting alongside gaining your FA Level 2 Coaching qualification in a work-based placement.

Lectures will be delivered within a sport setting and cover topics including sports science, physical education and school sport, strategic sports development, and football in society.

Head to our page dedicated to our degree programmes:
Degrees at DCCT

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