James started with Derby County Community Trust five months ago after completing our Football and Education programme. Despite being with the Trust for a short amount of time, he has settled in quickly.

He said: "Everyone has been really welcoming. The staff took to the banter side of things straight away which I preferred and has helped me settle in. I’ve had a good amount of work as well and the team have been there to help me if I ever needed anything.”

As well as the studying that goes with the level four apprenticeship, James has been heavily involved with our schools helping run a variety of sessions.

“Very often I spend the morning’s in the office, planning sessions and sorting through emails to make sure I am on top of things,” He explained. “In the afternoons every day I have a lunch club, mostly at cottons and then I have PE session that I deliver in schools and after school clubs as well.”

As well as working in schools, James has become involved in our TIPs programme, which allows players to access advanced coaching and the opportunity to progress within the Derby County player pathway. This also provides James the chance to challenge his coaching ability, something that he enjoys.

“TIPs would be my favourite part of the job at the minute. There’s some absolute ballers there and it lets me test my coaching as well. It lets me put on some sessions and see what they are doing on the pathway to elite level and where I can improve.”