Argyle Community Trust
STUDENTS on the Argyle and Marjon degree programme in Football Development & Coaching travelled to West Bromwich Albion on Monday to gain an insight into how Sport Development and Academy coaches work.
On arrival, the students met with Sport Development manager Dave Lawrence, who took them to a directors’ box inside the ground, where we spent time discussing Sport Development and Education.
There was some fantastic detail on how the structure within the club makes them one of the best working pathways in the country. There is a massive family and team ethos that has proven a platform for success at the Hawthorns.
The students were then taken on a behind the scenes tour of the club, visiting banquet halls, corporate boxes, the pitch, officials room, players’ tunnel, home and away changing rooms, and viewing all the history of the club through the reception area.
After lunch, we visited one of the educational centres, where we were given privileged access to a West Brom Academy and education coach delivering a session to the post-16 education Programme. The Marjon students were able to make notes and ask questions during the session. At the end, the coach shared his session plan and aims with the group, providing the students with fantastic experience of coaching in a real-life setting.
The day as a whole was a success and a wonderful opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge from a Premier League club. We covered many of the elements that the Marjon Football degree students will need to develop in their course programme.
Argyle Community Trust would like to thank Dave Lawrence, his team of coaches and West Bromwich Albion Football Club for their time and support. We are hopeful we can make this a regular education trip to support the BA Football Degree students.
For more information on the football degree programme, please contact gary.jeffery@pafc.co.uk
