Matthew prepares for his future

BA (Hons) Sport Coaching and Coach Development graduate Matthew Pritchett worked hard to ensure he could fulfil his career dreams. Graduating from the University of Derby with first-class honours, he also received the highest achievement award in his class in recognition of his final year project and efforts throughout his course. 

Passionate about bringing the best out of others, Matthew’s journey into Sport Coaching and Coach Development was driven by his ambition to build the skills and experience needed for a career in educational and elite settings. “I was keen to learn both the art and science behind coaching to further my development and improve my delivery so I can work across all ages and abilities.”

Finding the perfect place to study was crucial, and Matthew spent time researching his course and speaking to lecturers at University of Derby Open Days, who he described as “approachable and passionate”. This, combined with the University’s impressive facilities, vibrant student city and ideal location made it the perfect fit: “Derby’s a nice place to live, with plenty to explore and experience outside of university. The location also allowed me to continue coaching the teams that I had a pre-existing relationship with.” 

Throughout his degree, Matthew’s learning was aided by opportunities to get to grips with high-quality outdoor facilities and industry-standard tools. This included performance and analysis suite Hudl and specialist video recording equipment, which he used to analyse 21 Derbyshire-based grassroot coaches’ delivery styles and practice designs as part of his independent study. Matthew found the support he received from lecturers during this time particularly beneficial: “they were always accessible, friendly and approachable, offering support throughout my degree and providing their wealth of experience through high quality teaching and learning. Additionally, they created opportunities for me to gain external qualifications for personal development and CPDs.”

Since completing his studies, Matthew has been putting his knowledge and experience into practice while working at Amber Valley School Sports Partnership. He credits his success to the detailed understanding of the theories behind coaching, increased self-confidence and presentation skills gained on his course. Looking ahead to where his career may take him, Matthew has his sights set on working in elite sport: “my involvement within grassroots football, voluntary coaching and undertaking my UEFA B license are positive steps, along with the knowledge gained from my degree to seek opportunities to coach within professional football clubs at academy level.” 

Providing students with opportunities to gain confidence, broaden their skills and enhance their CV through extra-curricular activities, our BA (Hons) Sport Coaching and Coach Development course aims to leave graduates with the confidence to make an impact in their chosen industry. Matthew found the opportunity to network with grassroot coaches, while working on his independent study, particularly beneficial: “the basis of my research project involved observing 21 active grassroots coaches within Derbyshire, so I had the opportunity to go out, make links and build relationships with different grassroots football clubs across Derbyshire.”

Further networking opportunities through placements and guest lectures also allow students to build up industry connections before they leave University, leaving them in a good position to find work. Matthew completed two coaching placements during his studies, one of which being at Belper Sports Football Club, where he still coaches on a voluntary basis.

The placements allowed Matthew to put session plans into practice, challenging him to adapt these based on the individual needs of players. Speaking of how this experience had benefitted him, Matthew explained that it “improved my coaching and leadership skills and my ability to deliver technical and tactical improvements, while giving me the opportunity to motivate and inspire young players to improve and strive for success.”

To anyone interested in studying this course at Derby, Matthew has one clear message: “Go for it, get involved, turn up, throw yourself in, make connections with people and make the most of every opportunity. You get out of the course what you put into it. The course will increase your knowledge and self-confidence allowing you to believe in yourself and take the next steps in your professional career.”