University football coaching students go behind the scenes at West Bromwich Albion
Football Coaching students from the University of Wolverhampton have been given a behind-the-scenes insight into professional football during a visit to West Brom's Academy.
The visit, which took place last week, allowed students to experience the day-to-day operations of Albion’s Academy.
Activities included practical coaching sessions in the Dome and access to facilities within the Academy building, offering students a first-hand look at the demands and standards of an elite football environment.
The experience forms part of the University’s ongoing commitment to providing students with real-world learning opportunities that enhance employability and career readiness.
Russel Smith, Senior Lecturer in Football Coaching at the University of Wolverhampton, said the partnership continues to inspire students. “It’s great to work with professional club academies, especially where we have a track record of students progressing into staff roles. Seeing that pathway helps students realise that a career in professional football is achievable,” he said.
The visit also saw students reunited with University of Wolverhampton graduates Kieran Squire, Geovannie Shaw and Dylan Sommel, who are now employed full-time at West Bromwich Albion. The alumni shared their experiences of progressing from the University’s Walsall Campus to roles at The Hawthorns, highlighting the value of the University’s ‘earn and learn’ approach in preparing them for professional football careers.
The University’s partnership with West Bromwich Albion has already led to a number of successful placements and employment opportunities for students in recent years. The University’s position as the club’s preferred higher education partner further strengthens the growing relationship between the two organisations.
