Students score summer placements in the USA

Five students from the University of Wolverhampton have landed placements in America to further their football coaching skills over the summer break.

A group of second-year students studying football coaching and performance in the University’s School of Sport have secured different football coaching placements at high-profile companies across America.

The success follows after attending a careers session held by Russel Smith, Lecturer in Football and Coaching about upcoming opportunities to kick-start careers in sport.

As part of the session, Rus reflected on his career and spoke about his experience with Challenger Sports, travelling to the Midwest of USA in 1999. After sharing his invaluable experience, he encouraged students to pursue similar opportunities.

Inspired by their lecturer, Daisy Hughes, Jake Ryder, Kristian Hinev, Jackson Dilday and Callum Nicholls applied to overseas work opportunities that sparked their interest and all successfully secured paid summer placements for 2022.

Daisy Hughes successfully landed a soccer coaching and counselling placement in Pennsylvania with the award-winning programme Camp America.

Daisy said: “Going to work in America has always been a dream of mine but I had no idea how to go about it.

“I’m so grateful to have been given the support by Rus – inspiring me about the opportunities that are out there and getting me started on the process. 

“It feels so surreal knowing I’m going to work for one of the most popular camps in the world.

“It’s like a dream and can’t believe it’s going to become a reality. If anyone ever gets an opportunity like this or is thinking about applying, all I can say is “just do it” because if you don’t, you’ll regret it.

“I’m certainly on the countdown now, I honestly cannot wait. Get me on that plane!”

Jake Ryder secured a placement with the largest soccer camp company in North America Challenger Sports.

Jake said: “It's a fantastic opportunity that I never thought would be possible this early in my career.

“Back in April 2020, I got rejected by Greggs for an interview. And here I am, two years later, flying off to coach in the states. It just shows that hard work pays off and better opportunities are just around the corner. America, here I come!”

Russel Smith, Lecturer in Football and Coaching in the School of Sport at the University of Wolverhampton said: “I would like to congratulate all our students on being successful in landing their placements.

“This is a really valuable experience for them, especially working aboard in between University semesters.

“I know they’ll have a fantastic time, and I can’t wait to hear about their adventures when we welcome them back for their final year.”

Jake and Daisy will both fly to America in June for three months and return to study their final year at the university in September.

To find out more about Football Coaching courses at the University of Wolverhampton click here.

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