Plymouth Marjon expands student opportunities with FA High Performance Football Centre partnership

Released: 05.07.24

Plymouth Marjon University is one of 10 FA Women’s High Performance Football Centres and with a specialised Goalkeeper High Performance Centre, bringing further opportunities for its students. 

As part of Marjon’s BA (Hons) Football Coaching and Development course, students are immersed in practical learning that offers high-level experiences. The unique integration allows students to analyse performance using the latest software and equipment, preparing them for work in the fast-paced sports industry. 

Lee Ballard, Senior Lecturer at Plymouth Marjon, also serves as a coach within the Women’s High Performance Centre. Lee said: 

“This is a great development for Marjon, expanding our already advanced offer for student development and building on our status as experts and leaders in high performance coaching.” 

Students on the Football Coaching and Development programme benefit from hands-on experiences, working closely with prominent partners such as Plymouth Argyle FC, Argyle Community Trust, and Devon FA. These collaborations ensure that students receive top-tier learning experiences and are instructed by university lecturers and industry professionals. 

The course offers over 100 hours of work placement in the second year, along with a Practical Football Development module, allowing students to deliver live projects in collaboration with football organisations. Through these projects, students enhance their communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, which are crucial for their future careers.  

Natasha Mills, Women’s High Performance Centre Coach Development Officer at the FA, commented: 

“The partnership with Plymouth Marjon University, a leading institution for sport, has been fantastic for student opportunities. We’ve been able to provide lots of opportunities for students to engage in coaching and strength and conditioning placements.  

“This is a fantastic new opportunity to provide placement opportunities for analysis. Students to not only gain valuable experience but support the growth of the performance centre network.” 

Students gain valuable exposure to high-performance environments, providing regular feedback to players on the England pathway and contributing to coach session planning, experience that is pivotal in developing a critical understanding of how the football industry operates and improving students' employability.  

Plymouth Marjon University funds various football coaching qualifications, including FA Level 1, Level 2, and UEFA B licenses, aligned with students' experience and expertise levels. The UEFA B license, essential for coaching at professional football club academies, further boosts students' employability and provides diverse coaching experiences.  

Marjon's BA Football Coaching and Development course includes students from all backgrounds, regardless of physical ability, gender, heritage, or age. The programme actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups, promoting inclusion and diversity within the football workforce.  

Through its innovative integration of high-performance opportunities and real-world experiences, Plymouth Marjon University is preparing students for successful careers in the football and sports industry. If you want to benefit from this exciting partnership, apply here.