Football Coaching students train with Nike Academy
Football coaching students from Hugh Baird College last week worked with top coaches from sportswear giant Nike’s Footballing Academy.
The Nike Academy is a full-time, pro-level training programme run by Nike. The Academy is where carefully selected young players work on their game in pursuit of a professional contract.
The session, which was delivered by Nike coaches holding the top UEFA A Licence, was focussed on working at a high intensity and gave the learners the reasoning behind why certain drills were being delivered and how skills being taught would benefit players in game situations. In addition to learning from industry leaders, learners also enjoyed getting to try the prototype Nike boots and kit. The session was drawn to a close with a question and answer session between the students and the coaches.
Students on the Football Coaching courses delivered by Hugh Baird College gain a wide range of coaching related qualifications while at the college that set them up for careers in the industry. These including the FA Level 1 award, a selection of NVQs and a First for Sport qualification. To further develop their skills, students take part in coaching sessions with local primary schools as part of the College’s Super Schools initiative.
Speaking at the session, Hugh Baird College Football Coaching tutor Phil Oliver, who is himself a UEFA B Licence holder, said:
“I’d like to thank the coaches from Nike for investing their time with our students. The coaching session was designed to develop the students’ coaching skills and I’m certain that it achieved this objective. It also gave students a realisation of how techniques and drills must evolve when working with elite level players. Nike have agreed to make this an annual occurrence and we’re extremely grateful.”
Football coaching student Scott Mitchell from Crosby said:
“Getting to work with the Nike Academy coaches was an unbelievable experience. Some of them had worked with some of the world’s best players and coaches at clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint Germaine. Following my course I plan on coaching in the USA, so this experience will really improve my CV.”
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