The first cohort of students on our Chelsea Foundation degree programmes, in partnership with St Mary’s University, recently graduated with more than 60 percent of students receiving ‘Good Honours’.
The Foundation and St Mary’s University have been working together since 2017, delivering the FdSc and BSc Degree Programmes in Football Coaching and Development.
Despite the barriers facing graduates' employment and further study outcomes this year specifically, several students from the programme have already made their next steps into the industry or into further study.
Gemma Taylor, who completed her third year work placement with the Foundation’s ‘Breaking the Cycle’ programme, will begin a role at Fulham Foundation alongside studying for a Master’s Degree, while former student Oli Moore will take on a full-time role as Digital Education Officer at the Foundation.
Oli, who progressed into an Admin and Operations Assistant during his time on the programme, will also be continuing his educational endeavours with St Mary’s University after enrolling onto an MSc in Leading Innovation and Change in Education.
He said: ‘I’m really excited to be continuing my journey with Chelsea FC Foundation.
‘There is no doubt that being on the degree programme opened doors which have led to my now full-time employment with the Foundation.
‘I’m also looking forward to now mentoring the new cohort of students when they join me on work placements.’
Students Max Ross, who is also a coach for the Foundation, and Elliot Whitely have opted to continue studying at St Mary's University, as they enrol onto the Performance Football Coaching Masters Programme, while Abdul Sheik Yusuf will be embarking on a Masters Degree in Professional Development in Sports Coaching.
St Mary’s University project officer, Adrian Salisbury, said: ‘It’s great to see our students taking their next steps so proactively and quickly following graduation, especially given the current job market.
‘We are continuing to support those students who are still seeking their next steps, through mentoring with us at the Foundation.’
For more information about our degree programme with St Mary's, please visit the below website, or contact Adrian Salisbury via email – [email protected]
Foundation Degree - https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/foundation/chelsea-football-coaching
3rd Year Top up to BSc Degree - https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/undergraduate/chelsea-football-coaching