GIS Graduate Craig Bowker on Coaching, Career Development and Continuous Learning

Our GIS student profile series aims to provide insight into the professional lives of students shaping the future of the sports industry, and recently, we spoke to GIS graduate Craig Bowker.

Completing his MSc Coaching and Analysis programme in 2025, Craig studied part-time as he balanced two roles in football coaching.

One is as the Co-Founder and Chairman of All Star Sports Coaching CIC, a community-focused organisation based in Wolverhampton that runs football sessions for children, as well as an initiative aimed at developing local coaches.

Craig also works as the Head of Coach Development at Sporting Khalsa FC, a club in the 8th tier of English football (Step 4).

With an enthusiasm for learning, Craig began by saying: “I often remind the coaches I work with to spend a little time each day improving themselves. It’s a principle I live by too. From the very start of my coaching journey, I’ve committed to continuous growth, both through FA Education and academic study.”

This attitude has seen Craig achieve an undergraduate degree in Sports, Fitness and Coaching and his master’s with GIS, as well as multiple coaching qualifications including a UEFA B licence.

“My journey with GIS has been an exciting and rewarding challenge over the past two academic years,” he explained.

“The course has not only strengthened my coaching practice but also expanded my professional network and deepened my understanding of what it means to lead and learn within the coaching environment.”

In particular, he highlighted modules in Football Match Analysis, Philosophy in the Coaching Process, and Applying Football Principles: Tactics and Strategies as the most engaging, saying they “provided a rich blend of self-reflection and academic challenge.”

Craig then recalled the events he attended during his studies, including a Global Sports Summit in Miami. “A week that has left me with lifelong memories,” he labelled the experience, underlining the “unparalleled opportunities to network and engage with major figures from the MLS, MLB, and NBA, as well as guest speakers from Concacaf.”

“It reaffirmed that choosing GIS over other courses was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” he continued.

Linking back to his professional development, Craig added that his studies have given him more confidence as a coach. “Since beginning the course, I’ve successfully obtained the FA Licensed Deliver role with Staffordshire FA, a milestone that reflects both my development as a coach and my commitment to sharing knowledge with others.”

This role has seen Craig deliver sessions to over 100 coaches at St George’s Park, the training ground of England’s national team, whilst also leading Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events across multiple non-league clubs

“The communication, analytical, and reflective skills required to deliver these high-quality learning experiences have been shaped and strengthened by the GIS learning environment.

“This journey has not only enhanced my professional capability but also deepened my passion for helping others grow through education and applied coaching practice.

“Now, as an Alumni, I look forward to staying connected with the GIS community,” he added. To conclude, Craig offered a piece of advice to other aspiring sports professionals, encouraging them to have an open mind when it comes to learning and improving:

“You only know what you know you know.”

Article by Zakaria Anani