One of our MSc Sport Directorship graduates has seen his dissertation research published in a national football-industry focused journal twice in the last two months.
Spencer Fearn, who graduated with distinction on the Sports Directorship course, has had his dissertation research into Coaching Education with Elite Player Performance Plan academies published in fcbusiness magazine.
This is a first for GIS, having a student’s research accepted for publication in such a high-profile magazine.
Spencer’s research appeared in two editions of the journal, in March and April, and he is overjoyed with the response.
He said: “It’s been fantastic to get some of the work from my dissertation recognised in such a well-respected publication on two occasions. I am working with Nick Wilde and Jane Abbey from UCFB to hopefully get the research published in academia.
“It has also been fantastic to get such a positive response from people within the football industry who have been interested in my research, which has hopefully given some insight into how some clubs and federations deliver coach education.”
Spencer will take his new skills and qualification to his doctorate, which he is currently studying, where he is further studying coach education.
Prior to this course, Spencer had been vice-chairman of two professional football clubs, a director of a rugby union club, a partner in a boxing firm, a semi-professional football manager, academy coach and head of academy.
He added: “The MSc Sports Directorship was an excellent course which was led superbly by Dr Ian Lawrence. The face-to-face delivery aspect every month allowed me to build my network and develop some great friendships within a fantastic group of people.
“As part of the modules the group tasks afforded me the opportunity to meet specialists in the industry for example employees at Red Bull Leipzig, Brentford and Rotherham United as part of the research I did, which was a great experience.
“Having a good education is very important to help build knowledge and build your network. Also for students, take as many volunteering opportunities as possible and develop a blend of different experiences that will enhance your skills is key and this will show potential employers that you have the work ethic required for the sports industry.”
To find out more about other postgraduate degree offers available at GIS, click here.
