A Global Institute of Sport student has been talking to us about his multiple roles at Virginia United FC.
Ellis Shaw, who studies MSc Football Coaching and Analysis, has moved from the UK to Australia to broaden his skills and knowledge and progress his coaching journey.
At Virginia United, Ellis is both academy head coach for the U14s team and the club co-ordinator.
As a coach, he leads all the training sessions for the U14s at Virginia United twice a week, and also on matchdays.
As club co-ordinator, Ellis oversees all the club’s community teams, and so is the point of contact if any of the other coaches are in need of any help.
When asked about moving from the UK to Australia, he said: “I moved mainly for the culture and the weather, and it’s great for my CV. It’s been unreal, I’m loving it so far.
“I’ve come to Australia to get that experience before I go back to Europe to go for my UEFA B licence.”
Speaking about his time so far at the Global Institute of Sport, he added: “I chose to come to GIS as I thought this was the next step for me after community football, so now I want to do football coaching at the highest level I can.
“You learn things you wouldn’t if you weren’t doing the course. I’ve learnt how to analyse football and take the knowledge into my academy team.”
He finished: “Network. Especially in football. You have to know people to get to places. The more connections you make, the better.”
To find out more about the wide array of postgraduate courses available at our Australia-based Melbourne Campus at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, click here.
You can also click here to view a GIS prospectus and score your career goals in the sports industry.
