Growing in the Coaching Industry: Sasha Crooknorth Student Profile

Another standout student we’re delighted to highlight as part of our student profile series is Sasha Crooknorth.

After graduating from the University of Birmingham, where Sasha studied Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science, Sasha chose to continue her journey with a master’s degree at GIS.

Currently enrolled on our MSc Football Coaching & Analysis course, Sasha is developing her “understanding of theoretical, in-depth coaching methods,” which she regularly applies in her professional work.

With a packed coaching schedule most days of the week, Sasha serves as the Head of Girls ETC at West Ham United, the club she supports, where she also coaches the Girls’ U16 team.

She previously worked for Chelsea as an Education Officer and now supports the UCFB Women’s Academy. Additionally, Sasha has served as Youth Council Chairwoman at the London FA, where she led strategic team meetings and collaborated with staff to implement youth initiatives.

At GIS, Sasha was awarded the Women in Sport scholarship scholarship in recognition of exceptional work in coaching. The scholarship provides a 15% tuition reduction, one-on-one mentorship with an industry professional, and a complimentary place at one of our prestigious GIS Global Summits. Opting to attend our summit in Miami, Sasha will gain exclusive insights through behind-the-scenes access to top sporting venues, attend live events, and learn directly from leading football industry experts, experiences that will help deepen her knowledge and expand her professional network.

Calling GIS a “great learning opportunity,” Sasha shared that the course provides her with “a space where I can access a high level of football.” Studying online allows her the flexibility to balance her career and academic commitments.

Her modules include Applied Football Match Analysis, Analysis of Football Coaching Practice, and Applying Football Principles: Tactics and Strategies. As course graduate Benjamin Chevreau once said: “My time at GIS helped create opportunities I thought would never be possible. I now have the tools necessary to keep developing within the football industry.”

Passionate about the impact of sport, Sasha says she loves “helping young people to change and improve their lives and help them to make positive decisions through football”, a mission we’re confident she’ll continue to pursue during her time at GIS.

Inspired to kickstart your career as a coach? To learn more about our MSc Football Coaching & Analysis course, click here.

 Article by Zakaria Anani