Preston Lions Host GIS Coaching & Analysis Students for Third Residential Visit

In partnership with Preston Lions, Global Institute of Sport students were recently able to gain first-hand insight into high-level Australian football.

As part of a long-running partnership, our MSc Football Coaching & Analysis class visited the NPL Victoria club during their intensive residential in Melbourne. 

The cohort had the opportunity to engage with the coaching department, students gained insight from first-team coaches and observed pre-season fixtures. 

They also attended first-team training sessions, helping the students learn from those in the roles they aspire to.

This is the third time students have been hosted by Preston Lions, following successful trips in both 2024 and 2025. 

On the partnership, Preston Lions President David Cvetkovski said: “The opportunity for students to immerse themselves fully into a real football environment, interact with players and coaches in real time is invaluable. They get a first hand look at the coal face of the club.”

During the 2025 residential, GIS were proudly joined by Chris Ramsay MBE, former QPR head coach and Technical Director, Tottenham Hotspur first-team coach, and current Professional Development Phase (PDP) Lead at The FA. Chris delivered a coaching session to Preston Lions U21s with the support of the GIS coaching students.

These experiences are a part of their programme that allow students to combine their flexible online study with in-person experience, an important aspect of learning, David added.

“The development of future coaches is a key component of our club’s strategy.”

“Our partnership allows us to provide insight into a real, working club, direct access to experienced professional coaches, whilst our club is able to support the development of future talent through GIS. The ultimate outcome is a coach from GIS transitioning into a role at the club.”

“The biggest benefit for our club,” David noted, “has been the sharing of methodology and the creation of strong relationships. Ultimately we would like to provide a bilateral pathway for both GIS and Preston coaches as a part of the collaboration.”

As well as the Preston Lions visit, the residential included networking events and guest speaker sessions, including with Emma Checker, NPLW manager at Melbourne Victory, and Anthony Grima, COO at The AllStars Academy.

There was also a practical aspect to the trip, as students took to the pitch as part of coaching sessions led by GIS Deputy Dean and MSc Football Coaching & Analysis Course Leader, Jono McPhail.

GIS are further delighted to have hosted the graduation ceremonies in the same week. One MSc Football Coaching and Analysis student who graduated is Anouk Meereboer. 

Anouk attended her programme residentials in both 2024 and 2025, and was part of the group invited to Preston Lions.

“Graduating with a Master’s in Football Coaching and Analysis at the Summit networking event was a truly special moment,” Anouk told GIS.

“It was a chance to celebrate the hard work, curiosity, and passion of us as students. I’m excited to build on this foundation by further developing as a Coach Education Tutor and diving deeper into the analysis side of football. I can’t wait to share my education and knowledge to help others to grow in the sport.”

Together, GIS and Preston Lions continue to bridge elite football education with real-world experience, helping the next generation of professionals to learn both the theory and practical skills vital to coaching and analysis.

Discover how you can take the next step in your football career with GIS by viewing our programme offerings.

Article by Zakaria Anani