Ashley Gill

Course Director

Health, Education, Policing and Sciences

As a senior member of the Sport and Science department, I bring extensive experience in sports coaching and physical education, employing a multidisciplinary approach to teaching. I support coach and physical education across a range of sports, although my passion is basketball, a sport I have coached extensively at grass-roots and academy levels. Through this, I have developed significant expertise in all aspects of human and team development, including talent development, performance enhancement, and strategic team management.

At the University of Staffordshire, I oversee all aspects of postgraduate provision within the department, ensuring a high-quality learning experience for Sport and Science students. In addition to my Postgraduate Course Director leadership role, I contribute to the development, planning and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in sports coaching and physical education, delivering engaging and innovative lectures, practical sessions, and seminars designed to foster both personal and professional growth.

Beyond teaching, I am a published author of 'Foundations of Sports Coaching: Applying Theory to Practice', a Routledge textbook that bridges the gap between coaching theory and practical application. My work serves as a vital resource for both aspiring and experienced coaches, offering evidence-based insights and real-world strategies. As a dedicated researcher and PhD candidate, I am currently pursuing a PhD by Published Work, with a research focus on student transitions in higher education. My work examines the diverse pathways students take as they navigate academic milestones, contributing to the broader understanding of learning development, transition and student success.

Professional memberships and activities

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS)
Basketball England Coaches License

Academic qualifications

PhD by Publication – 2019-Present – University of Staffordshire
Post Graduate Certificate of Education – 2010 – Sheffield Hallam University
MSc Sport & Exercise Science – 2007 – Leeds Beckett’s University
BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science – 2003 – Nottingham Trent University

Expertise

I specialise in various aspects of sports coaching and physical education, ranging from grassroots development to high-performance coaching. My expertise extends to applied coaching practices, coaching pedagogy, and fostering both personal and professional growth in aspiring and experienced coaches and teachers. Through a holistic approach, I emphasise skill development, athlete performance, and effective teaching methodologies to enhance learning and engagement in both coaching and physical education settings.

Research interests

My primary research interests focus on the transition of students into Higher Education, examining the diverse pathways different student groups take through key educational milestones. I serve as a peer reviewer for the following academic journals:

Journal of Further and Higher Education
Studies in Higher Education
Research in Post-Compulsory Education
Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Education
British Educational Research Journal

If you would like to discuss a research project or supervision opportunity, please feel free to contact me via email ashley.gill1@staffs.ac.uk

Teaching

Foundations of Sports Coaching
Coaching Pedagogy
Coaching Diverse Groups
Effective Coaching
Project Based Learning

Publications

Book

Gill, A.J.G., 2021. Foundations of Sports Coaching: Applying theory to Practice [3rd ed]. Routledge, Abingdon, U.K.

Research

Gill, A.J.G., 2023. ‘Looking forward’: non-traditional students perceptions of their readiness and preparedness for the transition to work after graduation. Research in Post-Compulsory Education, 28(1), pp.149-172.

Gill, A.J.G., 2021. Difficulties and support in the transition to higher education for non-traditional students. Research in Post-Compulsory Education, 26(4), pp.410-441.

Gill, A.J.G., 2020. The thoughts, feelings and perceptions of sport and exercise students progressing from vocational education and training to academic education. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 44(6), pp.795-808.

Gill, A.J.G., 2019. Student Transition into Higher Education: Exploring BTEC Sport and Exercise Students Forthcoming Transition to Higher Education Taught within a Further Education Setting. Innovative Practice in Higher Education. 3(3), pp.90-112.

Gill, A.J.G., 2017. The Transitional Experiences of Sport and Exercise Students from Further Education to Higher Education, Innovative Practice in Higher Education, 3(1), pp. 22-47.

Gill, A. J. G. (2016, July 20). Performance vs. Participation in Youth Sports. The Sentinel. Retrieved from http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/

Research Gate Profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ashley-Gill-2

Presentations

Gill, A. J. G., 2020 (February 26th). Factors Affecting University Sports Students Participation in NGB Coach Education Courses. UK Coaching, Applied Research Conference, Pride Park, Derby.

Newlands, K. and Gill, A. J. G., 2020 (February 26th). Players Perceptions of Experiencing the Constraints Led Approach to Coaching. UK Coaching, Applied Research Conference, Pride Park, Derby.

Crump, M. and Gill, A. J. G., 2020 (February 26th). ‘Straight off the training ground’: Using the Constraints Led Approach for Pre-planned Strategies in Rugby Union. UK Coaching, Applied Research Conference, Pride Park, Derby.

ashley.gill1@staffs.ac.uk

External profiles

ORCID