Welcome to your Sports Coaching course

A big welcome from the Sports Coaching team here at Staffordshire University! We understand that new environments can be daunting, therefore, we want to help you prepare in advance and know what to expect when you get on-campus. We have put together this short to-do-list and information sheet to help you prepare for your exciting new course here at Staffordshire University. Following are some things you can do to help support your transition to the University… 

Your staff team

We want to make sure you know some of our team before you arrive. Hopefully this will help you recognise us and ensure you know who you can contact if you need any additional help and guidance.

Dr Alexander Blackett

Head Of Department-Sport & Science

Researcher in sport coaching, I consult with international sports organisations and national sports governing bodies to improve coach education, learning and development provision. I was awarded The Queen's Award for Voluntary Services in 2017.

Alexander's profile

Daniel Dawson

Course Director

Dan is a lecturer in Sport and Exercise and is the Course Leader for PGCE Physical Education and PE and Youth Sport Coaching courses.

Daniel's profile

Ashley Gill

Course Director

I am Course Director for Sport and Exercise with oversight of all aspects of postgraduate provision within the department. My role ensures that students have a high-quality experience and that all courses are delivered to a high-standard.

Ashley's profile

Module Options at Level 4: Invasion Games or Individual Sports

When you enrol on your course, you will also enrol for the modules that you will be studying in your first year of your course. In semester two, you have the choice to enrol on either Coaching and Teaching Invasion Games or Coaching and Teaching Individual Games depending on your preference and experiences. Please ensure that you have considered these options in advance of choosing so that you pick the right option because you will be enrolled on these modules as soon as you start your first year at the University. Please use the links below to access information regarding these modules… 

Coaching & Teaching Invasion Games

Coaching & Teaching Individual Sports

Suggested Introductory Reading [Optional]

You have the option to conduct some background reading prior to starting your course.

To provide you with an underpinning knowledge of the concepts surrounding sports coaching as a discipline, reading the 'Becoming a Sports Coach' text by Wallis and Lambert is a great start!

It contains information on key concepts that will be contextualised to football and applied to practice in your football coaching modules during the first year at university. 

'Wallis, J., & Lambert, J. (Eds.). (2015). Becoming a Sports Coach. Abingdon: Routledge'

Order your Sport & Exercise Apparel!

Many of your modules will be practical, therefore, you will be expected to wear appropriate clothing and footwear when conducting physical activity/sport. You will require appropriate clothing for outdoors specifically as we shall be coaching through the whole of the year, not just the warmer months. The Sport & Exercise Department have their own website where you can order apparel (kit) for your Sports Coaching course. If this is of interest, please follow the link below. 

Staffordshire University kit shop

Academic skills

Whether you're joining us from school or college, or you're returning to education after some time away, everyone can benefit from the Academic Study Skills resources provided by the University library.

The Academic Skills team is here to support you throughout your academic journey and to help you gain the skills you need to reach your full potential. They can assist with academic reading and writing skills, give advice on how best to plan assignments, and help improve your time management.

The library's Academic Skills Guides offer the key information to make studying easier and give a comprehensive guide to the learning resources and services we offer.

Staffs CampusConnect

Staffs CampusConnect is our student-led community app for new students. Connect with other people from your course, hometown or country, and even those with similar interests.

To register, please ensure you use your Applicant ID (Student Number) that you received in your offer letter, and the email address you used in your application to us.

Register for CampusConnect

Welcome website

Our welcome website will provide you the link to your new student life. It's all about how you find your place at university, including everything from how to meet friends, feel confident in doing your academic work, being a member of your Student Union and getting involved in Union Societies, Academic Societies, Sports, Volunteering or representing your peers in your School.

Part of this Welcome Week - we have an exciting program of University and course level activities planned for you for your first week in September. We are also building an extended program for you to join a series of events throughout the first half of the autumn term. Further details will be shared with you via the Welcome website and Students' Union pages over the coming weeks.

Welcome website

Campus map

Use our campus map to familiarise yourself with our campus before you arrive.

Campus map (PDF)

Check your email

Please make sure you check your personal email account regularly over the next few weeks. We will be sending you lots of information about Welcome Week.

We look forward to welcoming you to the campus in September. 

If you have any questions, please send them to the course leader- Alex Blackett (alexander.blackett@staffs.ac.uk).

The Sports Coaching Course Team  

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021