The chief executive of the Manchester FA has been speaking about the higher education course designed in collaboration between UCFB and The Football Association.

The Certificate of Higher Education in Football Development provides students with critical understanding of football development from grassroots to elite-level.

Colin Bridgford, chief executive at the Manchester Football Association, spoke to us about how the course is great for people to really understand the true nature of working in the ever-changing football industry.

“The Certificate in Higher Education is something the FA have been working in partnership with UCFB now for a couple of years to develop,” he said. “Last year was the first cohort of students which were looking to get involved.

“This was a real practical opportunity where both the FA and County FAs can help to support and actually provide an understanding about more of what goes on working within football.”

He added: “The modules themselves gives a wealth and breadth of knowledge about the development and support mechanisms which help develop and grow the game.”

The course is a one-year distance-learning experience which provides students, whether new to the industry or already industry professionals, with the skills, knowledge and experience to pursue their dream career in football development.

Colin spoke about how the course, with its many opportunities for workplace experience, is invaluable for people wanting to score their career goals in football.

“The course gives you a real intense opportunity,” Colin added, “to learn more about what day to day is really like.

“Working in football, you have to be flexible and agile, and the course really does open people’s eyes.

“Everyone wants to work in football. It’s a great opportunity without a shadow of a doubt. I’m so proud to work in football, and I know my team are, and that’s what drives us on.”

Find out about the many undergraduate degree courses on offer at UCFB, all tailored to the sports industry, ranging from sports media and business and coaching and science.

You can also find out all about student life at UCFB and our unique sports industry-related degree courses by viewing a prospectus.