Chelsea FC Foundation Collaborates with St Mary's to Launch New Degree

Chelsea Football Club (CFC) Foundation has collaborated with St Mary’s University, Twickenham to launch an innovative and unique foundation degree programme in Football Education and Development. The degree has seen academics and coaches from St Mary’s and education staff from Chelsea collaborate to provide students with real life experience within an academic, conceptual and practical context. Students will be able to fulfil their potential within the football, education, and sporting environments. Students will be able to take advantage of learning at Chelsea’s home ground Stamford Bridge and at its world-class training ground in Cobham, in addition to St Mary’s Strawberry Hill campus. They will also have the opportunity to undertake two placement modules with Chelsea. This will provide students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real world setting. Modules will cover a range of themes and topics including; Coaching through the game, Business and Entrepreneurship, Teaching and Coaching in Primary Schools and Football Performance. Programme Director Michael Ayres said, “St Mary’s have worked in collaboration with CFC Foundation on a variety of projects. Over this time we have realised that both the University and Foundation share similar values and mission around trying to help and support young people to improve their lives through education and sport. “The development of this foundation degree is an example of this shared vision that will allow young people to fulfill their academic and vocational potential through education and football.” Head of Education at CFC Foundation Matt Mead said, "CFC Foundation are extremely excited to be working with St Mary's on the up coming foundation degree in Football Education and Development. We are keen to offer a route to young aspiring coaches and teachers of the future who wish to learn, work and develop at both a leading university and globally recognised football club. This innovative foundation degree will give students a chance to learn first hand what is needed to work within the football foundation landscape and develop skills in community coaching, business and entrepreneurship, safeguarding and programme development to impact and empower communities through the power of football."