Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Beckett-backed football coaches earn Premier League diplomas
The event celebrated the graduation of coaches from across the English football leagues on a diploma of higher education in Professional Football Coaching.
The program of learning, validated by Leeds Beckett University, is delivered by Premier League with support from Leeds Beckett University staff. It is a two-year program with coaches encouraged to engage in a number of projects that satisfy the assessment needs of the diploma, while also being of benefit to the club they work for.
This is an innovative approach to professional development and assessment, underpinned by research conducted between Leeds Beckett and the Premier League.
Dr Liam McCarthy, Senior Lecturer in Sport Coaching and Partnership Manager with the Premier League said: "Central to this unique development programme is the coach and their day-to-day coaching context. By exploring the practical problems most significant to them in the present moment, coaches developed the necessary knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes to excel in their roles."
Scott McNeill, Head of Coach Development for Premier League said: "The partnership between Leeds Beckett University and the Premier League has been an invaluable one, and I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive in the future."
Dr Andrew Abraham, Head of Subject for Sport Coaching and Physical Education, said: "This is a brilliant partnership for us at Leeds Beckett University. It aligns with our wish to develop stronger links between ourselves and sporting bodies to support access to education for coaches. I congratulate all of the coaches on completing their diploma, all achieved while working within the clubs."
In the coming year Leeds Beckett will also partner with the Premier League partner to begin the delivery of a postgraduate diploma in Elite Coach Development. This program, also delivered by the Premier League, is designed to support the professional development of Heads of Coaching from across the English football leagues.
In this article
Dr Liam McCarthy
Dr Liam McCarthy is a Reader in Sport Coaching at the Carnegie School of Sport. Collaborating with national and international sport organisations, Liam's work is primarily concerned with promoting quality coaching and coach support, in order to enhance athlete experiences and outcomes.
Dr Andrew Abraham
Andrew is Head of Subject for Sport Coaching and Physical Education at Leeds Beckett University, where he leads a team of over 25 academic staff and oversees over 550 students. With more than 25 years in higher education, Andrew is a recognised leader in sport coaching, professional development, and academic governance. His research and practice focus on professional judgement and decision-making, coach development, and adult learning.
