Football and Sports Coaching degrees offered by Derby County Community Trust have hit a national record high in applications this year.   

The University of South Wales (USW) degree programme, ran in partnership with EFL in the Community at more than 45 Club Community Organisations across England and Wales, have received a record number of 355 applications for students starting in September 2024, with time still to apply. 

Derby County Community Trust are your local provider of degrees that enable learners to gain their qualifications in a professional sporting environment. Starting every September, the Trust provide several opportunities to gain a full degree qualification across three years, specialising in a number of sports-related subjects.

These include:

- Community Football Coaching and Administration (BSc)

- Sports Coaching and Development (BSc)

- Sports Business and Management (BA)

Across the courses offered nationally there has been a 20 per cent increase in applications for this year compared to 2023. Not only has there been an increase in popularity and demand for the courses from applications but also in the success of students achieving high level grades, with over half (56%) achieving a 2.1 or better.

Derby County Community Trust Employability Lead, Bev Crighton said “We are proud to work with USW and the EFL on the degree programmes. Many of the students that have studied with us have become some of our most valued employees here at the Trust.  The experience they gain whilst studying and volunteering with us and other sports organisations locally, is invaluable. We also have alumni working all over the world”

The University of South Wales courses are popular with students as it gives them practical experience at a Football Club – whilst allowing for a blended and ‘real world’ learning approach where students have both face-to face and online learning.  

Students on the degree programme have numerous points of support, from club mentors to lecturers and Academic Support Coaches.

USW courses started 10 years ago at three clubs with a handful of students and has significantly grown to be delivered at Derby County and 45 other Clubs – with hundreds of students now benefitting.   

Even though the courses are hosted at Football Clubs nationwide, it doesn’t mean that the courses are designed specifically for avid football fans. It can be for anyone with an interest, for example the degree provides students with the ability to gain further qualifications alongside their studies including gaining their coaching badges.