Pawel Guziejko Appointed as Performance Football Coach: A New Era Begins

We are excited to announce the appointment of Pawel Guziejko as the new Performance Football Coach for our men’s and women’s teams. With over 20 years of experience in professional football, including work with Premier League academies and international coaching, Pawel’s arrival marks a new era for our football programme, one focused on unity, development, and success both on and off the pitch.

Introducing... Pawel Guziejko

Guziejko’s deep commitment to player development, coupled with his passion for coaching young athletes, makes him an ideal fit for our performance sport programme. His experience provides our student-athletes with the tools they need to reach the highest levels of competition, while also preparing them for life beyond football.

Why Pawel Chose Essex

When asked what drew him to this role, Pawel emphasized the unique opportunity to grow alongside the athletes at Essex.

"Working with young athletes is incredibly rewarding. They bring enthusiasm and a drive to succeed, and my main goal is to elevate the programme with them - helping them grow as players and as people," Pawel explains.

This focus on personal and athletic growth aligns perfectly with the values of the University of Essex’s performance sports programme, which aims to develop well-rounded student-athletes ready for the challenges of life after graduation.

Goals for the Football Program

Pawel’s vision for the football program at Essex is one of unity, inclusivity, and a strong sense of shared purpose. He recognizes the importance of creating a culture where every athlete, coach, and staff member is working toward the same goal.

"Unity is crucial, especially in a high-performance, professional setting. We want to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included," Pawel said. "Together with the athletes and the performance team, my goal is to foster a culture where players can develop both on and off the pitch. Football is important, but so are the life skills and professional opportunities that will benefit them long after their time at university."

This holistic approach, combining elite football training with a focus on personal development, is designed to prepare Essex student-athletes not just for football, but for their future careers as well.

What Student-Athletes Can Expect

When it comes to his coaching style, Pawel believes in authenticity, consistency, and full commitment to his players.

"I want the students to know that I am always here for them, both personally and professionally," Pawel shared. "It’s important for me to connect with athletes on the right level, offering consistency, discipline, professionalism, and passion in everything we do."

Pawel’s dedication to creating an environment that supports athletes in reaching their potential ensures that Essex’s performance football programme will continue to grow under his leadership.

With Pawel Guziejko at the helm, we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our programme and within our University community. Whether you are a current player or an incoming student-athlete looking to compete at the highest level, Pawel’s leadership promises an exciting new chapter for Essex football.

Interested in joining Essex Football?

Discover how our Performance Sport programme at Essex can support your overall development.

Follow our student athletes’ journey on Instagram @uniessexperform

Sports scholarships and bursaries

We are committed to supporting and developing high performance athletes. Find out whether you could be eligible for a sports scholarship or bursary, plus a range of additional benefits too when you join the University of Essex.