Coaching student's hands-on experience at football frontline

A coaching science student was at the frontline of developing talent at Colchester United with vital work experience.

During the spring, the Colchester United Community Foundation welcomed MSc Coaching Science student Sanchit Singh, into the club.

Sanchit who is studying in the UK from India, was invited into the Shrub End Community & Sports Centre for hands-on experience to support his studies.

He was selected to help with community activities to research his master’s degree and saw first-hand how promising players are mentored.

He said: “I am glad to have done my placement with Colchester United Community Foundation.

“I shadowed experienced coaches, analysed their coaching methods, and understood how it impacts youth athletic development.

“It was an outstanding learning experience for me as an MSc Coaching Science student to witness the club coaches combine structured and unstructured practices within small-sided games, directed towards the holistic development of young athletes and people."

He had the opportunity to observe and shadow Colchester United Community Foundation coaches within the male development centre, female development centre and grassroots open sessions to form his research.

He is the latest student from the School of Sports Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences to work with the EFL League Two side.

Essex is dedicated to giving students real-world experience and preparing them for working in sports with partnerships across the sector.

Dr Henry Chung, placement lead, said: “We aim to give all our students as many good quality opportunities related to the course as possible and work with industry professionals to build future careers.

“We collaborate with multiple sporting clubs, including our local Colchester United Football club, which has given the opportunity for students to partake in one of the best work experience opportunities and environments possible.

“It is imperative for our students to gain real-world experience to complement their degree in the ever-growing competitive job market of sport.

“The University of Essex will aim to continue these partnerships as well as seek new prospects, to ensure all students have the opportunity in developing key skills and maximise their potential to excel.”

Rick Goldsbrough, Head of Community at Colchester United, said: “Sanchit was a pleasure to work with and we’re happy we could provide an opportunity for him to support his studies.

“He worked closely alongside our staff, learning from the variety and diversity of our workforce in how we implement the Colchester United player development model within Community football programmes.

“We wish Sanchit all the best for the future, wherever that may take him!”