Case Studies

Shrews4Sam

Sam’s story is a shining example of how sport can shape careers and open doors to new opportunities.

From his early interactions with community coaches to his current role within the Foundation, Sam’s journey highlights the power of passion, education, and hands-on experience in building a future in the sports industry. 

Sam’s journey began in primary school, where he first encountered the Foundation through our dedicated community coaches. These early interactions ignited his love for football and planted the seed for a future career in the sport. As he progressed through school, he remained connected with the Foundation, engaging with our recruitment team to explore potential pathways into further education and professional development. 

Upon finishing school, Sam applied for and was accepted into Shrewsbury Town College & University. Here, he pursued a Level 3 qualification in Sport & Physical Activity. During this time, he not only developed his technical knowledge but also gained invaluable experience in teamwork, leadership, and communication. His time at college allowed him to make new friends and build strong networks within the sports industry. 

Determined to continue his journey in football, Sam successfully applied for the Football Coaching and Development degree programme at university. Alongside his studies, he embraced the opportunity to gain practical experience through work placements within the Foundation. His placements included assisting in development centres, mini kickers programmes, and general coaching roles, providing him with a well-rounded foundation in coaching young players. 

The Foundation has given me incredible opportunities to grow, both as a coach and as a person. Through my journey from college to university, I’ve gained valuable experience, developed key coaching and leadership skills, and built strong qualifications.

- Sam, student and part-time coach -

Sam has taken significant steps towards his coaching career, completing his FA Introduction to Coaching and beginning his UEFA C License. With a clear ambition to progress through his coaching badges, his goal is to work in academy football, developing the next generation of players. His dedication to learning and improving his coaching skills has set him apart as a committed and passionate mentor. 

Sam’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Having exceeded the required placement hours, he has now transitioned into a paid role within the Foundation. He is actively involved in the Youth Development Teams and has played a key role in shaping the Mini Kickers pathway, ensuring that young children have the opportunity to engage with football from an early age. 

Sam Hall’s journey is a testament to how sport can kickstart a career and transform aspirations into reality. His story showcases the impact of structured development pathways, hands-on experience, and a passion for coaching. The Foundation is proud to support Sam in his continued growth, and we look forward to seeing him progress even further in his coaching career. 

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