Sports student scores global coaching experience

Joe Kirkland, a sports student at Burton and South Derbyshire College has been using his skills across the globe with coaching opportunities in Spain, Ghana and America.

Joe who began on a Level 2 Sports course and progressed to a degree level course at Burton and South Derbyshire College 's University Centre, also works as a Football Coach for Burton Albion FC and Woodville Rangers, as well as running his own football coaching company.

In between studying for a Level 3 Sports course and a Foundation Degree, Joe took a year out to teach, undertaking a coaching placement in Spain. Through partnerships at Burton Albion, Joe then had the opportunity to coach in Ghana and is now undertaking a two-month coaching placement in America.

Speaking about his international experiences, Joe said: “I 've had a lot of opportunities to coach abroad, which I 'll always be grateful for. Coaching in Ghana was one of a kind and one of the most enjoyable experiences. What stood out to me most was the extreme gratefulness of the Ghanaian people and how buzzing they were with every interaction. ”

“I 've always been obsessed with football and I 've been influenced by other coaches who I have met along the way who have inspired me to pursue my dreams. In coaching, it 's important to develop people first rather than players. I enjoy being involved in football; as a coach, you have an important role to play in other people 's lives. I enjoy inspiring players to improve; seeing people develop is really rewarding! ”

Joe will continue to coach the Burton Albion women 's and the Woodville Rangers teams as he embarks on his next challenge: a teaching qualification at Burton and South Derbyshire College. Talking about his career goals, Joe said: “In the future, I 'd like to think that I can continue to go down the women's coaching pathway, and to eventually lead a women's senior team in one of the top divisions in England, or to be involved within a team that achieves some kind of success however that may look like.

"I have a lot of ambition and I 'm looking forward to taking every opportunity that comes my way. I 'm also starting my higher education teaching qualification in September, which is something I 'm looking forward to as well! ”

Pictured: Joe Kirkland at Burton Albion Football Club.