Student Helps Kids Kick Off Football Career
6 November 2009
Paul Hancock and Mike Smith, Community Foundation Manager at Stockport County FC
We were impressed with Paul from the beginning. He showed masses of potential and a real enthusiasm for sports in general, and for getting people interested and involved. We have every belief that he'll do great things here at the club.
”Mike Smith, Community Foundation Manager at Stockport County FC
A University of Derby Buxton student is to lead Stockport County's Corporate Social Responsibility programme in the High Peak which aims to get even more youngsters in rural areas involved in football.
Paul Hancock, 20, from Boston, Lincolnshire will be responsible for setting up:
- after school sessions
- holiday soccer courses
- school tournaments
- ticket initiatives
- coach education programmes.
Paul's landed his dream job thanks to work experience opportunities he had whilst studying for a Foundation Degree in Coaching at the University of Derby Buxton.
Since leaving the University in the summer, Paul will graduate at the University's Buxton Awards Ceremony on December 5, 2009, Paul has been working at Stockport County Football Club as a Rural Development officer.
The University has also strengthened its relationship with Stockport County FC with a new marketing campaign worth more than £30,000.
During his studies Paul spent three weeks at the club helping out during their Football League Community Cup - students were set a series of tasks including refereeing the group stages of the competition. His team working and coaching skills were developed and he was spotted for his potential.
Mike Smith, Community Foundation manager at Stockport County FC, said: "We were impressed with Paul from the beginning. He showed masses of potential and a real enthusiasm for sports in general, and for getting people interested and involved. We have every belief that he'll do great things here at the club."
Paul will be looking after Buxton, Glossop, New Mills, Whaley Bridge, Chapel-en-le-Frith and surrounding areas; giving schools and organisations the opportunity to become involved with Stockport County Football Club.
Paul said: "Getting the job at Stockport is a bit of a dream come true. I'm doing what I always wanted to do. I'd done a bit of coaching when I was younger and took the gamble to come to University to improve my skills. It was definitely the right decision.
"Working together with other students, lecturers, experienced coaches and with professional football clubs has improved my skills, my understanding and my confidence."
Elinor Warhurst, Placement Officer at the University, said: "We've been working with the club for over 10 years.
"The opportunities have been amazing for our students - they help the qualified coaches, deliver warm up and cool down exercises and referee at tournaments. Many also help out at summer schools. We're all really excited that Paul has been offered this incredible opportunity."
In terms of the new, £30,000 marketing deal, to be announced formally on Tuesday November 10, 2009, at the University's Buxton Campus, Stockport County's commercial manager, Simon King, and some of the team's star players will visit the Devonshire Dome to meet with students and staff.
The club has installed a collection of pitch side and turnstile banners, with the University's name and logo at its Edgeley Park grounds, and the players' training kit will display the same.
The University will also be advertising on buses in the Stockport area and at the town's train station.
Stockport is less than 20 miles from the University's Buxton campus and people wishing to study at the University could be eligible for its bursary scheme.
A bursary is a free cash supplement universities give to students annually, to support their studies and offset degree costs. It doesn't need to be repaid.
Beverley Cooke, Marketing Manager, University of Derby Buxton, said: "We're very excited about our growing relationship with Stockport County FC. Our students have some excellent opportunities to work with the club and we're proud to display the University logo at the ground.
"We really hope that more people in Stockport will choose the University of Derby as their place to study."
For further media information please contact Annabel Harvey on 01332 593004 or email a.harvey@derby.ac.uk.
