Men's Football

Our men's football programme provides experienced players with a fantastic opportunity to train and compete. Our first team squad competes in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Division 1 and is coached by ex-professional player John McGrath.

Men's football support services

Head Coach: John McGrath

John McGrath is Player Manager at Mickleover Sports FC and has been coaching the University's first-team squad since 2016. John has had an extensive career as both player and coach. He played for a number of clubs including Aston Villa and Doncaster Rovers and won five Republic of Ireland under 21s caps.

To find out further information on the performance programme, please email sportsscholars@derby.ac.uk 

  • University of Derby students playing football.
  • A football player stands and looks out towards the pitch.
  • Team Derby Football Team member coaching children's football
  • Four students stand in a line on the football pitch.
  • A football match outside the University building.
  • Four people playing football on the sports field at the Kedleston Road campus.
  • A football player throwing the pall on to the pitch.
  • A football match on cloudy day.

Be a professional

Our partnership with Mickleover Sports FC provides student players with the opportunity to trial and compete at a semi-professional level for the club in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Register your interest in football

Sports scholar Clarence Clark sitting at a table at the Kedleston Road campus across from another student.
Sports Scholarships

The Sports Scholarship programme aims to help our talented athletes realise their sporting potential and support them through their academic studies.

Sports Centre at Kedleston Road campus on a sunny day.
Sports Centre

Memberships at the University of Derby Sports Centre are available to students, staff, graduates and the general public.

Person wearing vicon motion analysis cameras jumping over a hurdle.
Sports staff practitioners

Our staff have significant experience in performance sport – either as an athlete, coach, or practitioner - so our athletes can be assured of top quality expertise to support them in the next steps of...

Register your interest in Performance Sport

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