A course balanced with practicals and theory
For Jeremy Aldred, football’s more than just a passion – it’s the foundation of the career he’s set out to build. Having discovered coaching as the right path, Jeremy’s search brought him to the University of Derby, where he found facilities and a campus life that proved the perfect fit. Choosing to study BA (Hons) Sport Coaching and Coach Development, Jeremy hasn’t looked back since:
“It offered a good balance between sport theory and applied coaching, with assessments and projects tailored to individual interests and experiences. Importantly, the university’s partnerships with local clubs and organisations such as Derby County provided valuable placement opportunities, which have been essential for my practical development.”
Throughout his studies he undertook a coaching placement, compiling a portfolio documenting session planning, delivery, and reflection. Having completed his work experience, Jeremy had to present a placement overview to his module leader, sharing key insights and outlining a future action plan. This practical approach, linking academic study directly to real-world coaching has been invaluable.
Teaching quality
Sessions regularly included practical tasks, discussions, and presentations, which helped Jeremy to develop applied skills alongside academic knowledge. “The teaching went beyond delivering content - it encouraged critical thinking, adaptability, and active involvement. Academic support was consistently strong, with staff approachable, responsive, and invested in our progress. I always felt supported in pushing my development and taking ownership of my learning. The balance of theory and practice across the course played a key role in preparing me for a career in coaching.”
Jeremy was able to explore a wide range of coaching styles and said it was an “eye opener being able to speak about and learn from lots of brilliant aspiring coaches, each with different backgrounds, experiences, philosophies and ambitions. Being able to both socialise but also develop alongside a collection of great forward-thinking minds has been a real highlight I will not forget.”
Research project of interest
He also completed an independent study project in his third year titled “Exploring the Role of Private One-to-One & Small Group Coaching in Youth Football Development.” This exploratory research focused on a largely unresearched and emerging sector within football. Through the use of semi-structured interviews with experienced private coaches, Jeremy managed to gain insight into their coaching practices, relationships with players, and how they evaluate progress.
The findings highlighted that private coaching offers highly individualised and flexible support, enabling technical repetition and confidence-building. However, it also raised questions about how well these skills transfer to the team environment and the disconnect between clubs and private coaches. The research highlighted the importance of trust-based relationships and intuitive assessment within coaching, while suggesting a need for greater regulation and integration with formal development pathways.
From the UK to America
Throughout his studies, Jeremy took on a variety of coaching roles across grassroots, academy, and international settings. He began by coaching youth teams at Woolton Hill Argyle (U18s) and Melbourne Dynamo (U16s) during the 2022/23 season. In his second year, he coached at Loughborough Foxes, working with both the women’s first team and the U15s. These voluntary roles gave me valuable experience in both male and female pathways.
“In summer 2024, I spent 12 weeks coaching in the United States with Challenger Sports. For my final-year placement, I joined the academy at Derby County Football Club, primarily assisting with the U10s while also supporting sessions across the pre-academy, foundation phase, and youth development phase age groups. Each experience offered different challenges and helped shape my development as a coach.”
During his 12 weeks in the USA with Challenger Sports, he regularly acted as camp director—organising the players and staff each day, assigning coaching groups, and delivering sessions myself.
Jeremey says “The best part of my degree was the placement opportunities, I found challenger sports through a guest lecture. I took notes, decided to apply and before I knew it I was on a plane to the US for 12 weeks on the summer of a lifetime, coaching out in Alaska, California and Washington and making experiences I will never forget. I also secured my placement at Derby County through a partnership for the university specifically taking students on our course.”
A positive future
Since graduating Jeremy has secured two coaching roles – “I have secured the role of Talent Identification Coach at Derby County Football Club, as well as a role as a coach for Soccer Stars UK. My role at Derby County will also allow me to help out in the pre-academy and gain other experience within the club.”
My placement at Derby County helped me land both coaching roles. I have built up a relationship with a number of staff throughout my placement at the club. Several staff at Derby County previously had worked at Soccer Stars before joining the club and recommended me to the regional manager, and the Head of Talent Identification helped me get the role, having previously seen me coach on a number of occasions.
Explore every opportunity
Jeremy’s biggest advice is to take every opportunity available – “It can be easy to sit inside your comfort zone and cruise through the degree, but if you want to make the most of it you have to go above and beyond to stand out. That included volunteering to coach every time there is a practical, taking part in class discussions, volunteering to present, taking up qualifications ran by the university, and most importantly go out and coach. I believe it is important to be coaching throughout the entire degree, taking as many opportunities you can and making the most of everything there is to offer. Great placement opportunities are always being posted by university staff and you can get so far just by taking these on.
One thing I would like to tell future students is that it will not always feel easy, it’s a journey, you will find yourself doubting yourself at times. Assessments are challenging and finding the balance between hobbies, work and placements can be tough. But if you work hard and have a goal, you can achieve it, and the university will give you back everything you put in. There are lots of great supportive staff always available to help really care.”
