David Haley - Sports Coaching, University of the West of Scotland

David Haley - Sports Coaching, University of the West of Scotland

David Haley realised that his love of football could lead to a rewarding career in science.

What made you choose Sports Coaching?

"A friend of mine worked with Celtic FC and I went along to watch him coaching one day. When I saw the kinds of things he was doing I knew that this was a career I wanted to pursue. I then applied to the course at the University of West of Scotland where I am now in my third year."

Can you give some examples of what you learn on the course?

"Many people enter the course thinking that they are going to be playing sports all day, they couldn’t be more wrong. I have two hours a week out on the pitch. The rest of the time is spent learning things like psychology and physiology."

What do you enjoy most about the course?

"I enjoy learning techniques in psychology that will allow me to try new ways of coaching. I am really proud that even though I wasn’t great at science subjects at school I am still able to grasp things like physiology and enjoy it."

What are your plans once you are qualified?

"At the moment I am coaching the Celtic Community Academy under 11s which I would love to carry on with. I am also looking into either primary or secondary teaching, I haven’t yet decided which one I would prefer."