► Football Foundation

Programme of Football Development

Overview
The main aim of the programme is to offer professional, structured football training, where talented students can combine their academic studies with competitive representative football. The programme offers top-level coaching and sports science support, allowing players to develop as footballers. The programme also offers a pathway into regional representative football, English Universities’ football, and also the chance to represent Great Britain.

This development takes place on state-of-the-art facilities, including a brand new floodlit full 3G, a first-class 60x40 3G training pitch and £1.5 million Sports Science laboratories.

The programme aims to establish the University of Hull as a major, respected force in the national BUSA football league, as well as helping players develop fully while at University.

In addition, a recreational football programme exists where students of all levels can play the game within our intramural and small-sided league programme in a structured manner, while having the chance to coach and referee.

Current SuccessesIn the first year of the Football Programme (2006/7), the University of Hull Men’s 1sts were crowned BUSA 2b Champions, winning 10 out of 10 games. They also secured promotion through the play-offs and were the BUSA 2006/7 Shield Champions. The University of Hull Men’s 2nds also won their respective league.

University of Hull Football Programme – typical training week

Monday: 6.30-8pm – 1sts and 2nds Full 3G
Sports Science delivered conditioning (SAQ, injury prevention, core stability, CV) football-specific conditioning delivered by Football Development Manager (FDM).

Tuesday: 5-7pm – 3rds 4ths and development squads Full 3G

Wednesday: – BUSA fixtures – Sports Science students provide first aid and rehab support for all teams.

Thursday: 5-6pm – recovery session – Men’s 1sts and 2nds.

Friday: 10-11.30pm – training session – full 3G Men’s 1sts.

Saturday: NUL fixtures

Community Coach Programme

• In partnership with the University of Hull Sport Science Department, providing an extensive coach education programme
• Valuable work and coaching experience
• Volunteering opportunities
• Provides/facilitates a network of football programmes within the city of Hull, which offers teachers, students and coaches the opportunity to develop through football
• Encourages and supports the interaction and co-operation between the University, local schools, clubs, local authorities and the wider community
• Develops and works within the FA’s Physical Education and School Sport Club Link initiative (PESSCL)
• Season 2006/7 provided employment for 14 coaches into the community, delivering into 20 local primary and secondary schools
• Funded 1 FA level 2 coaches, 3 FA level 1 coaches
• All FA coaching and referee courses are held at the University of Hull Sports and Fitness Centre

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Football Development Manager – Graham PotterAs the head coach of BUSA squad, Graham’s professional experience extends to 350 league and cup appearances, including England U’18 and 21 caps, premiership appearances for Southampton, and championship appearances at Birmingham City, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion.

Graham is a UEFA A license holder and has worked with the Ghana Ladies National Team, is the assistant coach of the England Universities Representative Squad, and is coach of the Northern Region University Representative Squad. 

Sports Science Support – Ric LovellRic is Doctor of Sports Physiology. He has been a consultant at various professional clubs and their academies and has also worked with the Ghana Ladies National Team.