In collaboration with the University of East London, the West Ham United Foundation delivers an exciting degree programme, BSc Sports Coaching and Performance.
The programme helps support undergraduate degree students trying to break into the exciting industry of sport across a range of disciplines, including coaching, performance analysis, strength and conditioning and sports psychology.
Recently, students were lucky enough to have some special guests on campus in the form of West Ham duo Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal.
The Czech internationals were given a tour of some of the course’s key areas, such as the library, gym and sports dock, and shared some of their experiences as a teenager when it came to higher education.
“I did the exam for university when I was 18, but at that time I also got my first professional contract, so I had to choose because I was on the pathway for both,” said Souček.
“It’s the same mentality, whether it’s football or education, you have to be determined.”
A Q&A took place at the sports dock, where students had the opportunity to ask the players about how they balanced education and the pressures of playing professional football growing up.
Alfie Crickmar is a higher education lecturer at the University of East London, and is responsible for delivering parts of the course to students.
Speaking about the players’ visit, he said: “It was great to host Tomáš and Vlad at our Sports Dock campus, as our students were able to engage in deep debates surrounding the balance of studies and sport.
“The insight provided was invaluable for students who intend to become leaders in the sports industry themselves.”
Many of the students share similar experiences to the Czech internationals, with both players moving away from home at 18 to pursue a career in sport.
Speaking about his experiences, Coufal said: “You never know what can happen in the future, so studying should always be a priority.
“I just wanted to get out of school and play football, so I was lucky I never got injured, but my mother and father wanted me to go to university.”
Coufal also spoke about how his view on education has changed throughout his career as a professional footballer.
He added: “When I was young, I just wanted to finish school, but now I read books by famous managers, and I take notes when I see something that I like to try and improve my own game.
“I want to keep learning and, in the future, hopefully me and Tom will manage a team together and I’ll be the set-piece coach.”
The visit showcased the unique nature of the West Ham United Foundation’s collaboration with the University of East London, with the players’ personal stories resonating with many students, reinforcing the notion that academic pursuits can complement and enhance a sporting career.
As both Souček and Coufal emphasised, continuous learning and adaptability are key, not only in football but in life, making this partnership an inspiring pathway for future leaders in the sports industry.
To find out more about the West Ham United Foundation, click HERE.
