Ayrshire College has teamed up with Kilmarnock Football Club to give students the chance to gain hands-on coaching experience within a professional football environment.
Through the new partnership, HND Coaching students will complete their placements with Kilmarnock’s Development Academy, working alongside coaches at Rugby Park and the College’s Kilmarnock Campus.
The collaboration will provide students with invaluable opportunities to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience what it takes to work in professional sport.
Jamie Beattie, Lecturer at Ayrshire College and Development Academy Lead Coach at Kilmarnock FC, said:
“This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience coaching in a professional football environment. Working alongside Kilmarnock’s Development Academy not only enhances their practical skills but also builds their confidence as future coaches.”
Marc McGhee, Head of Children’s Academy at Kilmarnock FC, added:
“We’re delighted to welcome Ayrshire College students into the Academy. This collaboration gives them real-life experience of player development, while also supporting the growth of grassroots coaching in Ayrshire.”
Among the first group of students to benefit from the partnership are Lewis McGuire, Kian Watson, and Andrew Sloan, who are completing their HND Coaching placements with the Development Academy this year.
Colin Ross, Head of Learning & Skills for Business, Social Science and Sport at Ayrshire College, said:
“At Ayrshire College, we want to provide our students with the very best opportunities to learn and grow. This partnership with Kilmarnock FC is an excellent example of how working with industry can inspire our learners and prepare them for exciting careers in sport and coaching.”
This is just the start of an exciting collaboration that will continue to benefit students, the College, and the local sporting community.