AFC Fylde first-team coach and U18s manager Conrad Prendergast sat down with AFC Fylde Community Foundation’s University of South Wales Foundation Degree students to provide a fascinating insight into his coaching career in the game!

Conrad joined the students for a discussion about his route to his current role at AFC Fylde, before the lads had the opportunity to take party in a Q&A session.

AFC Fylde Community Foundation, in partnership with the University of South Wales and EFL Trust, offer exciting BA (Hons) and Foundation Degree programmes in Business in Sport, Sports Development, and Football and Development courses for September 2024.

And Conrad was pleased that he could share his experience in football with the aspiring coaches.

Prendergast said: “I had a conversation with them regarding my coaching career to date, and the pathway that I have gone through regarding my coaching badges and experience, and the lads had some really good questions to ask as well so hopefully it was beneficial for them and they’ve got something out of it in a positive way.

“We’ve always had a good relationship between the academy, first-team and the Foundation, so that’s been really positive and hopefully that continues, and it’s important that we have conversations like this with the lads, it’s been a step in the right direction to make that relationship stronger.

“Hopefully, the lads have benefitted from it, and it can help them progress in their own careers.

“The facilities at Fylde Sports and Education Centre and it will give them a really good platform to develop and improve as coaches.

“I know the work that they are doing with the Foundation will give them a really good opportunity to learn their trade by learning how to get the best out of players and improve them, which is down to the facilities and having the opportunity to do that as well.”

Work experience and paid opportunities are also available for students on the course, whilst a full AFC Fylde Community Foundation kit will be supplied.

Chris McNally, Employability and Skills Manager at AFC Fylde Community Foundation, added: “It was great that Conrad generously gave up his time to come and speak to our University of South Wales Degree students.

“They were able to learn from Conrad about his experiences, and what it takes to forge a career pathway into coaching.

“The chat that they had him will be an invaluable support to them as they continue with their studies.

“We would like to thank Conrad for visiting, it’s really positive to see the Football Club and Foundation working so closely to give fantastic access to the lads.”

The benefits of studying at AFC Fylde Community Foundation include living at home whilst studying, which lowers living costs, not having to leave your existing job, and the chance to gain over 400 hours of real-world experience within an ambitious professional club and the Foundation.”

Students on our programme will split time across online and classroom learning, as well as practical coaching sessions, which has allowed them to embrace first-hand experience at Fylde Sports and Education Centre, located within the state-of-the-art Mill Farm Sports Village.

If you are interested in applying for our 2024 intake, please contact [email protected]