Professional players in Scotland are becoming better equipped for a future in management, thanks to PFA Scotland’s Applied Management in Football course.
The course, delivered by Edinburgh Napier University, is in its sixth year and has seen players such as Christophe Berra, Marvin Bartley, Joelle Murray, Dougie Imrie and Gary Irvine complete their studies and move into management.
Completed over 10 months, the Applied Management course is a blend of online and in-person learning for PFA Scotland members where students are challenged on situations and circumstances that you may face in management roles, whether that be as first team manager, sporting director or academy director.
Falkirk captain, Coll Donaldson, has been part of the current cohort and believes the course has been a massive eye-opener.
“It’s been really good. The in-depth look into what’s involved in management has been really eye-opening. We’ve looked at everything that’s involved and I don’t think you realise half of the responsibilities you might have in management. I found it really informative.”
The structure has been something that students have found beneficial with members from all level of the games part of the group.
“We’ve got representation from right across the board here – and that’s great. There’s a number of different personalities in the group and that’s a big networking opportunity too” Donaldson added, “I’ve really enjoyed the sessions, specifically the in-person ones.”
Livingston defender, Ryan McGowan, has been enjoying his studies and has highlighted some of the areas which have allowed him to consider the role of a football manager.
“It’s been thoroughly enjoyable. The fact we have boys from so many different clubs is a real asset. Those who have played at League 2 level will have unique challenges, as will Premiership players. Scotland has a real mix of full-time and part-time clubs which is important to consider.”
The Australia international provided some detail on some of the situations which will aid both him and the group moving forward.
“I’ve taken quite a lot from it so forward. There’s some interesting bits on time management and how to implement culture into a squad – that’s something that’s spoken loads about generally without much credit behind it – I’ve really enjoyed discussing these aspects.”
Both players also highlighted the structure of the assignments which involved creating presentations to deliver to the rest of the group, which has been a daunting yet valuable task.
“We have been tasked with a number of different presentations with the idea that after this course, our next will be as part of a job interview”, McGowan said. “It’s important we have that experience and we are used to those sort of surroundings.”
Donaldson added that he’s had to overcome the nerves to implement his own ideas as part of the tasks.
“I’ve been nervous before every single one! However, we all appreciate how important stuff like PowerPoint presentations are in modern day football.”
With a third of the current course left, the players involved hope that this course can open doors for their future in football.
McGowan, who has completed multiple PFA Scotland courses, believes that players should aim to look at personal development opportunities before they hang up their boots.
“The stuff you can get from the PFA is excellent. I’m always onto boys about getting involved in as much as they can. Sometimes you need to try your hand and I believe there’s a course out there for everyone, both within and outwith football.”
With an annual intake for the Applied Management in Football course, members can get in touch about 25/26 now. Find out more about educational opportunities from PFA Scotland online or get in touch with Player Services Manager, Chris Higgins, on chris@pfascotland.co.uk.
(All images from IMAGO)
