Manchester United Soccer School is on the lookout for some of the country’s top young coaching talent and they are asking University of Ulster students to consider a career in sport.

The soccer school is looking for enthusiastic people to join its successful coaching programme which can provide the opportunity to work as a football coach all over the world.

The exciting opportunity to join the Soccer Schools team is part of the University’s long association with club which has seen Ulster welcome the Manchester United Soccer Schools at the Magee campus in Derry, confer an honorary degree on one of Northern Ireland’s greatest goalkeepers Harry Gregg who played for United for 10 years, as well as Chancellor of the University actor Dr James Nesbitt having strong connection to the Red Devils as one of the club’s most high-profile and popular supporters.

The University’s involvement does not end here however, as recently a number of Ulster students were selected to join up with United’s coaching elite.

One of those students was Ciaran Collins from Omagh in Co Tyrone. The 22-year-old Ulster graduate took up a post as a part-time community coach while studying his Masters in Sports Management.

A former Sports Studies student, Ciaran went through the rigorous interview process at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ Old Trafford before going on to pass the practical element of the interview at United’s training ground at Carrington Road.

“It was one of the best experiences that I could have hoped for. Working for Manchester United Soccer Schools was just brilliant, there is a lot to learn from some top quality experienced coaches and a lot to learn on the job as well,” said Ciaran.

To be successful each applicant must have a minimum level two UEFA accredited coaching qualification for working in the UK and minimum level three accredited qualification for international work.

Successful applicants can work at the club’s coaching programmes throughout Ireland and the UK, and as far away as Canada, Australia, Singapore, or Abu Dhabi. Coaches also take part in a special two day coaching clinic before they undertake their jobs.

“I led coaching camps in the Republic (of Ireland). It is just amazing to see that kids from all over the world come to be coached by a Man United soccer school. It is something I really enjoyed and has helped me in my career,” said Ciaran, who now works as an Active Community Coach in Strabane District Council.

Professor Jim Allen, Pro Vice Chancellor for Sport, said: “The opportunity for local people to link up with one of, if not the best known sports clubs in the entire world is something special. As we have seen, some of our former students have already taken part in this scheme which has boosted their desire to work in sport, helped develop them as individuals and as professionals ready for the world of employment.

“Our association with Manchester United Soccer School is part of the University of Ulster’s development of its vision to become the leading university for sport on the island of Ireland.”

More information on the Manchester United Soccer Schools can be found at www.musoccerschools.com