David Monaghan

Hello, I’m David, and I’m in my second year of the Foundation Degree in Sports Performance and Coaching at Hartpury University.

I knew Hartpury was the place for me

What I love about Hartpury is how friendly everyone is and how approachable the staff are.

I choose Hartpury as they offered the Access to HE Sports Science diploma. The support I received was phenomenal. Within two weeks I knew Hartpury was the place I wanted to study my degree.

I’ve had the chance to work with elite football players within the Hartpury Sports Academy and learn using the state-of-the-art technology, which will be really beneficial for my future career.

A typical day for me

Get up at 6.30am, take the kids to school then head to Hartpury for 9.30am. This is the routine for Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday’s are free for sports academy to play matches. It’s a great atmosphere on campus. If you’re not playing, you can go along and support the teams.

I’m currently studying modules in Performance Analysis, Coaching Children, Sports and Exercise Scientist, Pedagogy in Action, and Sports Psychology.

I’m learning a variety of different skills and especially enjoy the practical sessions. We put our session plans into action and understand where we need to develop to become a successful coach.

In my Performance Analysis module, I’ve used advanced technology in the Sports Academy building to develop my analysis skills, and learnt how to film in the correct position and use software to edit the footage.

This gives me the experience needed to work in an elite environment. It will help me reach my long-term goal of working as a performance analyst for a professional football club.

Sports Psychology is very interesting as it helps the student understand how to support a successful athlete with long and short terms goals and we are encouraged to put theory to practice.

In my spare time, I do a lot of my studying in the uni study lounge, due to having kids at home. I have weekly study skills session with my own personal tutor also, which really helps with my assignments.

During Covid-19, while it’s been strange, the communication from Hartpury has been fantastic.

Industry experience at Cheltenham Town FC

While studying the Access to HE diploma, I completed a placement at Cheltenham Town football club, working in the analysis department within the Academy.

I’ve been there three years now and have work my way up to Head of Academy Analysis within the football club. I also do a bit of coaching within the academy and development centre.

This is alongside studying to complete my Foundation degree. I’m able to apply the skills I’m developing in my practical sessions, to my performance analysis role at Cheltenham Town.

My future goal

I plan to complete a Level 6 Top-up year to achieve a full Batchelors degree in Sports Performance, and then study for a Master’s degree in Performance Analysis.

I’d love to progress as far as possible with analysis department at Cheltenham Town. One day, I dream of working within a premier league team or a national team.

Hartpury is providing me with the platform to do this by working within a multidisciplinary team within the Hartpury Football Academy, to develop additional skills. This includes using high-tech software and camera equipment.

When I graduate, I’ll be able to take all of these skills into my future career.

Hear from David

Listen to our podcast with David to hear what it’s like to study FdSc Sports Performance and Coaching at Hartpury University. David plans to complete a Level 6 Top-up and a Master’s degree and aspires to work in the Premier League. Find out how Hartpury is helping him get there.