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International football coach returns to º£½ÇÖ±²¥ to share her knowledge with students

A top-level football coach and º£½ÇÖ±²¥ graduate has visited campus to pass on her knowledge of successful team management to students.

Gemma Grainger is currently head coach for Norway’s Women’s national football team after completing a coaching degree at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ in 2012. Gemma returned to Middlesbrough to deliver an open lecture to current MS Sports Science students on how to manage a team successfully.

Whilst at the University, Gemma also shared her experiences with young players who are part of the FA Girl’s Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) programme.

Since leaving º£½ÇÖ±²¥, Gemma has been an international coach with England Women’s senior team and various youth age groups, and national team manager for Wales Women before moving into her current position.

Gemma said: ‘I chose to study at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ as I wanted the chance to do some academic research to add to my practical experience.

‘I had been coaching for ten years before I came here so the course was perfect for me because it was a coaching degree alongside a part time job in coaching also.

‘º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is leading the way with dual pathways. It is fantastic that athletes are having the option to be able to train and study at the same time.’

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is committed to providing an athlete-centred approach for students, with investments in coaching and specialist scholarships in a supportive, high-quality environment to increase performance at the highest level.

The ETC aims to produce female footballers of international calibre and has a track record of developing players who progress within the FA's talent development structure. It focuses on individual player development and provides girls with high-quality coaching and support.