Roy Keane takes coaching badge with a little help from MMU

Youngsters from Manchester Metropolitan University’s Football Academy have turned in a match-winning performance to help Old Trafford legend Roy Keane take his first steps on the coaching ladder.

Having hung up his boots this summer, the former Manchester United captain is currently taking his UEFA ‘A’ Licence – the qualification needed to manage in the Premiership.

Famous Faces

Twenty boys from MMU’s Football Academy, based at its Alsager campus, were put through their paces by Keane after being specially invited by the FA to attend the Lilleshall coaching session.

The players, who are studying for a BTEC Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, also linked up with other famous footy faces going for their badge including former Newcastle United and England star Peter Beardsley.

“Keane coached us on intercepting the ball and attacking quickly, while Beardsley did a session on crossing and defending,” said Elliott Hackney, a 16-year-old Stoke City fan.

“They were brilliant, encouraging us all
the time. I’ve been thinking about going into coaching when I’m older and this amazing experience has really given me a taste for it.”

Footballing legends

MMU Football Academy’s Assistant Sport Development Co-ordinator Nigel Deeley said his players had acted professionally throughout.

“Keane, in particular, was superb with our boys. He was unassuming, shy in many respects, and treated the players with a huge amount of respect,” he explained.

“The opportunity to mix with footballing legends
will undoubtedly help the boys’ football education and give them important life skills.”

Academic qualification

The academy was formed last year for school-leavers after MMU Cheshire teamed up with Newcastle-under-Lyme College. They are trained by UEFA qualified coaches for four days a week at Alsager and combine study in subjects such as anatomy, nutrition and fitness testing.

They travel to Newcastle-under-Lyme College for academic classes for one day a week.

“The academy is made up of boys who come from school or have just missed out on professional football,” Mr Deeley said.

“We’re not trying to find the next 11 players for England – we’re here to give the boys an academic qualification while also developing their football skills so they can find semi-professional clubs.”

Enthusiasm and commitment

FA UEFA ‘A’ Licence course director John Peacock said the MMU players had made an invaluable contribution.

“Without their enthusiasm and commitment we wouldn’t have been able to provide the candidates on the course with a realistic coaching environment in which they could conduct their sessions.”

The FA has requested continuous support from MMU on their coach education programmes.