Andrew Jeffs-Watts / Age: 25

Hometown/Country

Wolverhampton in England

Coaching Qualifications

I currently hold FA Level 1 and 2 in Coaching Football along with the Coaching Disabled Footballers qualification.

Whilst at University I gained a 2.1 BA (Hons) Sport Studies with Business Studies Degree. Although not specifically a coaching degree, the course included a Pedagogy module, which focused upon the teaching and coaching of youngsters in sport.

I have also attended numerous Birmingham County FA Coach Development days.

Coaching Experience

I have assisted in coaching local junior football teams since I was 17. Since undertaking my Level 1 course, I have worked for a company specializing in after-school and holiday football coaching sessions for youngsters aged 5-14.

Initially in preparation for the FA Level 2 practical coaching assessment, I undertook the coaching requirements for a local Under 16 team and a semi-professional Under 18 youth team. Since passing the course, I have continued to provide sessions for these teams.

Through my work with Deaf youngsters, I became involved in the coaching and organization of the Birmingham Deaf Coaching Center which specializes in the coaching of deaf youngsters aged 8-16.

Coaching Philosophy

Play with a smile on your face – Enjoy your football!

Playing Experience

Between the ages of 7 – 17, I played for my very successful local youth team, Bilbrook Junior FC. During this period, I had trials with Aston Villa and Stoke City FC. Whilst at University I played 1st team football, gaining promotion to Division 1A of the BUSA league and playing in the National Knockout competition. I currently play Semi-Professional football in the Sport Italia West Midland Regional League for Bilbrook FC, my local team.

Education Background

Whilst at school I gained 11 GCSES and 4 A Levels. Following my A Levels I traveled for 6 months before attending Northampton University, gaining a 2 .1 (Hons) in Sport Studies and Business Studies.

Interests and Hobbies

My main interest is, of course, football! Sport in general is also high on my list of hobbies, and I enjoy turning my hand to any game that involves a ball, bat or racquet of some sort. I also enjoy traveling. Following a short stop in Bali, I spent 6 months in Australia during my gap year. Since finishing University, I have managed to visit Australia once again, along with Cyprus, Milan, Paris, Budapest, Prague and Dublin.

Favorite Team & Player

From a young age I have supported Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are my local professional team, having a season ticket for a couple of years when I was a teenager. Although in the twilight of his career at this point, Steve Bull was somewhat of a local legend.  I currently thoroughly enjoy the way Arsenal play football, as it is reminiscent of the ‘total football’ played by Holland of the ‘70’s due to their free flowing passing style. Cesc Fabregas is extremely important in this team and his ability to influence the teams play is a joy to watch.