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22 Oct 2009 10:43:57
Football nut James Petty, who graduates from the University next week, will remember 2009 with affection.
James, who lives in Bedford, is graduating with First-Class Honours after a glorious summer which saw him also land an all-important job and receive a top coaching accolade from the county football association.
The 21 year old was named the Charter Standard Coach of the Year by the Beds FA and went on to represent the county in the regional finals.
He combined his University degree in Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons) at the Bedford campus with playing, coaching and managing.
James said: “I had a week to remember in June as I found out about my new job, that I had got a First and also about the coaching award!
“I didn’t make it through the regional's to the national finals but it was still good to even get that far at my age.”
The Brickhill Wanderers devotee started his coaching badges while still in the Sixth Form at Mark Rutherford.
He continued as a coach with Wanderers while studying at the University and even wrote his dissertation based on research at the club involving his 15 and 16 year olds.
James, who is managing Brickhill’s under-17A team for the second successive season, said: “I’ve been coaching them since I was 15 and they were about ten but they’re all bigger and taller than me now! It’s good that I’ve stayed with them all this time and seen them grow up.”
He remains heavily involved in sport as he started work as a sports and leisure participation officer in Milton Keynes after finishing his degree.
James is currently on a level three coaching course (UEFA ‘B’ Licence) which will allow him to work in an Academy or Centre of Excellence upon completion.
The photo shows James Petty with the county football development manager Kevin England at the Beds FA headquarters.
Latest news» 2009» October» Life just gets better and better for James
