The Pro:Direct Academy at South Devon College is dedicated to developing extraordinary players and people both on and off the pitch with the coaching team comprising industry professionals and pro players. Programmes are devised by UEFA and FA licensed coaches who work to exacting standards to inspire confidence and technical skills required for players to develop professionally and academically.
The Education Programme is specifically designed for players to play, compete and study full-time at South Devon College; which together will improve their employability skills. The provision caters for students from Level 1 up to Level 6 across a range of subjects including Sports Development, Coaching, Fitness and Exercise Science.
Ryan Dickson is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. During his career predominantly as a left back, he has had over 400 appearances in English football with having had success for clubs such as Plymouth argyle, Brentford Fc Southampton Fc and Torquay United. 3 promotions 2 player of the season.
What’s your experience?
“I have 20 years experience in professional football across all top divisions in England. As a player I have worked with some of the worlds best players and coaches. This lead me into coaching where I started off teaching youth development at Plymouth Argyle, working across various age groups over the past 3 years. I was helping to develop elite youth internationals and future professional footballers whilst developing and growing as a coach to gain my current qualifications with the Welsh Football Association.”
What inspired you to start teaching?
“The thing that inspired me to start teaching is my passion for football. I really wanted to share my knowledge and life experiences with the younger generation to help them grow as people in a sport they love and share the same passion for. Seeing my students develop and knowing you played a part in their growth gives you a great sense of self worth and satisfaction.”
What do you do outside of teaching at the College?
“Outside of teaching, I love golf. Although I am not great at it, it fills that void of not playing football. I also spend a lot of time with my young family.”
What are your plans and ambitions for the Pro:Direct Academy?
“At the Pro:Direct Academy, I want to keep growing the program. I aim to be proactive and forward thinking to deliver the best experience for all our students. I am also really keen on building a quality girls program for the college and more importantly the area as I feel its needed.”
What’s your biggest achievement or milestone?
“My biggest achievement in football as a player is hard to say as I’ve enjoyed variety of aspects and all hold different values in terms of winning trophies. As a coach would have to be a player which I coached who moved to Chelsea which is one of the football academy in the world and was a great achievement for the young man.”
If you’re interested in studying with the Pro:Direct Academy at South Devon College and discover what options there are at southdevon.ac.uk. For more information, contact the College Helpzone team by emailing enquiries@southdevon.ac.uk or call 08000 380 123.
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