Opening doors to global sports careers: KS4 students at the Etihad

What an inspiring day for our KS4 students! 

Twelve students had the incredible opportunity to attend the Global Coaches Conference at Manchester’s iconic Etihad Stadium, a hub for sporting excellence and innovation.

Thanks to our strong partnership with @llsonline, our students enjoyed exclusive access to a world-class event designed to showcase the future of coaching and sports careers. The day began with a powerful keynote from Michael Beale, a professional football manager, who shared insights into leadership, resilience, and the evolving demands of elite sport.

Students then explored a series of engaging talks delivered by leading coaching organizations from Qatar, Canada, the USA, and beyond, each highlighting the diverse pathways available for those passionate about sport. These sessions opened our students’ eyes to the global opportunities that exist, whether in coaching, performance analysis, or international placements.

To cap off an already exceptional experience, our students observed live assessment sessions for LLS candidates aiming to secure contracts to work abroad. This gave them a real-world glimpse into the standards and expectations of international coaching roles.

Throughout the day, our students represented Dixons Fazakerley Academy brilliantly - asking thoughtful questions, networking with professionals, and demonstrating their enthusiasm for learning.

We are incredibly proud of their ambition and can’t wait to see how this experience shapes their future careers in sport!