Ethan Perotto

From the training ground to the top. Tell us about your career so far.

I'm a football coach working across two exciting roles simultaneously. I work with a youth football academy, helping develop the next generation of players, and I'm also head coach for a senior team. It's a demanding but incredibly rewarding combination. Every day I get to do what I love, at a level I'm genuinely proud of.

So, what does a typical day actually look like for you?

My day starts early, usually 6 or 6.30am. I keep myself active in the mornings, whether that's the gym, a run or a swim. After lunch, I finalise training schedules for both teams before heading to the academy, where I work with the coaching staff to review session objectives, plan equipment and give feedback. With the academy players still developing, we focus heavily on the technical and mental side of the game. I sometimes run one-to-one sessions with individual players too. Then it's straight to the senior team for more coaching, finishing around 8:30pm. Weekends are for games and tournaments. It's full-on, but I wouldn't change it.

What made Solent the right choice for you?

It came down to three things: the course modules, Southampton's thriving football and sports industry, and the reputation of the University itself. Solent is the right place if you're passionate, determined, and serious about building a career in the sports and leisure world. It doesn't just teach you. It puts you right in the middle of an industry that's alive and moving around you.

What made your lecturers stand out from the rest?

I was lucky to have genuinely brilliant lecturers. Their experience, teaching methods and depth of knowledge made a real difference throughout my degree. They didn't just deliver content, they invested in my development, regularly offering valuable feedback and advice that helped me grow both as a student and as an aspiring coach. That personal support is something I still appreciate today.

How did your studies actually prepare you for working in football?

More than I expected. As a football coach, principles like leadership, management and organisation aren't optional extras, they're essential. My degree gave me a strong grounding in all of these, helping me develop not just as a coach but as a professional. The skills I built at Solent are ones I use every single day on the training ground and beyond

Was there a moment during your degree that genuinely blew your mind?

My dissertation. I researched the psychological factors within football, and the depth of information I uncovered was eye-opening. It completely changed how I think about the game, reinforcing that the mental side is every bit as important as the technical and tactical. That insight has stayed with me and shaped how I coach. It's something I bring into every session I deliver.

What did you take away from your time at Solent?

Everything I learned and experienced at Solent has fed directly into my career. The knowledge, the practical skills, the industry connections and the confidence I built during those years gave me a platform to pursue my ambitions seriously. University isn't just about getting a degree. It's about becoming the person who can actually go out and achieve what they set out to do.

What's your number one piece of advice for anyone wanting to break into the football industry?

Stay disciplined and be patient. Learn from your mistakes, give everything you have and trust that the hard work will pay off. The path isn't always straightforward, but if you stay focused and keep showing up, the opportunities will come.