Jonas Munkvold

Why did you choose Solent?

The football studies degree looked unique, different to the sport science and football science degrees elsewhere.

Can you talk a bit about any opportunities you had to get practical experience?

During my final year, I was part of the university team’s coaching staff. It was a great challenge and a huge learning opportunity for me to undertake multiple roles there. I started the season as Assistant Coach in a large technical staff to and ended the season as Head Coach. Everyone involved in the staff went on to exciting roles in football. This really highlights the great pool of talented coaches and analysts at Solent.

What did you take away from your time at Solent University?

Friends, industry connections, personal development. I will never forget my three years at Solent because of the great people I was able to study with.

Tell us a little about your career so far.

After leaving Solent, I moved back to Norway for a full-time coaching job at the Vålerenga academy. The following season, I had the opportunity to move back to England to coach at the Nottingham Forest academy. In my five seasons there, I was fortunate to work across coaching and analysis as Individual Development Coach with the U18s. In 2023, I joined Northern Ireland men’s senior team as an analyst alongside my role at Nottingham Forest.

Prior to the 24-25 season, I joined Bournemouth AFC to work in recruitment, while continuing my analysis role with the Irish FA.

What are you working on now?

Taking a step back from coaching has given me the chance to watch more live football and reflect deeply on the game. It’s helped sharpen my thinking and refine my ideas. In the years ahead, I’m aiming to pursue the UEFA ‘PRO’ License or further formal education to explore key areas of player and coach development in greater depth.

What tips would you give to someone wanting a career in your industry?

Connect with people and spend as much time as you can studying the game. Use the conversations and study to develop your own ideas of the game, how to play and how to train. It can be difficult to connect with people in the industry, but I find social media is a great platform to bridge those gaps.