Shion Murray

Do you feel like your studies helped you prepare for a career in the industry?

Definitely. The course modules provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the football industry. I went to Solent to mainly study coaching but modules on offer such as fitness, psychology, sociology, and football development, really broadened my knowledge of the sector. I now work in youth development within the football industry, and this is not just about coaching. Nowadays, players need physical, psychological, social support and care to reach their full potential.

Did you have any opportunities to get practical experience during your studies?

For the first two and a half years of my degree, I volunteered to work with players at grassroot level (U12s-U14s). I also coached Southampton University Ladies FC and a U10s group at the Regional Talent Centre. All those opportunities gave me a wide range of coaching experience that helped me to know how to plan training sessions and communicate with different audiences.

Alongside coaching, I got a certificate in scouting via the PFSA that allowed me to scout in non-league football. This helped me to learn how to assess individual performances and prepare an opposition analysis.

What did you like best about living and studying in Southampton?

I was surrounded by football. Whenever there was an industry event at Staplewood (Southampton Football Club training ground), I was there! I also travelled to Bournemouth, Eastleigh, and on the south cost to attend football games.

What did you like best about being a Solent student?

My course mates. We always helped each other. Most of them came to Solent to start a career in the football industry. Having those people with great ambitions around me always drove me to do more. We created a group to discuss football: people did presentations, we analysed games together, shared books and ideas…. That time with them was invaluable.

Tell us a little about your career so far

Six months after coming back to Japan, I had the opportunity to work for the J.LEAGUE (Japan Professional Football League). I was a translator in the youth department. I led on translation projects for Terry Westley (former West Ham Academy Manager) and Adam Raimes (former West Ham Operation Manager). I’m now responsible for developing and recruiting workforce for the organisation. At present, I’m part of the team preparing the Manchester City Japan Tour.