Staff from CITC and Manchester Metropolitan University, came together alongside students at the Etihad Stadium’s Tunnel Club to reflect on three years of hard work, culminating in the award of their degrees.
The evening consisted of a three-course meal, taking place alongside, entertainment, a presentation and awards ceremony in which the students could collectively reflect on their best memories and moments from the course.
Lois Daniels, Post-16 Education Manager commented on the importance of commemorating their achievements:
“We are super proud of all of the students, and their commitment, hard work and dedication across the past 3 years, and it’s important to take the time to reflect and celebrate together, before they embark on their next steps.
“Many will continue to study with us on our new Masters programme, others will explore other postgraduate options, full-time work and some may even become a part of our workforce here at CITC.
“This degree course is truly unique and it’s a time for all the staff to sit back and be proud of the students, the partnership and the impact the programme is having, and importantly, a time for our graduates to reflect and celebrate themselves and each other’s success.”
On the night graduate Pilkwan, was awarded the Alex Williams MBE Outstanding Contribution Award. Speaking about the award and his time on the City Degree programme he said:
“Manchester is a great place to experience sport, whether at a community level or within high-performance environments.
“During my studies, I took every opportunity to get involved in volunteering and placements, which helped me develop as a coach.
“I am very grateful to have my efforts over the past three years recognised. I’m looking forward to taking this into the next stage of my studies.”
Commenting on why Pilkwan received the award, Oliver Murphy, Higher Education Officer said:
“Pilkwan is a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Alex Williams Award. As our first ever international winner, he has demonstrated exceptional determination, resilience and commitment throughout his time with us.
“Moving from South Korea, he has embraced every challenge - working tirelessly to develop his English language skills, immerse himself in Mancunian and British culture, and seize every opportunity available to him.
“Alongside gaining valuable experience with Stoke City FC, Manchester Met Women’s Football, Manchester FA and Manchester City Women’s Academy, Pilkwan has completed an outstanding 27 additional qualifications, including multiple scouting and performance analysis certifications.
“Beyond his academic and professional achievements, he has generously volunteered within the local community through City in the Community, consistently representing the values of the programme with humility, professionalism and enthusiasm.
“Pilkwan’s relentless commitment to learning, his willingness to go above and beyond, and the positive impact he has made both on and off the pitch make him an exceptional role model and a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Alex Williams Award.”
Sitting under CITC’s Healthy Futures pillar, the programme brings together CITC’s community football coaching knowledge with Manchester Metropolitan’s academic expertise, to offer the best of both worlds and an integrated path to rewarding career goals.
With work-based learning in elite, professional sporting surroundings, the course provides students with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to find success as a coach or sports programme leader.
Since the start of the course in 2018, 112 students have gone onto receive BSc Degrees though the programme.
21 students from the City Degree alumni have already gone on to secure employment at City in the Community.
For more information on the programme visit: mancity.com/degree
CITC now also offer a Masters in Sport Coaching and Performance, developed in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University.
This new Masters degree represents the next step in CITC’s commitment to empowering healthier lives through football.
City in the Community empowers healthier lives through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/citc or follow @citcmancity on social media.
