A University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) Sport Management is working as a coach at a Soccer Team Academy in Dallas, Texas, using his expertise to identify new talent as part of the role.
Rhys Surringer from Neath had always wanted to travel and work abroad. Soccer is a growing sport in the USA, and Rhys said USA academies are looking to hire more British and European coaches. Rhys has completed his coaching qualifications and graduated with a Sports Management degree from UWTSD, He has now been able to secure a long-term visa, which has opened this golden opportunity for him.
Rhys said he decided to study at UWTSD because he was looking for a new challenge. After spending 10 years working as a gym and fitness instructor, he wanted to develop his career path within the sports industry.
“The BA Sports Management degree programme allowed me to develop my knowledge within the wider sports industry environment and gave me the relevant skills and abilities to enable to use them in the private, public and voluntary sectors of the sports, health & fitness industry,” he said.
The programme helped Rhys to develop his management skills and knowledge. After graduating, Rhys felt confident that he had found the career path he wished to pursue, a sports development coach within a football club.
Rhys has praised the University for its support, adding that moving to America would have been impossible without the skills he’s managed to learn through his degree.
“All the lecturers at the University have been massively supportive, even after completing the Sports Management degree, I am still in regular contact with them and they have always been there to mentor and give advice with different career opportunities,” he added. “The great thing about the Sports Management degree is the variety of career paths it has to offer after you graduate.”
Andrew Thomas, Senior Lecturer in the portfolio of Leisure, Events, Tourism and Sport said: “Rhys started University after a decade in the sector and took time to adjust, but he persevered, took advantage of the extra support sessions and set high standards which has contributed to this opportunity in America.”
Rhys said he wanted to encourage students to pursue their dreams.
“I would definitely encourage all students to set goals and to follow their dreams and not be afraid to move abroad to find opportunities,” he said.
