James White

Certificate in Sports Coaching

Donegal – Letterkenny

James White

Graduate of our part-time Certificate in Sport Coaching.

Can you tell us your name, job title, where you are from and the course you studied at ATU?  

James White, Club Assistant, South Donegal Schoolboys. I am from Ballyshannon and I studied Certificate in Sports Coaching Level 7 at ATU Letterkenny.

Can you share your career path to date?

I studied Applied Biology at Sligo RTC and Applied Biochemistry at University of Ulster, Jordanstown. I worked for Abbott Ireland Diagnostic Division from startup from 1995 to 2000. I lived in Australia working in Quality Assurance for Lucent Technologies. On returning to Ireland, I was employed by the HSE in the laboratory at Sligo University Hospital for 12 years from 2002 until 2014.  I retrained as an organic horticulturist at the organic centre Rossinver, obtaining a distinction level 5. I then studied Nursery Stock Production at the Botanical Gardens in Dublin obtaining a distinction level 6. I worked with the organic centre as project coordinator until March 2024.

What does your current role involve?

I coach U12s, U14s and U16s with Erne Wanderers FC.

What motivated you to start studying?

I wanted to bring a level of professionalism to my role and as in my other roles throughout my career training was essential to fulfil my duties to the highest standards.

Why did you choose this course at ATU?

The sports coaching course offered a level of knowledge that I knew would raise my understanding of coaching where it would benefit me and the players I am coaching.

How did you find the process of studying in a flexible manner? What elements did you find helpful? Were there elements you found challenging?

I was apprehensive about studying online initially but as time went on it became easier. I really enjoyed the time spent in ATU Letterkenny with the tutors and the other participants. I would suggest that the Blended method is much better than studying online only.

How did you balance work and study?

As my work involves coaching it was probably easier for me to balance both as I was able to implement aspects of what I was studying into my everyday coaching sessions.

In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Were there elements of the course that were particularly relevant to your current employer?

My employer was very supportive as I was able to use the new skills I was learning immediately.

What advice would you have for anyone considering studying a flexible learning programme?

My advice is to firstly make sure you want to commit to studying and then pick the right course that suits them. Check that the numbers of hours recommended for study can be fitted into a working week.

In what way has studying with ATU benefitted your career?

I am a much better coach and have now got a qualification that is recognised.

Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career?

I have been asked to get involved in setting up the South Donegal Soccer Academy.

Did you find that the elements you were studying had practical relevance in your day-to-day role?

The course has pushed me to develop new skills and deepen my understanding of coaching.