Former Burnley star Mullin excited by new role

Former Burnley and Sunderland midfielder John Mullin, who had been combining his studies with a part-time coaching role at Turf Moor, will complete his Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching while working full-time for the Centre of Excellence.

His new role at Turf Moor will include co-ordinating training activities for youngsters aged 5-11 and coaching 15-16 year olds attending the Centre of Excellence on day release from school.

John, who chose to study at the UCLan Burnley Campus because of its quality facilities and supportive staff, said: “I enrolled on the Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching because I felt it would complement my football coaching qualifications. I am delighted that the football club has agreed to support me as I finish the course and recognised that what I am currently learning will benefit myself and the other coaches at the Centre of Excellence.

“The Foundation Degree has helped me to become a more educated coach and taught me to be open to introducing new ideas and beliefs into my coaching.

“I am really excited to be part of a building process at the football club. The club has a genuine interest in producing quality, homegrown players, like Jay Rodriguez. It is fantastic to be part of this, especially as that is how my own career at Burnley started.”

Catherine Elliott, Programme Leader for University Level Sport and Public Services courses at the UCLan Burnley Campus, added: “The Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching develops essential coaching and motivational skills and we are sure that John will transfer a lot of his knowledge from this course to his new role.”