An exploration of professional coaches’ well-being within football contexts

Andy is a Human and Sport Performance PhD student and graduate teaching associate (GTA) situated within the Academy of Sport and Physical Activity. His PhD aims to explore how professional coaches make sense of and experience well-being within football contexts. Andy’s PhD also aims to utilise novel qualitative approaches to enrich the data collection process. For instance, his research is underpinned by an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, which has been progressively combined with other qualitative approaches.

Prior to starting his PhD and GTA position at Sheffield Hallam University, Andy was a full-time higher education lecturer with 5 years’ worth of teaching experience. He had previously worked at University Centre Doncaster, as well as Barnsley College University Centre teaching across sport science and coaching degrees. Whilst at Barnsley College, Andy was appointed as an advanced practitioner which entailed supporting and educating fellow staff members on best teaching practices. Furthermore, Andy had also previously worked at Barnsley Football Club on a voluntary and paid basis. His role focused on delivering psychological workshops to the U14 and U16 academy players.   

Andy's qualifications include:

• BSc (Hons) in Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences – Accredited via University of Hull
• PGCE in Lifelong Learning – Accredited via University of Huddersfield
• MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology – Accredited via Sheffield Hallam University 

When he has the chance, Andy loves travelling the world and soaking up the local cultures, food, and drink. He is an avid Liverpool FC fan and coincidentally aligning with his PhD approach, he loves a nice cold drink of an IPA beer on the weekend. 

Research output

Higham, A. J., Newman, J. A., Stone, J. A., & Rumbold, J. L. (2021). Coaches’ experiences of morality in English professional football environments: Recommendations for creating a moral atmosphere. International Sport Coaching Journal, 9(2), 211-221. https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2021-0026

Higham, A. J., Newman, J. A., Rumbold, J. L., & Stone, J. A (Pending). Using Photovoice to See the Bigger Picture: An Exploration of How Football Coaches Experience and Make-sense of Well-being Over the Course of a Competitive Season. Oral Presentation. 14th ICCE Global Coach Conference, Marina Bay Sands & Singapore Sports Hub, Singapore, November 29th - December 3rd, 2023.