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Former Premier League stars head to MMU to become future sport directors

  • David Weir and Kevin Davies return to the classroom to new managerial roles in sports business
  • 27 sports stars to join innovative MMU masters course

 

Ex-Premier League footballers Kevin Davies and David Weir are among a host of sport stars heading back to the classroom with the aim of becoming the next generation of sporting directors.

The course aims to professionalise the sports industry by turning former players into successful managerial roles.

A total of 27 sportsmen and women form across the globe are joining the master’s course, including: Vikram Solanki, Gary Bowyer and Scott Stellars.

 

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Sporting director roles are becoming increasingly important and the course has already scored with previous graduates such as Aston Villa director of football, Steve Round.

Studies will include best practice, leadership and innovation, with guest lectures delivered by leading industry figures.

Dr Sara Ward, programmes director at MMU, said: “Many of our students are transitioning between the very highest levels of sport into ‘off the field’ and backroom roles, but we also have students who are lawyers, agents, managers and journalists connected with sports globally, and that’s what makes the qualification, as well as the cohorts, so unique.

“It is also great to see a further six female students on the course this year, upskilling themselves and preparing for leadership roles in an industry that has historically be overwhelmingly dominated by men.”

The Master of Sport Directorship  lasts for two years.