After college, Cameron Westmorland aspired to pursue a career in football coaching. He knew that the University of Central Lancashire would be the perfect place when he chose to study a BSc and an MSc in Sports Coaching and Performance.
After visiting our Preston campus and learning about the BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance course Cameron was convinced it was the right choice. It offered the modules he needed and some great placement opportunities. He was also impressed with the sports facilities the University had to offer.
“The sports facilities such as the UCLan Sports Arena was eye catching for someone viewing the campus, I knew instantly I wanted to complete my degree at UCLan.”
Whilst here, Cameron undertook a placement with Preston North End F.C. The placement gave him a first real life taste of performance analysis. The placement perfectly complimented the analysis sessions he was attending as part of the degree. He worked with a range of age groups across the academy, filming training sessions using a Veo Sports Camera then producing a clip package of goals, corners, and any other training highlights.
Cameron cites his course tutors as being a key part of his University experience.
“My relationship with my tutors at UCLan was an overriding strength, as the delivery of the course alongside the support mechanism available, was excellent. I felt really comfortable completing the course as I knew I had knowledgeable and experienced tutors. Craig Wright and Craig Lawlor were a massive influence and aid to my development during my time with UCLan.”
Alongside UCLan’s “excellent” tutors and support mechanisms, Cameron also credits the fantastic facilities and the abundance of placements and networking opportunities he received to reach where he is today.
"Thanks to UCLan, I have been given the opportunity to progress in the world of performance analysis."
— Cameron Westmorland, BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance and MSc Sports Coaching graduate
After completing the undergraduate degree during Covid, Cameron decided to undergo a Master’s at UCLan to further expand knowledge and expertise in the field of Sports Coaching and Performance Analysis. Shortly after, he completed an internship in performance analysis with the First Team at Carlisle United F.C. during the 2022/23 season. Cameron recalls this being “extremely rewarding” as he was able to work closely with the lead analyst to expand on skills he had previously learnt on the course.
Upon completing the internship, Cameron was offered his current full-time role as Academy Analyst with Carlisle United F.C. His duties involve producing pre and post-match videos for the Carlisle United U18 group, completing player profiles, and producing analytical pieces of work to showcase to YDP (Youth Development Phase) groups.
If Cameron has any advice for students pursuing a Sports Coaching degree or a career in Performance Analysis, it’d be to “Take every opportunity you get. Initially I was hesitant to take an unpaid internship at Carlisle United F.C. but I then grasped the fact that it was a requirement to stay in the industry and continue to develop my contacts. Push yourself when on the course and don’t settle for anything less.”
