Jaap Stam, Dutch football manager, former head coach, and professional player, recently visited Eccles Sixth Form College to coach and inspire our BTEC Sport students, including helpful tips on how to control the game, the tempo, the pace, and when to find spaces.

Regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, Stam is a well-known name within football and has all the credentials as one of the best in the game. With several European clubs under his belt, as well as numerous club trophies, he was also voted as best defender in the 1998-1999 and the 1999-2000 UEFA Champions League.

Stam visited in association with the Manchester United Foundation, whose aim is to use football to help young people within the local area build better futures for themselves and unite the communities in which they live. “I love doing anything for Manchester United Foundation and I think it's very important to help out these kids and maybe give them a better future and make their dreams come true,” Jaap said.

The Foundation runs the BTEC in Sport in partnership with Eccles Sixth Form College and Pendleton Sixth Form College, providing students aged 16-18 work experience opportunities and the chance to gain internationally recognised coaching qualifications. Participation in the BTEC in Sport programme has led to careers in coaching, personal training, teaching, physiotherapy and sports therapy.

On joining the Foundation, you will participate in competitive football fixtures alongside your studies and develop your football skills in training sessions run by the Manchester United Foundation. Our talented players will have the opportunity to gain national recognition by representing England’s colleges in the Annual Home Nations Competition.

For more information on the MUFC Foundation and our BTEC Sport course visit our website:

www.salfordcc.ac.uk/courses/leavers

Watch the full YouTube video here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsQUQVBC1Qo