BSc (Hons) Sport Management
Develop your passion for sport, and progress to a successful career leading and managing sporting events and organisations on this CIMPSA accredited course.
Louie Silvani
Louie Silvani studied for a BA and an MA at Solent - he gives an insight into a typical day as U13s lead coach at Leyton Orient FC.
Job title:Lead Coach Leyton Orient Football Club (U9s-U12s)
Employer:Leyton Orient Football Club
Why did you choose Solent?
I could see the University had a positive reputation as the leader in football-related studies, and when I visited the city and saw how close everything was together, I knew I’d enjoy living here.
How did you find the facilities?
Test Park Sports Ground was a great place for our practical education, and the new sports complex went up in my time at Solent, which was great to witness and be able to access near the end of my studies.
Can you talk about any opportunities you had to get practical experience while studying at Solent?
While at Solent, I worked for the Chelsea Foundation - coaching at schools and in the pre-academy set up. In my third year, my course leader recommended me to the FA, and I worked as Performance Analyst at the England U15s camps – an experience into the elite game that will stay with me forever.
Working on the U15s England camps with players like Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala, is something that inspired me hugely to be the best I can be in my field.
Tell us a little about your career so far
Since gaining my UEFA B licence while studying at Solent, I joined Leyton Orient Football Club as U13s coach on a part-time basis in 2018. Since then, I have been U15s-U16s lead on a part-time basis and went full-time in 2021 as Foundation Phase Lead Coach, overseeing the U9s-U12s age groups, which is where I am today.
What is a typical working day?
I design individual learning plans (ILPs) for the academy players, plan sessions and then coach them in the evenings! As well as all the admin that comes with that! I am currently developing a training tour abroad for the academy players, so they can experience playing abroad, in a competition format, against clubs from different countries.
What did you take away from your time at Solent University?
First and foremost, true friendships that will last a lifetime! I also value the knowledge gained through all the course subjects. The technical detail on my coaching modules also remains with me to this day! Studying at Solent has also helped me to think more analytically and critically, which helps me in my day-to-day work, finding solutions to problems.
What are your future plans?
I am currently completing my FA Advanced Youth Award qualification. From there, I’ll look to take my UEFA A Licence, while trying to further enhance the Foundation Phase programme at Leyton Orient.
Start making your own waves
BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching
Get ready to take athletes to the next level with our CIMSPA-endorsed degree. You’ll be working in professional facilities and alongside national sports clubs to gain top-class knowledge and skills.
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Gain a comprehensive understanding of sport and exercise performance with this BASES-endorsed degree that combines access to specialist facilities with professional placements and a hands-on learning.
