Xiaohongshu
Who are BUCS?
British Universities and Colleges Sport is the national body for delivering competitive higher education sport in the UK. Their ambition is to deliver exceptional student sporting experiences that inspire, develop and unite. More specifically, the BUCS Football Development team work closely with the FA and support football delivery across core areas of participation and workforce.
Interested in football leadership?
Do you have a passion for football? Are you an aspiring or current leader that wants to develop themselves and work or volunteer within football? TeamUCL have partnered with BUCS to provide you with many different pathways and opportunities to start your leadership journey, progressing into different paid and voluntary roles at UCL and within the community!
BUCS Coaching Hub
TeamUCL are now a BUCS Coaching Hub for the 2026/27 season, with the aim of supporting students to become qualified football coaches. If you are interested in becoming a football coach, then join our coaching hub for exclusive access to:
- A fully funded 'Introduction to Coaching Football' course
- Through our partnership with BUCS, we can provide you with a fully funded place on an 'Introduction to Coaching Football' course. This is an excellent opportunity to gain the qualification and kick-start your coaching journey, with no personal cost to you. The course is online so can be completed around your studies and personal commitments at your own pace!
- Free FA led CPD Event
- An in person CPD event designed and delivered by FA Education Coach Developers, who will provide you with all the best tips and tricks to start your journey to becoming a great football coach!
- Individualised support from TeamUCL
- Individual 1-1 support from Chelsea, our Football Development Officer, who is also a UEFA B qualified football coach. She will mentor you through your journey and support with finding the right coaching opportunities for you at UCL or in the community. You will work together to create an individualised development plan, including access to a coaching guide and monthly check ins.
- BUCS Coaches Club
- An online platform created by BUCS that provides students with the opportunity to share practice, gain feedback, meet other student coaches and develop themselves.
BUCS Referee Hub
TeamUCL are now a BUCS Referee Hub for the 2026/27 season, with the aim of supporting students to become qualified football referees. If you are interested in becoming a football coach, then join our coaching hub for exclusive access to:
- A fully funded football refereeing course with AFA
- Through our partnership with BUCS, we can provide you with a fully funded place on a referee course delivered by Amateur FA. This is an excellent opportunity to gain the qualification and kick-start your refereeing journey, with no personal cost to you. We will be hosting one mixed and one female only course, in collaboration with Kings, LSBU and Imperial.
- Continuous Professional Development
- You will have the opportunity to attend different CPD events delivered by the AFA and Chelsea, our Football Development Officer, which will provide you with all the tips and knowledge to begin refereeing. You will also have individualised 1-1 support from Chelsea, who will mentor you throughout your journey!
- Paid roles and experience with TeamUCL Leagues
- TeamUCL will support you with completing the required matches to gain your refereeing qualification, by providing you with paid roles and experience within our social football leagues. A great way to gain hands on experience and earn some extra money!
BUCS Football and Futsal Club Committee Leaders
The BUCS Club Committee Leaders event is designed to support student club committee members in building the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to lead their clubs effectively. Whether you are new to a committee role or looking to develop your leadership further, this event will give you the insight and confidence to make a real impact this year and beyond. Across the day, attendees will take part in interactive workshops, practical sessions, and networking opportunities that may focus on:
- Leadership - developing the confidence to guide and motivate your committee and club members.
- Club Management – learning how to run your club successfully, from planning and organisation to communication and problem solving.
- Teamwork and Collaboration – strengthening the way you work with your committee, club members, and your university to achieve shared goals.
This event will help you to:
- Gain practical tools and strategies you can use straight away in your role.
- Build connections with other committee leaders from across the country.
- Enhance the long-term success and sustainability of your club.
- Better understand the support available from BUCS and your university.
This free event is on 6th October at St Mary's Stadium and includes lunch and refreshments to suit all dietary requirements. BUCS will cover your travel costs, and you’ll enjoy a full day inside a professional stadium, so come and be part of it! More information will follow once you sign up. Registrations close on 23 September 2026. Contact Chelsea, our Football Development Officer, for more information on how to sign up!
Register your interest now!
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please sign up below! If you have any questions, please email our Football Development Officer!