A New Job in Lincoln for the Cowleys

Football managers Danny and Nicky Cowley are venturing back into Lincolnshire but this time it’s not the football they are improving, it’s the opportunities for young people.

They are working with the University of Lincoln to raise young people’s aspirations and ignite their passion for sport, business, leadership, and psychology. In the latest instalment of the University’s Live Lounge livestreamed talks and Q&As, the Cowleys will be the stars of a series of curriculum relevant events, starting from Wednesday 27 January and running for three weeks, where they will be discussing secrets of motivation, performance and teamwork with expert academics.

The brothers, who guided Lincoln City FC to two promotions, an FA Cup quarter final, and to Wembley in a winning Checkatrade Trophy campaign, are renewing their connection with the University of Lincoln. They are honorary graduates of the University and have worked with students since moving to the area. Having managed in eight of the top nine divisions in England after successful careers as P.E teachers, the Cowleys have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share.

They also know how to motivate people and how to build resilience in order to get the best out of individuals and teams. Danny Cowley said: “We wake up every single day with a desire to improve and help people be the very best version of themselves. If you are open minded, willing to learn and keep growing, anything is possible in this world. For Nicky and I, working with the University of Lincoln is a great opportunity to help young people, who are currently stuck at home to think beyond their current walls and aim high.

“Lincoln is an amazing place and the University is at the forefront of innovation and new ways of learning. Both Nicky and I are really excited to be part of these sessions and we’d love as many young people as possible to get involved.”

Pro Vice Chancellor and Director of Lincoln International Business School, Dr Craig Marsh, said: “I am delighted that Danny and Nicky Cowley are able to join me on the 27 January for what promises to be an exciting discussion about leadership, effective management in football and resilience as a manager.

“As English professional football coaches, the duo are popular with players and fans alike and who, amongst other things, led Lincoln City FC to be the first non-league club to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in over a century. Learning more about their experiences will be fascinating and a valuable learning tool for those in, or considering a career in business, management or sport.”

The talks are scheduled over three weeks, and will include renowned University of Lincoln academics who will link insights to different areas of the curriculum. Week one will look at business, with a focus on how business theory can be utilised in managing a sports team.

Week two will explore sports theory and practice, and young people watching will have the opportunity to learn new tips and techniques for improving performance and mental resilience. Week three will consider a number of issues around the psychology of sport and business.

Head of the School of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Lincoln, Cathy Thomas, said: “In recent years the University and Lincoln City FC have enjoyed an enterprising relationship, with students gaining real-world experience while providing expertise to the club in areas including performance analysis, sports therapy and massage, as well as learning from the management team through guest lectures.

“The talks will provide unique insight and guidance for students and young people in Lincolnshire who are interested in careers in sports management, sports science or psychology.”

Danny and Nicky will also set out scenarios for those joining the livestreamed sessions and issue challenges to viewers about the steps necessary to become successful football manager. The duo will draw on expertise in sports theory and practice, business, leadership, decision-making and psychology and use the A Level curriculums for each of these subjects to bring football to life in a new way.

The talks will start weekly at 3pm from Wednesday 27 January and will be available to watch live online on Facebook, YouTube and on the University of Lincoln website at www.lincoln.ac.uk: Wednesday 27 January, 3pm-4pm: Management, leadership and decision making – improving performance through decision making, choosing strategic direction and managing strategic change, creating effective football management and resilience.

With Danny and Nicky Cowley and Dr Craig Marsh, Pro Vice Chancellor and Director of the Lincoln International Business School and Dr Hanya Pielichaty, Associate Professor in Sports Business Management. Wednesday 3 February, 3pm-4pm: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport – exercise physiology and biomechanics, sport psychology, sport and society and technology in sport. With Danny and Nicky Cowley and and Sandy Wilmott.

Wednesday 10 February, 3pm-4pm: Sport psychology – biopsychology, aggression, stress, gender, cognition and development. With Danny and Nicky Cowley and Dr Trish Jackman, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology.

Ends