Earn A Diploma In Football!
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) — Who needs a diploma in football?
Think again.
Sports today is a multi-billion Ringgit industry that can well be an income-generator for those with the right paper qualifications.
Thus, when a local college rolled out the Diploma in Football Studies, it combined both sports and business studies to tap into the sector’s money-generating potential.
The programme, introduced in 2006 as probably the first of its kind in the country, is being offered by Cyberlynx International College (CIC) located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
CIC’s Director of Administration, Evelyn Poon says there are many reasons why one should consider earning a qualification in football.
“Football is one of the world’s most popular sports. It is played and avidly watched in most parts of the world.
“In the United Kingdom (UK) alone, it is a business worth billions of pounds, and has significant impact on the society,” says Evelyn, adding that a football player can turn into a successful sports businessman as well.
THE DIPLOMA IN FOOTBALL
She points out the programme is meant for those passionate about football, and who seek employment within football and sports-related industries.
“The programme offers 70 percent theory and 30 percent practical training, and is approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
“The minimum entry requirement is three credits in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and two principles in Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM),” she said.
The two-and-a-half year programme covers core subjects such as English, macroeconomics and microeconomics, introduction to Law, and mathematics.
“Some other universities offers sport -science programmes that are geared more towards physiology and applied anatomy, and maybe management.
“What makes us different is, we also offer subjects such as Introduction to Business, Personal and Professional Development in Football, and the Football Business,” she elaborated.
The programme provides students a comprehensive understanding of football and its social, economic, cultural, and political influence within contemporary society.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Upon graduating, students will be able to critically analyse major theoretical and practical issues relevant to football from numerous perspectives.
Career opportunities are wide: graduates can enter football administration and development sector, facility development, league and club development, coaching, refereeing, sports counseling, sport entrepreneurship and sports journalism.
“So far, 98 percent of the students from the last two classes have found employment,” noted Evelyn.
NOT “THE FINAL WHISTLE”
To Evelyn, a paper qualification will go a long way toward helping players when they retire or leave the sport due to injuries.
“With their expertise, they can continue to support the industry by becoming involved in sports-related business, such as producing quality sports goods.
“They were the ones using that gear…and they should know better,” she said.
Furthermore, newcomers in football should grab the opportunity to further their studies while at the same time helping to improve the country’s football standards.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
“We also offer bachelor degree in football studies, which here students can choose to do locally or at University of Bedfordshire or Bucks New University in UK,” said Evelyn.
Students interested in the course can apply to the Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) for financial support.
Recently, five players from the Harimau Muda B squad were awarded scholarships worth RM75,000 each by CIC to pursue diploma in football studies at the college.
— By Nursyabiha Sukri and Siti Nuraziah Zainal Alam, BERNAMA