Football
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UEL's football club is one of UEL's largest sports clubs with numerous men's and women's teams competing in BUCS. The club consists of players and staff passionate about the game with a real emphasis on success recognised by the club's rich trophy cabinet.
As one of UEL's focus sports, the football club is recognised as having high level athletes within its first and second teams. The football club is highly respected within the University and their continued hard work to fundraise, for their club as well as local charities is recognised University wide.
Our UEL football club has also experienced fantastic opportunities to compete abroad through visits to Malaysia in 2014 and China in 2016.
Our football coaches have experience with many high-performance athletes and clubs including international experience.
The men's football programme is overseen by 1st team coach, Ryan Gordon, who has over 20 years experience in football coaching. Having previously held posts at Ilford FC, Arsenal, England, Southend United, AFC Wimbledon, Barnet, Luton Town and Norwich City, Ryan is now currently 1st team coach at Maidstone United whilst running the UEL men's football programme.
The women's football programme is managed by Stephen Opoko. Stephen also has a number of years of coaching under his belt, and is currently 1st team coach of West Ham Women's U23 side. He spent three years as a player at Colchester United and also received a call up to play for Uganda during his career.
Men's training takes place on a Monday between 7.30-9.30pm at the Royal Docks Academy and Women's training takes place on a Monday between 7.30-9.30pm at the Royal Docks Academy.
The club is proud to host their home games on the 3G pitch at Mabley Green or the show pitch at Hackney Marsh.
UEL's Docklands campus is also home to our £21m SportsDock facility where students can train on the outdoor football pitch or indoor futsal courts, and use the gym facilities.
As a football scholar you also have the added benefit of using the purpose-built scholars' gym based in the Aqua East facility at Docklands.
As a fully paid up member of the football club every player gains access to our fantastic coaching programme and the membership fee covers all playing kit, player insurance, match day travel, facility hire and referees' fees.
The club run a number of social events throughout the year. In 2019 the club ran a fundraising match and social event on campus, raising almost £500 for Richard House Children's Hospice.
We are also proud to announce that our football programme has completely free access to the East London Sports Therapy Clinic. This clinic is staffed by the talented students of the UEL Sports Therapy BSc and provides sports massage and basic injury assessment/rehabilitation programmes and treatment for all fully paid up members. To book simply contact SportsDock reception.
After playing professionally, I wanted to gain a university qualification while still playing at a high level. This is why I chose UEL!"
Liam McDevitt
Men's Football 1st
