I was asked to go into the university a couple of weeks ago for an end of year meeting regarding the first year of the Football Studies course. In this meeting I mentioned some of the issues the students have raised over the last year. I told the tutors there were many students who were disappointed with the grades they had received - especially in the practical coaching assessments. Even though the practicals were quite enjoyable, they didn't really improve our coaching abilities - which led me to think that more could be done outside of the university to support students with this. We were offered both FA Level 1 & Level 2 courses and, although they were slightly discounted, financially it proved difficult for many students to afford it (e.g. £250 for Level 2). I was then told that every other course receives financial support from the university, apart from Football Studies. This includes Sport Coaching & Development students whom get one free coaching course paid fully per year (including FA Level 2). So basically if you're studying a different course you are able to do an FA Level 1 or Level 2 course for free, whereas if you're on a Football Studies course studying football, you are made to pay near enough full price for achieving your football coaching badges. I also believe that FA youth modules should be offered along side the course amongst others - but that's another issue in itself. In my opinion it's not fair and it's discriminative. All of the tutors agree and wanted me to raise this issue with the students. They said they've had meetings in the past with the people responsible at the university without any success. If you agree and would like to see more financial support from the university and other support in general, please sign this petition.