Nichola is now in to her second year working with the university team in a coaching capacity having completed a BA in Education at the University of Edinburgh.  Nichola obtained the UEFA B licence with the SFA in 2014 and on the youth coaching pathway currently holds the SFA Childrens Award.

Out with the university set-up Nichola is based at the Spartans Community Football Academy where she has worked in the North Edinburgh area as a Community Coach for the past 2 years. Nichola has also undertaken work with the SFA, acting as liaison officer for Womens National teams visiting Scotland.  Through her work with the SFA, Nichola has had various opportunities to further her coaching knowledge, most recently travelling to Sweden on an educational trip observing women’s football development in Sweden.

In 2015, Nichola was appointed as Coach Development Coordinator within the Spartans Girls FC having previously worked as head coach for the U11s and U17s teams respectively.  This role involves her supporting coaches within the section from u9s through to u17s.  Nichola currently plays within the Spartans Senior set up, captaining the Reserve squad for the past 2 seasons.

A Kilmarnock FC supporter, Edinburgh Uni graduate (BSc (Hons) in 1978, MBA in 2004) and University sports “Half Blue”. Married with two daughters, 20 and 19. A full range of SFA coaching certificates obtained up to “Club Coach” level.Has been coaching girls and women’s football since 2003, and has been with EUWAFC since season 2013/14. Highlights to date include being one half of the coaching partnership that helped the EUWAFC 2s win BUCS Div 3, the Varsity match and reach the final of the Conference cup in 2014/15. Before that 4 cup wins, including the Scottish schools Girls Senior Shield as well as organising and leading teams on football tours in the UK and abroad were highlights

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“Teams cannot win all the time, and I strongly believe that the real benefit we get through participation is “friendship through sport”, both as players and coaches. Right from the outset in 2013/14 the newly formed EUWAFC 2s have been a tight unit playing for each other. This clearly helped them in coming close runners up in BUCS Div 3 and reaching the semi-final of the BUCS Conference Cup in their very first year. This spirit continued into 2014/15 when they did even better. I look forward to working with the 2015/16 squad, in conjunction with Head Coach Nic Sturrock.”

Nick has a wealth of football experience playing for: Ballinamallard United, Dundee University, Lochee United, Northumbria University (Team Northumbria), Ashington FC, Brandon United, Gosforth Bohemians. Nick has had coaching roles with – Adidas Team Football with the Northumberland Football Partnership (2004-2006), Senior Coach at Newcastle United Football in the Community (2004-2007), Red House Farm Junior Football Club (2005-2013) and Mens 4th Team Coach at Team Northumbria (2006/7). Nick’s Coaching qualifications include UEFA B and FA Level 2. Nick has a wealth of experience in the development of youth and adult players with an emphasis on the improvement of players technical and tactical ability. He is new to Edinburgh University coaching for the 2013-2014 season, but Nick will use his vast experience to benefit the club and help improve standards both on and off the pitch.