Ex-Premiership footballer coaches college students

Chris Lucketti with Hopwood Hall College students

Students at Hopwood Hall College have been taking part in Football sessions coached by former premiership footballer, Chris Lucketti.

Mr Lucketti recently retired from the game. He is a friend of the College and has helped facilitate weekly coaching sessions with staff and students on the Football Development Programme.

Mr Lucketti started his playing career as a youth team player at Rochdale AFC, moving to Halifax Town FC in 1991 to sign his first professional contract. He went on to play for various clubs including Bury, Preston, Sheffield United, Southampton and two separate spells at Huddersfield Town, where he eventually finished his playing career in May of this year.

About three years ago he introduced himself to the college as he was looking to gain some coaching experience working with the Hopwood players.

Mr Lucketti was working towards his UEFA coaching qualifications but needed a group of players to work with. It was a win-win situation for both parties: Mr Lucketti working with the team on a regular basis and the team benefiting from the knowledge of a player who had 20-years experience of professional football.

Rob Johnson who heads up the Football Development Programme at Hopwood Hall College says: “The players have really enjoyed Chris’ coaching; he has a terrific manner which is warm and friendly and his sessions are always interesting and thought provoking.

“He asks probing questions which include the players in the development process.

“The admiration has been reciprocated as Chris has often talked about the excellent quality of football shown by our Academy players who play in the ECFA (North West Division), a league they have just won for a second year in a row.”