Mark Williams

BSc Sports Coaching and Development, 2009

What is the Denis Law Legacy Trust all about?

We’re a small charity that uses sport for good. Denis Law was obviously a famous footballer from Aberdeen who went on to play for Man Utd. The charity was established in his name with his blessing.

Tell me more about your job and what it involves?

I’ve been part of the charity for a few years now. We’ve grown from working with around 3000 kids to 17,000 across a range of programmes.

We do a whole range of different programmes, ranging from activities in primary schools to work in the local prison up in Peterhead. 

It sounds like your job is quite varied?

Every day is different and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I love coming to work on a Monday morning. Its hard work and a very busy life but it’s all about seeing the rewards at the end of the day and that’s what keeps us going, especially when young people achieve something.

How did your Abertay degree help you get to where you are now?

You had to be degree qualified for the job that I initially wanted to do, and I didn’t have one. The Sport Coaching degree at Abertay suited me perfectly, it was right up my street and exactly what I wanted to be doing.

I learned a lot while I was there. The degree played a huge part in getting me to where I am now.

Who had a particular impact on you at Abertay?

The lecturers at the University were really helpful and actually bought into each student. Each student is different, and the lecturers recognised that.

What advice would you have for our current students?

You get a lot of opportunities as a student that you won’t get when you leave university. The University has strong connections with the world of sport – make the most of that. Push yourself and go out there. Take that extra step.

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