William Pattison

Career Overview

I started at Hartpury in September 2025. Alongside my role here, I am finishing my PhD dual-award programme with Coventry University and Stellenbosch University (South Africa). My research specialises in community and grassroots youth sport, investigating how coaches can be supported to develop young learners’ skills across physical, technical, tactical, psychological and social domains. Beyond my PhD, other areas of research I engage with include physical literacy and physical activity for neurotypical children, and children living with cerebral palsy, within school and community sport contexts. 

In conjunction with my PhD, I coached at a grassroots football club leading their Soccer School programme for several years, in addition to my role as Head Coach for Coventry University Men’s BUCS Football.

Teaching and supervision

• BSc Sports Coaching
  • Academic Skills for Sport and Exercise Scientists
  • Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Theory)
  • Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Pedagogy)
  • Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Reflection)
  • Contemporary Issues in Sports Education
  • Research and Data Skills in Sport
  • Introduction to the Sports and Education Industries
  • Coaching Children
  • Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project

• MSc Sports Coaching
  • Reflective Practice

Research interest

• Non-linear pedagogy 
• Games-based learning
• Fundamental Movement Skills
• Physical literacy
• Sport/Physical Activity for disabilities

Professional memberships

• I-MDRC - International Motor Development Research Consortium

See also...