A natural and willing student as a youngster, Steven Haslam saw no reason to change his academic focus after entering his 20s – and he continues to reap the benefits.
Having begun his playing career with Sheffield Wednesday, the team he supported as a boy, Steven has maintained his Hillsborough roots virtually ever since.
A valued member of the coaching staff at the Wednesday academy, Steven continues to keep his many options open as he adds to his ever-growing list of qualifications.
After finishing his professional playing career with Hartlepool last summer, the 33-year-old is pursuing the coaching route with all the gusto he’s shown since he first stepped foot inside a classroom.
Steven has already got more strings to his bow than a Stradivarius and he’s still adding to his already impressive CV, combining further studies whilst playing for non-league AFC Fylde.
A first class honours degree in Business and Management has been added to his list of GCSe and A level successes, with his football coaching badges mounting up too.
Currently awaiting a final assessment for his ‘A’ licence, Steven hopes to put his coaching and business management skills to good use as a manager in his own right.
Having also enrolled on the PFA/LMA Management course, he says: “My parents always encouraged me to study, even after I left school and was playing professionally for Wednesday.
“They were forever reminding me a career as a footballer is a short one, and that you just never know what is around the corner. It’s best to be prepared for any eventuality and, with the continued support of the PFA, I have been able to build up a credible CV.
"I see myself going into management one day and have ambitions to manage in the Premier League, and I think the BA in business and management will stand me in good stead.
“I studied leadership and strategy and so a lot of things we covered on the course are transferable to any industry, including football.
“I want to stay in the game, obviously, and I am thoroughly enjoying coaching at the Wednesday academy, which is providing me with a great education.
“Having realised my initial dream of playing for my home town club (Steve made over 150 appearances for the Owls), it would be fantastic to manage them at some point.”
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