Thomas Ryan

Thomas Ryan is a Senior Lecturer at Plymouth Marjon University's School of Sport, Health and Wellbeing with over 20 years of experience in academia and sports development. He specializes in coaching, sport management, talent identification, and work-based learning integration. Ryan holds a PhD from Northumbria University focusing on relational sociology in elite youth football networks. His research emphasizes micro-political aspects of talent development and network dynamics in sports organizations.

Education:

• PhD in Relational Sociology (Northumbria University)
• MSc Sports Management (Northumbria University)
• BSc Sports Development (University of East London)
• HEA Postgraduate Certificate (University of Exeter)
• FA Coaching Licenses (UEFA B, Youth Award)

Research Interests: Ryan employs relational sociology to study interactions within sports networks, focusing on talent identification mechanisms, coaching practices, and policy implementation. His work bridges academic research with industry impact through collaborations with the Premier League, FA, and Association of Sporting Directors.

Professional Roles: He has served as Programme Leader for International Event & Sport Management and Football Coaching programmes (2011-2015). Currently acts as External Examiner for Sport-related courses at the University of Hull and Open University. Engages in knowledge exchange via workshops on talent networks and academy management.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with academic institutions and industry partners like Liverpool University and the FA's coaching networks to translate research into practical strategies.