SAMUEL Cox, captain of Guyana’s senior national men’s team, popularly known as the ‘Golden Jaguars’, recently completed his Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) A-level Licences programme as he prepares for life after his playing career.

“I’m delighted to have finally completed my A Licence (Level 4). It’s been a tough year physically and mentally for me. Having to balance playing week in and week out, along with coaching at Tottenham and also having to knuckle down with my studies and coach education on this A Licence has been a challenge,” Cox told Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview.

 A UEFA A Licence is a coaching licence mandated by UEFA, the official governing body of European football. The licence is one level below the UEFA Pro Licence and allows holders to be head coaches of youth teams up to age 18, reserve teams (also known as ‘B’ teams) for top-flight clubs, and men’s professional second-tier clubs.

“A normal day would consist of me coaching at Spurs (Tottenham), then having to train or play a match with my club, Wealdstone, and then come home and have to study a game or do theory work. Combining that with trips up to the National Playing Centre, St George’s Park, and International duty with Guyana, It’s been pretty full on,” Cox said.

According to the 27-year-old Cox, who in 2016 completed his UEFA B Licence, the course was done over six blocks across the year and consists of part theory and part practical exercises.

“I was also getting FA tutor visits at Tottenham to get assessed on what I was delivering at the academy. Ultimately, at the end of the 6th block, I was signed off which was brilliant. I’ve learnt a lot and built up and developed my own coaching philosophy which hopefully will put me in good stead for now and the future. I’ve built new relationships and learnt from some top coaches across the country (England),” said Cox.

Cox, who started his professional playing career at the Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur, said he was “fortunate that I get to learn from some of the best coaches in Europe at ‘Spurs’ on a day-to-day basis. The club has been outstanding for me, not only as a professional player but as a coach now too.

I owe a lot to Academy Director, John McDermott (responsible for bringing through the likes of Harry Kane, Ryan Mason and Andros Townsend) and Justin Cochrane who were responsible for bringing me back to the club.”

He added “I’ve also learnt a lot from Ryan Hall, Gary Broadhurst and Tony Tillbrook who have also helped with my development. This season I’ve been with the U-11’s and also done work with the U-14’s. It’s a great environment to work in and, for me, is the best academy in England without a doubt.”

Looking ahead, Cox said that he intends to keep learning and keep being a student of the game, while working his way up through the age groups at Spurs. He’s also looking to further his education by taking a degree in Elite Coaching and an Advance Youth Award.

“I have hopes to one day manage and head coach at the highest level possible and would love to one day manage the Guyana national team. All in God’s time,” the usually upbeat Cox related.

Cox also intends to continue donning the colours of the Golden Jaguars, telling Chronicle Sport, “I’m still enjoying my playing and feel I still have a lot to give before I retire and go into management. I’ve got another year left on my contract at Wealdstone and I’m very much looking forward to leading the national team In the League of Nations.”