Coaches Across Borders
- Global Coaching Journeys -
Robert Mitchell - Finland
Name: Robert Mitchell
Nationality: British
Home Town: Manchester, England
Countries coached in: Hungary & Finland
Education: BA (Hons) Business Management, MBA Sport Business (Ongoing)
Coaching certificates: UEFA A Student, Goalkeeper D
Current situation:
Country: Finland
Club: JyPK (Jyväskylän Pallokerho)
Role & Team: Women’s first team Head Coach (Division 1)
Favourite Team: Wigan Athletic FC
Favourite Coach: Roberto Martínez
Article published December 2025.
My Personal Journey
Sudet Jalkapallo: You Will Learn summer camp.
Lehtomäen jalkapallokenttä, Kouvola, Finland. (2018)
Where did your coaching journey begin and how did it develop?
My first role was a part-time job at Sudet Jalkapallo in Kouvola, Finland; coaching the boys U11 team. I ended up on vacation in Finland during the summer of 2016 with contacts I had networked with from my work role as an international student ambassador at Solent University. Luckily, at the same time, Liverpool FC were hosting a summer camp and I wanted to get involved and help out. This opened my mind to the coaching opportunities abroad. I asked the club CEO if there were any coaching opportunities and I got offered a position, that I immediately accepted.
After 3 years, I had earned the 3 foundation domestic coaching certificates and I was ready to take the next step; the UEFA B license. In 2019, I decided a move to the capital, Helsinki, was the next move to immerse myself in a more competitive football environment. This allowed regular networking and club visits.
What motivated you to pursue a coaching career abroad?
The opportunity, curiosity, and challenge were big motivators. During my college days in 2011, I had previously completed a Sport Business internship at Hungarian premier league team ETO FC Győr from the town of Győr. Later in 2014, during my university years, I completed a Business Management internship at Airbus in Amiens, France. Both of these placements pushed me further away from home to pursue an international career. It just happened my passion for football and coaching led me down this coaching route.
What were your biggest fears before leaving home?
At the time, I think the excitement of moving abroad distracted any real fears that I had.
What surprised you the most when you arrived?
The biggest surprises came from the climate and nature; a bright warm summer followed by long cold, dark winter. Culturally, the language was a big shock. I couldn’t grasp that there were 2 official languages; Finnish and Swedish. Finnish, the most commonly used, known to be one of the hardest languages in the world. It is! It sounds like a single tone and it took me 3 years to differentiate between words when listening.
Coaching Abroad:
Reality vs. Expectations
Huuhkajaturnaus 2024. Finland U14 Selection tournament.
Eerikkilä, National Football Centre. (2024)
Here I completed a video analysis course.
How does coaching abroad differ from coaching in your home country?
The biggest difference compared to the UK is that ice hockey is Finland’s most popular sport. Football comes second. Secondly, the football culture from a junior level is focused on players having fun, being with friends and an opportunity for fitness and movement. The style of play has been mostly playing out from the back. In recent years, the football association has implemented a Spanish methodology, which focuses on playing forward, taking risks and using individual technique.
What were the biggest challenges you faced early on?
Language was the biggest challenge because some football words cannot be translated directly into Finnish. For example if you want players to get into lines, you have to use the Finnish word for queue. In most places, trust would be a big challenge, but being a Brit in Finland, we are naturally associated with a successful football history.
What helped you integrate into the local football environment?
I will always appreciate the support I received from mentors and educators. Attending CPD events helped with integration, development and also put my name out there.
How did you build relationships with players and staff?
Building relationships is all about learning about each player both on and off the field. Football coaching in Finland isn’t about on field results. It’s about building a lifestyle around football. Health, wellness and education come first. When players feel supported off the field, they thrive on the field.
What has been your most rewarding moment abroad?
Winning big local derby games, cups and promotions have been rewarding. However, the biggest reward is getting phone calls and messages from junior players or their parents thanking me for coaching them or updating me on their current football career. Making a difference in a players life is more rewarding than any other victory on the field.
Advice for Coaches Wanting to Work Abroad
Pre-game warm up for IF Gnistan Women.
MPA Areena, Helsinki (2025)
What skills or qualifications helped you secure opportunities overseas?
I would say that having a university degree related to business and/or sport will open many doors. Also, being proactive by networking, meeting academy managers, observing trainings and games, gets you noticed. You have to show that you deserve to be hired for the work position more than a native who could do the same role.
What would you recommend coaches prepare before moving abroad?
Check the migration website for which requirements need to be completed before you travel/move. Also check the tax process. Facebook groups for expats are useful for general questions and information.
How important is networking in finding international roles?
How many times have I already mentioned networking and building long-lasting meaningful relationships?!
What mistakes should coaches avoid when seeking jobs abroad?
Take leadership seriously. Don’t expect things to be done for you. If something needs to be done, do it yourself or delegate it with a strict deadline. Set clear roles & responsibilities in your team, if you are a head coach/manager.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had before leaving home?
Don’t wait weeks for emails to be answered. If you want to open opportunities, pick up the phone and make it happen. Also have an updated football CV and LinkedIn profile.
Life Beyond the Pitch
EASM Conference for JAMK MBA Sport Business course.
Paris Paralympics (2024)
How did living abroad change you as a person?
It made me more ambitious and want to be the best version of myself. It made me want to be a versatile and dynamic coach. I don’t just want coaching experience; I want to know more about analysis, goalkeeping, strength & conditioning and psychology; all within the game.
What does a typical day look like in your current role?
Most of my coaching roles have been in the evening because football in Finland is mostly amateur/unpaid. Therefore most adult players and junior players train in the evenings after work or school.
I am fortunate now to be coaching in the mornings. Training between 8am and 10am. This leaves time after the training for analysis, feedback and meetings. After lunch it gives time for more planning or completing my MBA research. Late afternoons allows for fitness or wellness. Evenings are spent relaxing or with friends.
What cultural experiences have shaped you the most?
The sauna and hole in the ice experiences are great for the mind and body. Learning the Finnish language gives a sense of accomplishment. The locals also appreciate you more when you try to fit in and integrate.
Would you encourage other coaches to take the leap abroad?
100%! What could be more exciting and rewarding than experiencing a new country, culture and language; all from taking a role in football abroad?
Final Inspiration
Autumn sunset. Spa by the nature in Finland. (2024)
What legacy do you hope to leave in the Finland?
I would like my legacy to leave people and teams feeling more connected and ambitious. I want my players and coaching staff to believe that anything is possible. Dream big, take risks, make mistakes and be the best they can be, both on and off the field.
What’s next for your coaching journey?
My next step is to complete the UEFA A license and MBA Sport Business degree. I would like to gain more experience coaching the junior national team players in my team. My current club JyPK have a really exciting and ambitious 5-10 year strategy plan. I would like to see how far we go with this project. After that, I would like to experience a coaching role somewhere in Asia.
What message would you give to a young coach dreaming of working overseas?
Make your own opportunities. Network and build meaningful relationships. You never know when you might need a door opening. Your next job or next move could be behind the next door.