What sparked your interest to study Sport and Exercise Science?   

From a young age, I’ve been passionate about sport. I played at school, club and county level across a range of sports and learned more about myself through sport more than anything else. I had the pleasure of being coached by some amazing people. This had a profound impact on me and lead to me wanting to impact people in the same way. 

Initially, I took two years out of education with no intention of going to university, until my friend found BSc (Hons) Manchester City Community Football Coaching. The more I researched the course, the more I realised that it gave me everything I wanted: a great education, fantastic facilities, an amazing city and a clear link to employment after graduation. This course seemed like the ideal place to start my journey.   

 I really like the range of industry experience on my course and there is so much more to it than just elite performance. I have been able to work in elite sport with the Manchester City Junior Academy and in grassroots sport with City in the Community. Subsequently, I have been able to impact people in many different ways. 

Like most people in this industry, I love to win. But I also love to learn and help others to do the same. Sport and Exercise Science is an industry where there is potential to achieve both simultaneously.

What do you enjoy about your course?  

Firstly, the lecturers are fantastic. They truly have a passion for their jobs and that comes across in every lecture and seminar. Their commitment to every individual is exemplary and they create an environment to excel in.  

 Secondly, the opportunities beyond academia are endless. During my time on the course, I have been able to gain my Football Association Level 1 and Level 2 coaching qualification. I was also able to volunteer with City in the Community and subsequently got a part-time job which further enabled me to grow my own network and build my experience. This has led to even more opportunities and I have since volunteered to Manchester City’s Junior Academy and am now the Assistant Manager for FC United of Manchester Women’s Team.

Furthermore, I have also been able to participate in an international summit with City in the Community where during one week, I was able to coach alongside people from 15 different countries such as South Africa, Brazil, the USA, Thailand and more. 

What advice would you give to prospective students considering studying this course?   

The true value of University is not only in its content but in the people and opportunities surrounding it. Get to know every person you encounter and show them why you will succeed on a daily basis. You will get what you make of it.  

What are your greatest achievements so far?   

I have been fortunate enough to achieve quite a lot during my time at Manchester Met, from gaining employment at Manchester City in the Community, to being Assistant Manager of FC United of Manchester Womens’ Team. 

However, my greatest achievement academically has been achieving 83% overall across the whole of second year. Beyond academics, I am extremely proud to have already been offered a full-time contract as Head of Staff Development at AJ 1-2-1 Coaching where I aim to grow my career in Sport and Exercise Science, and I hope that through this role I can help others to gain a foothold in the industry. 

What does diversity in Sport and Exercise science mean to you?   

Sport and Exercise Science is a diverse sector. There are many specialisms and different styles and methods to succeed. To me, this shows that diversity not only belongs in this industry but is a fundamental component. 

I believe that the Sport and Exercise industry has a prominent role to play in the promotion and acceptance of diversity in wider society whether that means ethnicities, nationalities, background, experiences, gender, education, everything that makes us who we are. Unfortunately, that is not the case yet, though I feel we are on the right path with greater awareness and education shifting the tide.   

There is no one right answer for Sport and Exercise. There are numerous ways to win and succeed and diversity helps to promote such thinking and approaches. Furthermore, Sport and Exercise is a celebration of human endeavor and so every person should have access to it. Ultimately, we engage with sport for enjoyment and development and if there is no diversity amongst teams, players and coaches, there would be no excitement left.  

What are your plans for the future?  

Once I finish my degree, I will be going full-time with AJ 1-2-1 Coaching as the Head of Staff Development. My plan is to stay there for the foreseeable future and help to grow the company with the aim of establishing centers up and down the UK and abroad. Additionally, I hope to continue with my role with FC United of Manchester Women’s Team as we work towards gaining promotion into the National League. Finally, I hope to return to Manchester Met to complete a postgraduate degree in the near future.   

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