Sports Studies duo chase teaching careers

Our graduates often use the UCLan Sports Studies degree to progress into teaching.

Having successfully completed the course, Megan Greaves (left) and Rachel Loveday (below) have now secured roles which they hope will lead into careers as Physical Education teachers.

Megan has accepted a position at LSA Technology and Performing Arts College in Lytham St Annes, and said the support she received whilst on the course was invaluable to her future prospects.

"I fully enjoyed all three years at UCLan," said Megan. "A lot of help and support was given along the way from lecturers, whether it be guidance with assignments or plans for the future.

"Teaching has always been a passion of mine and I've always known it was the career choice for me. There was a lot of support off staff, in particular Nick (Passenger), especially when it came to applying and interviews for the PGCE year.

"Help was given with applications, lesson plans and also the opportunity to put these into practice before the final interview date.

"The School Direct programme seems very worthwhile and I'm very excited to start at LSA in September. I'm looking forward to pursuing a career as a secondary school PE teacher."

Rachel has secured a role at Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan as a Physical Education Coach and Sports Leader.

She will deliver the national PE curriculum children aged 3-11 and will also be responsible for extra-curricular activities, including organising and running competitions for the school and others in the local community.

Rachel commented: "I feel the course has set me up well for a career in teaching, as well as giving me other options along the way.

"It allows you to take different routes depending on the career you wish to pursue and gives lots of hands on experience, so it's suitable for those who don't know what they want to do when they go to university."

Thomas secures exciting Manx marketing role

The UCLan Sports Studies programme provides a platform to many varied careers in the world of sport.

Thomas Downward graduates this summer and has already secured an incredible opportunity to undertake a Sports Marketing internship with the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association (IoMCGA).

He also plans to study for a postgraduate degree in Sports Marketing to further enhance his future career prospects.

Thomas commented: "The internship is a great opportunity to put into practice the theoretical knowledge I've acquired throughout many of my course modules, and hopefully make the Isle of Man proud of my contribution to the development of Manx sport on the island.

"The Master's degree will enable me to further develop my knowledge and application on the marketing of sport, and will tie in perfectly with my internship."

Thomas will carry out a variety of duties, including developing the presence of the Commonwealth Games on the Isle of Man by forging links with sport governing bodies and their members, business and education centres, and also promoting the IoMCGA brand in the wider Manx community by building the CGA's online and social media presence.

He said his undergraduate studies have proved invaluable as he looks to progress his career in the sports industry.

"Prior to beginning my degree I wasn't exactly sure on the specific career in sport I wanted to pursue," said Thomas. "The Sports Studies course enabled me to explore various disciplines in the sports industry, and the second year sports marketing module really opened my eyes about what I wanted to do.

"I recently completed a placement at South Ribble School Sports Partnership as a Social Media and Marketing Intern, where I further developed my knowledge and application of marketing communications, considerably enhancing my personal and transferable skills and interest in sports marketing.

"I'd like to express my gratitude and appreciation to all of my module tutors and course leaders, who offered excellent ongoing support and dedication throughout my three years at UCLan."

UCLan researcher presents at major football exhibition

Dr Iain Adams recently delivered the penultimate public lecture of 'The Greater Game: Football and the First World War' exhibition at the National Football Museum.

Entitled 'Football behind the Lines: 1914-1918', Dr Adams' talk was part of a series which told the forgotten stories of players and fans during World War One.

This major exhibition has explored the role football played during the war years, and investigated the myths and realities of famous stories from the conflict.

Ex-UCLan research student Dr Alex Jackson, the National Football Museum Collections Officer, will deliver the concluding talk in the series on 17th June.

For more information about the exhibition please click here.