International call-up for UCLan student

UCLan's Joe Gilpin has been chosen to represent England at the upcoming Student Four Nations tournament.

The Sports Studies student progressed through a series of tough training camps to make the final 20-man squad which travels to Dublin in June to face Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

England are preparing for the Four Nations with RFL Association Cups games against the Great Britain teams for the Police, Teachers and Armed Forces.

Joe, who was on the scoresheet as England won 72-8 against the Police, commented: "I'm eager and excited to represent my country and compete at an international level.

"I'd like to thank my UCLan Coach, Andy Procter, who has helped me develop and improve as a player. I'm also grateful to my university lecturers and the sports department for their support throughout this process."

The Student Four Nations takes place from 14-19 June.

NC State visit cements new partnership

UCLan Sports Studies undergraduates crossed the Atlantic to experience life at one of the USA's top research institutions.

Accompanied by colleagues from the university's Sports Business Management and Sports Marketing programme, the group spent a week at North Carolina State University to formalise a new partnership agreement between UCLan and NC State.

The trip, supported by the UCLan Travel Bursary scheme, gave students the opportunity to take part in a series of lectures delivered by staff from both universities, teach in local schools, deliver coaching sessions and visit a variety of world-class facilities.

UCLan's Nick Passenger and Dr Ingrid Griffiths led the visit which featured a tour around NC State's sports facilities including Carter-Finley Football Stadium, the PNC Stadium, Weisiger-Brown Athletic Facility and the Willis R Casey Aquatic Centre.

NC State has invested a huge amount of money into its sporting programme, with the 'Wolfpack' brand one of the most recognisable names in American intercollegiate varsity competition.

Students also toured the Carolina Panthers' NFL stadium and enjoyed an evening watching a Durham Bulls baseball game.

Dr Griffiths said the visit enhanced our students' learning experience: "This was an important trip for our Division. As well as being invited to a fantastic university, it was a pleasure to take our excellent students and establish long term relationships in a number of areas.

"The hospitality and welcome we received was excellent throughout, and the opportunity to work with world-leading staff was of great to benefit to us all. Thanks must be given to Dr Sue Minten from UCLan and NC State’s Dr Mike Edwards for their superb organisation."

The highlight of the week for Dr Griffiths came as the hosts presented her with tickets to see The Who and meet Roger Daltrey at a special charity concert in aid of Teen Cancer America.

In addition to forging the relationship with NC State, a new collaborative partnership with Meredith College was also agreed, with UCLan students now having research opportunities available to them at the all-female Physical Education institution.

Nick Passenger commented: “The experience our students had on this trip was exceptional and is a key reason why our courses have been designed as they have.

"Our students were a real credit to UCLan. Their performance in lectures and the maturity they showed whilst teaching and coaching local children showed what an excellent job our staff have done in helping their development.

"NC State were magnificent hosts and special thanks must be given to Mike, Jason and Gareth for all their time and efforts. It was a lovely touch for them to invite us to a function with The Who, and also introduce us to Joey Butler and his Durham Bulls team. Unfortunately for the Bulls I think they have 17 lifelong Twitter followers from across the Atlantic now!

"We look forward to hosting NC State and Meredith College in 2016 and developing research and lecture materials online in the meantime. I can only see this partnership getting stronger - Go Pack."

To view a selection of images from the trip please click here.

Student chases teaching dream

Our programme is designed to provide students with a variety of opportunities for their future careers.

Jonathan Barber, who is set to graduate this summer, has been accepted onto a PGCE course at Lakes College, West Cumbria, which he plans to use a route into a teaching role.

He said: "The course has been perfect for me. UCLan Sports Studies has various modules which focus on various aspects of sport.

"When teaching at FE level this is valuable as BTEC courses look at a variety of different aspects such as history and sociology, but also the practical side in coaching and PE.

"The lectures at university have been excellent. Over the three years I've found Danny Nuttall has always made himself available whenever I've needed some advice. Nick Passenger and David Grecic have also been brilliant - they've given me the knowledge I've needed to successfully gain a place on my PGCE course by making me feel confident for my interview.

"In the future I'm hoping to teach in FE to inspire students to reach their potential, either in employment or at university."

The UCLan Sports Studies team would like to congratulate Jonathan on his success.

Academic efforts rewarded with showpiece event invite

Two first year UCLan Sports Studies undergraduates were rewarded for their academic excellence with an evening at the prestigious Sir Tom Finney Annual Tribute Dinner.

April Waring and Daniel Osmond's efforts in their module, Sport in Society, where they analysed the socialisation of disadvantaged groups into sport, resulted in an invite to the event headlined by ex-West Bromwich Albion & England star Cyrille Regis.

Their assignment linked with the theme of the charity dinner, which was held in the Invincibles Suite at Deepdale in aid of the Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre.

The community project continues the legacy of Sir Tom by providing football coaching, education and competitive football opportunities for people regardless of age, ability, disability, sex, social or racial background, who would not normally have an opportunity to play football.

April said he was delighted to have the opportunity to go to the event: "I was really surprised at being invited to attend the Dinner, but it was an opportunity I really appreciated as the topic of the night is something I'm really interested in. I had a great time and it was great to hear from Cyrille Regis and others from the sports industry."

Daniel added: "The evening was a great insight in to the charity work being done in the area to get people, who wouldn't normally have the chance, involved in football. It was also wonderful to see Tom Finney's legacy being preserved by so many people."

UCLan teams up with NC State

UCLan Sports Studies students and staff are set to visit one of the USA's leading research institutions.

In conjunction with colleagues from the university's Sports Business Management and Marketing programme, the group will spend a week at North Carolina State University as part of a new partnership agreement between UCLan and NC State.

Organised by Dr Sue Minten from UCLan and NC State's Assistant Professor Mike Edwards, the trip will provide students with the opportunity to broaden their horizons in an international learning environment.

The visit includes a series of lectures by staff from both universities, including Dr Jonathan Casper and Dr David Conner from NC State, and UCLan's Dr Ingrid Griffiths.

Students will also have the opportunity to volunteer at Bugg Elementary School, providing a useful grounding for those progressing onto PGDE courses next year.

A variety of activities have been planned during the trip, including a tour of the Carolina Panthers NFL stadium, a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and experiencing a live baseball game between Durham Bells and Charlotte Knights.

NC State is one of the USA's most respected universities and can boast a rich sporting tradition. Former students include PGA golfer Tim Clark and ex-Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher. Jim Valvano (above) is perhaps their most iconic sporting figure, after leading NC State Wolfpack to the NCAA Basketball title in 1983.

Valvano went to work as a broadcaster for ESPN and ABC Sports, before famously delivering an inspirational speech at the ESPY Awards in 1993, just eight weeks before he died of metastatic cancer.

Students engage in real world learning

UCLan Sports Studies undergraduates recently organised a Sports Day for local primary school children.

Second year students welcomed over 60 nine and ten year olds to UCLan Sports Arena as part of the 'Healthy Schools are Sporty Schools' initiative.

The pupils from St Augustine's, Preston, braved the elements to take part in a variety of activities including football, hockey, tag rugby and netball.

The students planned the sessions and coached the children, delivering a fantastic day of healthy sporting activity. The event was designed to help the group gain valuable work experience in a 'real world' environment.

Student Harry Chandler commented: "The day went really well once we eventually started. The weather was something we couldn't do much about and we made the best of it. The event ran smoothly and everyone had a fun time."

The Sports Day was coordinated by Lecturer Chris Gunn. He said: "I'm truly proud of our students, especially their knowledge, manner and professionalism they demonstrated on the day.

"Paul McGrath, one of the teachers from the school, has asked if he can bring another group and said all the children had thoroughly enjoyed their day at the Arena."

To view a selection of images from the event please click here.

Graduate secures supervisory role

UCLan Sports Studies graduate Sophie Pilkington loved her time at the University so much she decided to stay on and work here.

After spending time as a Student Liaison Officer and a Student Engagement Assistant, Sophie has recently been appointed as a Duty Supervisor at Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre (STFSC).

Sophie's time as a student allowed her to gain a vast knowledge of sport and the sporting industry, both theoretical and practical. She said: "The course gave me the opportunity to discover and learn about the different areas of sport through the varied modules, allowing me to explore the career path I wish to take.

"I was given the opportunity to volunteer in Zambia, which was an amazing experience, and I also gained a lot from the support of the tutors throughout the three years.

"I've always been passionate about sport and being a student at UCLan has confirmed my desire to work in Higher Education, with a particular interest in the provisions of sport available to students. My new role is a wonderful opportunity and will allow me to explore my passion, develop my career within sport and let my skills flourish."

Whilst studying at UCLan, Sophie volunteered as Chairperson of our Netball Club. STFSC Manager Martin Baines said he had always been impressed with her organisation and enthusiasm.

"We need the right person to join the STFSC team, particularly front of house," said Martin. "Sophie has the ideal personality and welcoming smile to work here.

"She's had extensive experience with student life since graduating, and really impressed at interview with her professional demeanour, her keenness to be involved with projects and the day-to-day running of STFSC. I'm sure Sophie will be a great asset to us."

Sports Studies Course Leader Danny Nuttall added: "The team are delighted about Sophie's appointment. Not only is she putting to good use the knowledge and skills she developed over the course of her degree programme, but it's always a positive when such a hard-working, likeable and talented student returns to UCLan in some capacity.

"We're confident she'll be a resounding success and wish to congratulate her on her new role."