New Links with UCLan and Chorley RUFC proves valuable to the club

Christopher Neil Gunn Lecturer in the School of Sport and Wellbeing has recently set up links with Chorley RUFC for UCLan students to complete projects with them.

Chorley RUFC are an ambitious club moving to new facilities in the near future and our students have recently carried out recommendations for the club regarding school links, club strategy and policies and social media opportunities. The club was grateful for their research, input and recommendations from the students.

David Martin a member of the committee who is knowledgeable about business and management aspects and holds a significant role at Specsavers gave feedback to the results and how the club is finding their partnership with the University to be beneficial.

"The results from these recommendations and proposals from the students was extremely insightful and useful. As a result we have shifted our recruitment strategy, implemented a new mission statement, club value proposition and are bringing in a non-executive committee role as "community ambassador". These mission and values will be incorporated into our recruitment marketing. Our eye's have been opened to the opportunity of social media in terms of player recruitment and community engagement and we have appointed a social media manager to oversee all online presence, website management and social content."

"Overall, our collaboration with UCLan has been hugely valuable. The student's project has provided the raw research and data to give us a real insight into the opportunities we can exploit as an organisation. Furthermore, the practical nature of the recommendations enable us to make tangible differences in the way we work and ultimately, will support our future growth and development as a club. It is testament to the student's hard work that their recommendations have not only been taken on board but have also been turned into job appointments and key strategies. We wholeheartedly recommend any amateur sports club to work with UCLan and look forward to our continued relationship to help build our club's future."

A big well done to the student's involved Matt Davies, Catherine Savva, Andy Harrision and Chris Lane who all gained some excellent experience and enjoyed the challenge

Golf Coaching Praxis

UCLan is pleased to announce the launch of its Golf Coaching Praxis Level 1 Certificate in golf performance.  This innovative new course is an international partnership between UCLan’s School of Sport and Well-being, The International Institute for Golf Education (IIGE), BMR Golf Management in the US, and Golf Biodynamics from Australia.  The certificate is delivered by Dr David Grecic, Dr Rob Neal and Mr Brendan Ryan and offers golf coaches of all standards an insight into the world of performance golf and in particular how they can best develop young golfers.  It offers 3 distinct units of study – Supporting Young Golfers, Developing Young Golfers, and Managing Young Golfers – which are broken down into small modules of work which deal with thematic areas eg Technology, Biomechanics, Psychology, Instruction, Communication etc (for more information please see   (http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/golf-coaching-praxis-level1.php)

Each module is a bite size chunk of information for practising coaches to assimilate and reflect upon.  The course is entirely on line and provides video lectures, lecture slides and notes, reading materials, web links, discussion forums and associated tasks to complete. Final assessment is via a Capstone assignment which brings together various stands of knowledge which are applied to solve a golf performance problem of the coach’s choice.

Course Leader Dr David Grecic explained, “ we are all very excited about our new course.  We see this Level 1 Certificate will enhance coaches core knowledges and make a real difference to their professional practice.  The subsequent Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates will then build and apply this knowledge and help coaches create their own innovative solutions and coaching interventions to ensure the continued development of young golfers across the globe. If you are an aspiring coach or a coach who would just like to update your current golf performance knowledge then you should definitely look at enrolling on our course”. 

If you would like any more information please contact David Grecic directly on dgrecic1@uclan.ac.uk or go to our website:  http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/golf-coaching-praxis-level1.php

Higher Education Fairs 2016

It was a real pleasure to be part of the Higher Education Fairs at both Birmingham Met and Stourbridge College. Many students displayed significant interest in pursuing a career in sport and a degree at UCLan! Andy Sprake had the pleasure of meeting students from a wide variety of educational backgrounds and career aspirations, ranging from teaching physical education and coaching to outdoor leadership and setting up their own business in the sports market. Many of the stands were representing their respective universities as a whole, whereas the UCLan stand was representing the School of Sport and Wellbeing. This intrigued several other members of staff at the event and they were only too happy to welcome us as a division!

Here are some students showing an interest in a career in Sports at Stourbridge College.

Colleagues from within the School also attended the fair at Birmingham Met.

Here we see Andy Sprake with Chris Eastabrook from The Outdoors and Denis Pressler from Sports Management.

The team are always keen to come out to schools individually, attend careers advents or welcome schools to visit the university. If we can be of any help, then please do not hesitate to contact Dean Hardy on DHardy2@uclan.ac.uk or 01772 894428.

Induction Week

The Sports Studies induction week has started with a bang and the students have been fully engaged in a variety of activities. The second day saw students working with the Frontier Education Team at the UCLan Sports Arena saw the new first year students engaging in team-building, 
co-operative learning and problem solving activities, all in an outdoor context. 

This provoked some early, and very encouraging, discussions about learning styles, teamwork, the value of group dynamics and the importance of group cohesion for successful learning. A particularly interesting talking point was sparked by the idea that the quietest learners could in fact have the loudest minds. PE Associate Lecturer Andrew Sprake highlighted his pleasure at the engagement of the students stating “This was a fantastic experience for all and it was pleasing to see the professionalism that these students approach the day’s activities with. This clearly was a very promising start from our newest arrivals at UCLan!”

Dr Adams attends opening of major gaming exhibition

Dr Iain Adams attended the opening of the National Football Museum's latest exhibition – Pitch to Pixel: The World of Football Gaming.

The exhibition is sponsored by EA Sports who publish the hugely successful FIFA 16 game series, and Sports Interactive, creators of Football Manager – the world's most popular management game.

Pitch to Pixel features lots of interactive opportunities and insights into how games have evolved and are created.

Dr Adams is pictured talking to Kevin Moore, the museum director, and Miles Jacobson the studio director of Football Manager.

For more information about the exhibition please click here.

UCLan Sports Studies update

New Associate Lecturer Andrew Sprake (left) is set for a busy few months after taking over management of the UCLanSport Floodlit Cup.

Division Leader Nick Passenger has handed over the running of this year's competition to Andrew, which helps forge links with schools and provides volunteering opportunities to students across a variety of sports programmes.

Preston Grasshoppers have hosted four games so far, with Birkdale High School, St Ambrose, ArnoldKEQMS and Stockport Grammar School all progressing to the quarter-final stage.

The PGDE deadline is fast approaching and it's always nice to receive feedback from our Alumni about their development. Ben McGarry and Matthew Dixon are undertaking their PGDE's at Loughborough University and are doing well in their two initial placements at Ivanhoe College and Trent College (Independent School) respectively.

We also have two graduates on the School Direct scheme, with Megan Greaves excelling at Millfield School near Blackpool and Jonathan Barber progressing well at Lakes College in Cumbria.

Away from teaching, Tom Downward has started his internship at the Isle of Man National Sports Centre, while Jessica Horne has confirmed she's off to Dubai to work for Ethiad Airways.

Football experts remain in big demand

Researchers from our International Football Institute (IFI) have been busy over the past few weeks, working on a variety of high-profile projects.

Dr Iain Adams' studies into football during World War One resulted in him being invited to deliver a public lecture at the National Archives in Surrey. The presentation, entitled 'Over the Top - A foul, a blurry foul: the first football charge of The Great War' will be released via podcast in the coming weeks.

Professor John Hughson has been one of the editors of a new book entitled 'New Directions in Sport History'. Co-edited by Duncan Stone and Rob Ellis from the University of Huddersfield, the book contains chapters by Professor Hughson and Dr Adams.

PhD student Graham Deakin recently presented a very well-received paper - 'Up Close & Personal: The Changing Media Image of the 1960's Football Hero' - at the British Society of Sports History's annual conference at Swansea University.

To find out more about IFI please click here.

Life-changing trips inspire graduate's career choice

Grace Thind enjoyed her time at UCLan so much she decided to use her degree to secure a full-time role in higher education.

The Sports Studies graduate has joined the University of Salford as a Sports Assistant - a varied role which includes reception and lifeguard duties.

Grace joined our programme after completing a BTEC college course and said the huge range of opportunities to study different aspects of the sporting industry was the reason she chose UCLan.

She commented: "The course completely lived up to my expectations as every student has the opportunity to tailor it towards their desired career path, whether that be teaching, coaching or personal training - there is no limit.

"When I joined UCLan I'd no idea what I wanted to do as a job. I just knew I loved sport and wanted to make a career out of it. I found my calling in my second year on a module called 'Sport for International Development' which showed how to use sport as a tool to address issues other than ones that were sport-related."

Grace travelled to Zambia to work with vulnerable children, delivering key life skill messages through activities and games. The trip was a life-changing experience, opening her eyes to the power of sport and massively improving her confidence.

In her final year Grace took advantage of another international opportunity, visiting North Carolina State University and interacting with the sports students and staff there. This inspired her to pursue a career in education.

"I love being in the university environment and I loved my time at NC State, so I'd like to continue to work within institutions nationally or internationally and take on roles with the opportunity to develop and progress within the sporting sector," said Grace. "I'd also like to have some involvement in international sport for development.

"All of this wouldn't have been possible without the help, support and opportunities made available to me by the staff at UCLan, particularly Nick Passenger who leads the course.

"Nick went above and beyond his job expectations to ensure we were all on track and had the assistance and help we needed. He also offered countless amazing work opportunities, experiences and placements, both nationally and internationally.

"I wouldn't be the person I am today without UCLan and I can't thank them enough for everything they've provided me with. I'd 100% recommend this course. I've made lifelong friends and it's an experience I'll forever cherish and be grateful for."

Matty kickstarts his career with Link4Life

UCLan Sports Studies graduate Matty Howells is celebrating after joining Link4Life as a Sports Community Coach. Matty will work across the Rochdale area, teaching Physical Education to primary school children.

Link4Life lead and manage the delivery of high quality, enjoyable, affordable, accessible cultural provision in Rochdale Borough that gives residents and visitors the opportunity to lead the active, creative and healthy lifestyle of their choice.

Matty commented: "I enjoyed three amazing years at UCLan due to the enthusiastic, knowledgeable and supportive lecturers who helped create a dynamic and fun environment in all lectures and seminars.

"The students on my course all got along really well which helped us enjoy the degree to the max. I've become a much more organised and confident person in my ability to coach sports to children and with the added bonus of being able to cook!

"The Sports Studies programme gave me the opportunity to attend placements through which I gained invaluable experience, whilst the university's careers service helped me structure my CV and gave me tips on how to prepare for job interviews.

"The highlight of my time on the course was having the chance to represent UCLan on a trip to North Carolina State University which was an amazing experience. Thanks to all the staff and Sports Studies 2012-2015 crew for everything."

Leah opts for a life on the ocean waves

The UCLan Sports Studies course provides graduates with a wide range of skills to enhance their future employability.

Careers in sport and teaching are the most popular choices for those who successfully complete the programme, but its diverse nature can also lead students into other areas such as tourism or the outdoors.

Leah Bradbury is a great example of this, securing a role as a Retail Assistant on board the Cunard cruise liner MS Queen Victoria.

She said: "I picked the Sports Studies degree to learn about a wide range of topics surrounding the subject, such as history and politics as well as enterprise.

"The course has given me the platform to gain experience in different career paths in order to make an informed decision about my future.

"My time at UCLan has been a mix of emotions. I've met friends for life but also had to know when to knuckle down. I know that both my experience and my degree played a huge part in me gaining my new job."

Graduates start new company

UCLan Sports Studies duo Carlton Evans and Luke Daniels are using the knowledge and experience gained on our programme to set up their own business.

Supported by Challenger Sports, Carlton and Luke will launch TinyTykes Preston in March 2016.

The scheme, created by childcare specialists, introduces children aged 18 months - 5 years to the basic skills of soccer.

Luke (far left) said the diverse nature of the Sports Studies course had been a big help in mapping out the path they wanted to choose.

"The course is very well run, with all the tutors and staff extremely helpful across the whole three years," he said.

"The modules are set out in a way that give you many different routes in sport, which sets you up for third year when you eventually have to choose one. I accumulated over 250 hours of coaching experience over my final two years, which has provided a perfect platform to start this business."

Luke and Carlton also enjoyed international experiences during their time on the course, working as Team Leaders on this year's UCLanSport for Development Project in Zambia.

They led two groups of second year students to an area with a high poverty rate in an attempt to deliver life lessons about HIV/AIDS and gender equality through the medium of sport.

The pair, who graduate later this month, will keep close ties to UCLan by offering coaching opportunities to undergraduates and utilising the expertise available at the university.

Triple election joy for sporting expert

Professor John Horne has been elected to positions of responsibility within three major international and national scholarly associations.

Professor Horne has joined the Nominations Committee of the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS), become Vice Chair of the British Sociological Association (BSA) and from January 2016 will take up the role of Vice President and Treasurer of the International Sociology of Sport Association (ISSA).

The AcSS is the national academy of academics, learned societies and practitioners in the social sciences.

The Academy is made up of around 1000 individual Fellows, 43 Learned Societies and a number of affiliate members, together representing nearly 90,000 social scientists.

Founded in 1951, the BSA is the national subject association for sociologists in the UK and its primary objective is to promote sociology. Members of the Association are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds and include researchers, teachers, students and practitioners in a variety of fields.

The Association represents UK sociology on key bodies both nationally and internationally, working closely with allied organizations to influence policies affecting sociology within the wider social sciences remit.

Through its publications, research groups and busy calendar of events, the BSA provides a network of communication to enable the promotion and use of sociology and sociological research.

The ISSA is a research committee of the International Sociological Association (ISA) where it is officially recognized as RC27 (Sociology of Sport) and also an official committee of the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE).

ISSA holds annual conferences, including congresses in conjunction with the World Congress of Sociology and the Pre-Olympic Scientific Congress, and publishes the International Review for the Sociology of Sport (IRSS).

Professor Horne's expertise has been in much demand throughout 2015, joining panel discussions at Leeds Beckett and Bournemouth Universities, and following up his recent research into sports mega-events by co-editing a collection of articles with Professor Richard Gruneau from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver.

Entitled 'Mega-Events and Globalization: Capital and Spectacle in a Changing World Order', the collection will be published by Routledge later this year.

He has also received an invitation to take part at an international workshop, 'More than just a game: mobilities, infrastructures & imaginaries of global sports events', to be hosted by the University of Antwerp, Belgium, in October 2015.

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.

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.