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."

WW1 sport expert attends Serbian book launch

Dr Iain Adams recently visited Belgrade for the launch of a new book which looks at the British impact on the development of sport in Serbia during World War One.

'Sport Remembers' by Dejan Zec, Filip Baljkas and Milos Paunovic, investigates the interactions between British and Serbian forces during the conflict and the experiences of Serbian refugees in Britain.

Dr Adams gave a contextual presentation on football and the British Army during WW1.

The British Embassy, who sponsored the book, arranged for Dr Adams to be interviewed by Branko Rosic for a feature story in Nedelini (a Serbian weekly magazine). Rosic is a highly regarded journalist and questioned Dr Adams about the perceptions of global sport, sport and art, sport and music, as well as WW1.

Dr Adams went on to provide the British Ambassador, His Excellency Denis Keefe, and his wife, Mrs Kate Keefe, with an academic review of the book, before attending the launch which was filmed for upcoming TV sports programmes.

A Serbian TV company also interviewed Dr Adams for a documentary they are putting together, looking at British and Serbian relations in sport, as well as football in the British Army and how this affected Britain's allies.

On his return to the UK, Dr Adams gave a guest lecture at the Great War History Conference held at St Albans School. For more information please click here.

Student claims Taekwando gold

UCLan Sport Studies student Stefan Orlando has targeted success on the world stage after winning gold at the recent GTI Taekwondo English Open.

Since taking up the sport just over ten years ago, Stefan has risen up the ranks to become one of the top players in his class in Great Britain.

The Carlisle athlete competes at Lightweight under International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) rules. This is widely recognised as the original and authentic version of the sport.

Stefan commented: "I'm delighted to have won the English Open. I've been competing in internationals since I was 15 and have always had a natural flair for Taekwando.

"I took up the sport aged eight, won my black belt at 14 and became a 3rd Dan by the time I was 19 – this was quite an achievement for someone so young."

Whilst World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) competition has come to prominence through its inclusion as an Olympic sport, Stefan says ITF is a much higher level.

"WTF tends to be a little bit more commercialised – perhaps more of a skills exhibition rather than the real thing," he said. "There are people competing in ITF who would 'school' some of the top names in the WTF.

"My ultimate aim is to compete and win gold at the ITF World Championships, but I wouldn't have got to the level I have without the support of my parents. They constantly support me financially when it comes to entering competitions, so like many other sports people I'd welcome any offers of sponsorship!"

In addition to his sporting ambitions, Stefan is hoping his undergraduate studies will enable him to pursue a career in teaching or coaching.

"My main reason for joining the UCLan Sports Studies programme was to develop my knowledge so I could pass my skills onto others," said Stefan. "This course sets me up perfectly for that – whether I go into PE teaching or not, it gives you the option to do that so I'm really glad I chose UCLan."

Graduate changes lives through Education

Our programme offers students many opportunities to boost their future career prospects.

Mohammed Seedat took advantage of this during his time at UCLan and has subsequently progressed into a teaching role at UCFB Burnley.

In addition to leading the UCLan Islamic Society for two years, Mohammed also worked as a Junior University Ambassador at our Burnley campus.

He provided advice for students interested in moving into Higher Education and even met the Queen during the course of his work.

Mohammed also undertook a placement at Newman College, where he organised and delivered a number of practical lessons including classroom based work.

He commented: "As an Ambassador I conducted campus tours, worked at Open Days and delivered presentations to prospective students and parents. I gained numerous skills which helped improve my confidence and boosted my communication skills. My Newman placement made me more enthusiastic about learning and teaching others."

After graduating from UCLan, Mohammed was offered an internship with the United Nations Association International Service in Palestine and Israel. He assisted youth empowerment through awareness via workshops, developing PR materials and surveys, and supporting anti-drugs and anti-smoking campaigns.

He also delivered a number of sport and coaching sessions and participated in a youth work programme, helping young people develop their educational and leadership skills. On his return to the UK Mohammed enrolled onto a PGCE course, undertaking a two year placement at UCLan. He taught a range of Sports Studies modules and also contributed to a variety of University committees.

During the course of his placement Mohammed also worked part-time at Accrington and Rossendale College, teaching 'A' Level Sports and Physical Education and acting as a personal tutor for several students on the course. Mohammed used these experiences to secure his role at UCFB Burnley.

"My time at UCLan helped me develop my knowledge, initiative and passion for inspiring and motivating young learners in Higher Education," said Mohammed. "I'm now lecturing at UCFB on a number of sports business and marketing modules, plus I'm studying for my Master's in Education.

"Besides teaching, I enjoy volunteering and photography. In 2013 I spent some time monitoring and evaluating projects on the Turkey/Syria border. I went to capture the smiles of Syrian children in education - it was a life-changing experience.

"On my return I had a vision to educate the Syrian children. We called out to the people of Preston, who contributed towards setting up a brand new school. We were able to provide opportunities for 300 children and teachers to return to education.

"Tauheedul Relief Charity with Syria Relief provided each child with a uniform, books and materials, and also teacher training. I'm currently putting together a teacher training programme for Syrian teachers to be delivered via Skype on a monthly basis.

"I really enjoyed my time at UCLan and without all the opportunities I wouldn't be where I am today. I'd like to thank my lecturers and peers for inspiring me to always aim high in life and contribute something back into society."

To keep up-to-date with Mohammed's journey please check out his blog.

Dr Adams presents at aviation event

Dr Iain Adams took time out from his sports history research to discuss another long-standing passion at an event in the USA.

Dr Adams gave a talk to the Experimental Aviation Association's (EAA) Chapter 1345 at Bend, Oregon, on 'Non-line shooters I have known, and other heroes of late 20th Century Aviation'.

He spoke about his varied experiences flying everything from Concorde to the Goodyear blimp and the people he has met in aviation through the years.

For more information about the event please click here.

Dr Adams in big demand for WW1 commemorations

Dr Iain Adams recently visited Germany to help the British Army recreate the World War One Christmas Truce football match.

Dr Adams travelled to the Adventurous Training HQ at Sennelager to deliver a briefing on the Truce to British Officers and the Westfalen Garrison.

Soldiers from the 20th Army Brigade of the British Army and the 21st Panzer Brigade at Paderborn then faced each other on the football field, with the British team going on to claim a 4-0 victory.

The event was covered by Radio Hochstift, who interviewed Dr Adams about the Christmas Truce during half-time. Dr Adams returned to the UK to deliver a very well received presentation at The National Archives at Kew on 'A Game for Christmas: Football on the Western Front, December 1914' - to listen to the podcast please click here.

He also attended the opening of the National Football Museum's exhibition 'The Greater Game - Football & The First World War', and watched the performance of his play 'A Game for Christmas' by pupils from Cheetham Primary School.

Dr Adams met with sculptor Andy Edwards (creator of the Stanley Matthews sculptures at Stoke's Britannia Stadium) and Chris Butler (CEO of Castle Fine Arts Foundry) to discuss the progress of the 'All Together Now' Christmas Truce commemorative work and he also had a chapter included in a book published to coincide with the opening of the exhibition.

Numerous UK media outlets covered the story including the Telegraph and the BBC. Internationally it was used in Pakistan, The Gulf Times, Poland, Germany, Canada and the USA.