Graduate secures Abu Dhabi role

Career paths often take many different twists and turns, with opportunities sometimes presenting themselves in unusual ways.

Taylor Collard spent some time in Spain, before joining the UCLan Coaching programme at Myerscough College.

After successfully progressing onto and completing our top-up course at Preston campus, Taylor has now secured a coaching role at the American University of Sharjah in Abu Dhabi.

He initially wanted to be an athlete, before going on to play semi-professional football for Club Deportivo Jávea in Spain. His coach there was familiar with the UCLan courses at Myerscough and recommended them to Taylor.

During the course of his studies, he undertook a work placement at Preston North End FC as an Academy Assistant as part of a Work Skills Development module. Halfway through his second year he was taken on as a Performance Analyst, recording data for the Youth and Academy teams.

Taylor said the transition from Myerscough to UCLan was rewarding: "Going from a class of 20 to 150 had its benefits in that there were lots more fellow students to be supported by. Some of my FD class topped up to the same course so I wasn't totally alone.

"Being able to actually study at the university and learn different aspects of sports coaching was great as there were a wide variety of disciplines within the course, such as gymnastics, cricket and rugby.

"We learned from each other, particularly through an online blog we conducted as part of our module called Practice and Reflection. I really enjoyed the intellectual discussion that went on during the workshops - it was a different level to what I was used to.

"We discussed the psychology of athletics, the difference approaches used by athletes and how that affects their performance and the suitability of that approach to their sport.

"I'd like to thank Cliff Olsson at UCLan who was open and approachable, and always asked how I was doing when he met me. Chris Yiannaki at Myerscough was also very helpful. I'd absolutely recommend the UCLan Sports Coaching programme to others."

Local hockey club requires volunteers

Garstang Ladies Hockey Club (based at UCLan Sports Arena) have some fantastic opportunities available for anyone who'd like to get involved in the sport.

They are looking for student volunteers who need experience for their relevant degree, or for those who'd just like to get involved in a local club or simply love hockey.

They currently have coaching opportunities in their Junior Hockey programme and for their Ladies 2nd and 3rd teams.

The club also have a number of other positions available – for full details please click here. If you need any further information please contact Josephine Rice on 07734 775346.

Ambassador role leads to University job

We recommend all our students gain relevant work experience as part of their studies.

Luke Ellis recently graduated from our Sports Coaching programme with First Class Honours and is a great example of someone who took this advice on board.

Luke undertook a variety of posts during his time at UCLan, including with M & M Mentoring and as a course representative.

However, it was his role as a Tennis Ambassador which was the catalyst for Luke's progression into full-time employment at Brunel University.

"For several years I've been involved in tennis coaching at Hylands CASC, Essex," said Luke. "It's a club which has worked hard to ensure it has a friendly, inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, where any level of player would feel at home. During my final year at university I had the opportunity to bring this ethos to the UCLan Tennis Club after securing a position on the committee.

"We worked hard to establish new regular sessions, such as cardio tennis and touch tennis. Due to the club’s commitment to positive change, Robert Henson (Tennis Chairman and recent graduate) and I were appointed Tennis Ambassadors.

"The position is funded by the Tennis Foundation, the charitable arm of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), whereby the prime objective is to get more students to engage in the sport. This allowed us to add even more to the tennis offering with the addition of Timed Tennis Leagues, thanks to the provision of an excellent resource pack from the LTA."

The club attracted its highest member numbers in several years during 2013/14. UCLan Sports Development Officer Darren Waldron was so impressed with the scheme he is looking to continue it this year and beyond.

Since graduating, Luke has been appointed as Tennis Coordinator at Brunel University. The role offers him the opportunity to work closely with the LTA and Tennis Federation, and is a potential stepping stone into either. Luke is also furthering his studies with a part-time Master's in Education.

He has this advice for current students: "My top tip would be to do more than you're expected and grab opportunities with both hands.

"I've done this and as a result I've been on a leadership course in Cyprus, had my work published and operated on behalf of 12 Pacific Oceania nations at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

"I've also set up Supernova Sports Coaching alongside another UCLan graduate, Sam Yates. I'm doing something I love doing and I'm passionate about - life is what you make it, so you might as well make it good."

Graduation messages

Coaching opportunity

Preston North End Women's Juniors FC require a volunteer goalkeeper coach.

The club run seven teams from U10 through to U16 and are looking for someone take training sessions from September 1st 2014 through to April 2015 on Mondays, 7 - 8pm in the indoor training hall at UCLan Sports Arena.

A Level 1 goalkeeper coaching qualification is essential, with Level 2 preferable. To apply please email your CV to Muriel Freeman.

UCLan Sport for Development Project 2014

Sports Coaching and Development undergraduates have successfully completed the UCLan Sport for Development Project 2014.

Working in partnership with Sport in Action, Senior Lecturer Cliff Olsson created the project six years ago to provide students with an opportunity to study the global value and contribution sport can make towards supporting the Millennium Development Goals.

The scheme aims to actively support Sport for Development projects being delivered in some of the poorest parts of the world by agencies such as Sport in Action and Zambia-based Edusport.

The projects rely upon the goodwill of voluntary sports leaders from the compounds who work with some of the most vulnerable children in the world with only the most basic of resources, delivering key life skill messages through activities and games.

Along with Sports Studies students and colleagues from UCLan's Journalism and Media programme, our students worked at a variety of Zambian schools with children aged 3-16.

Cliff commented: "The project provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to develop their knowledge and understanding of Sport for Development, by working with Development Agencies in Africa with some of the most challenging communities in the world.

"The project is led by final year undergraduates who develop leadership, management and problem solving skills over a six week period in Zambia. I think it's a unique opportunity that reinforces UCLan's commitment to providing real life experiences for our students."

After returning from Zambia, student Joseph McQuade was invited to BBC Radio Lancashire to talk about the trip on John Gillmore's show.

He said: "This was a truly unforgettable trip for me, as it opened up my eyes to how the Zambian people lived. They had next to nothing but still greeted me every day with smiles and songs. I was surprised to see how happy they were.

"The trip wasn't only working with hundreds of children a day, as we also got to see Zambia's Victoria Falls, as well as taking a trip over to Botswana to see what their safari had to offer. This trip was a truly amazing experience and I'd recommend it to everybody."

To view more images from the trip please click here.

Sport for Development Project - Zambia 2014 (week 5)