Careers in Sport experience for local schools

The Field of Sport event which is part of the university’s widening participation Compact Plus Programme took place on 14 June 2017 at the Eastbourne campus.

The event was attended by 119 students from nine schools: Ifield Community College, Patcham High School, Hailsham Community College, Ark Academy Brent, Ark Globe Academy, St Leonards Academy, Rye College, Seaford Head School and Thomas Bennett Community College. The school students heard from sports professionals to gain an insight into a range of sports careers and took part in activities.

Dr Gary Brickley gave a key-note speech on ‘sporting challenges and opportunities; a coach, scientist and athlete perspective’.  The activity sessions were run by student ambassadors from the university’s degree courses in physical education, sport and exercise science, sport coaching and sport business management.

Fiona Smith, Principal Lecturer said: “It’s been a really positive day. Students fully embraced the opportunity to be a university student for the day, experiencing what lectures will be like and beginning to appreciate the difference between the various degree courses on offer.”

The event raised awareness of careers in sport but also gave a first-hand experience of what it is like to be on a university campus through the taster sessions and from speaking the university student ambassadors.

Here are just some of the comments we received:

“I have learnt that there are many different careers in sport and it has influenced me to come to university and study sport.”

“I feel well informed about sports career choices.”

“I have learnt about other people’s experiences in sport and going to university and enjoying sport in university.”

We hope to welcome many of them back as students in the future.