Catching up with our graduates at Wycombe Wanderers FC

Academics from the School of Sport and Health Sciences were delighted to be invited to watch League One Wycombe Wanderers play by graduates Ben Sayers and Josh Hart as a thank you for all the help given to them in their personal development.

Ben graduated from our Sport and Exercise Science BSc(Hons) in 2016 before continuing his studies at Brighton on the Strength and Conditioning MSc where he achieved a distinction. Josh also studied on the Sport and Exercise Science BSc(Hons) graduating in 2017.

Ben and Josh both work for Wycombe Wanderers football club in their support team. Josh is lead performance analyst and Ben is physical performance and preparation coach. Both Josh and Ben commented on how the degrees prepared them for real-life coaching and support within a professional club.

Josh remarked that in particular the facilities, equipment and applied lecture materials were instrumental to them achieving a position at the club.  “We certainly wouldn’t be there without all of your help and advice!” said Josh.

This was echoed by Ben who said: “I use what I learnt on the strength and conditioning degree and use that knowledge and skill when working with the players on a daily basis.”

Principal lecturer Stuart Mills said: “Our modules in performance analysis have seen many of our students obtain employment with football clubs as analysts. Likewise, we have students who go on to work for the lawn tennis association having taken placements at Wimbledon which is just one of the placement opportunities whilst studying with us.”

Principal lecturer Rob Harley said: “It’s experiences like this that really makes my job worthwhile. After teaching students and supporting them over the years to see them move on into the professional positions within clubs like this is fantastic to see.”

Stuart and Rob were accompanied to the game by Flo Pietzsch, course leader of the BSc and MSc Strength and Conditioning degrees, and Billy Norton, lab technician and University of Brighton sport science graduate.  They not only got to catch up with Ben and Josh but were also treated to an exceptional performance by the club who won 3-2 against Derby County FC.

Get a head start in your career with sports related degrees at the University of Brighton.