What do you enjoy about your course? 

I’ve always loved sport and find the competition and tension associated with it really exciting and thrilling. I enjoy how varied the different units are. Each provides a detailed insight into lots of aspects within Sport and Exercise Science. This interests me, so I find that motivation to work through the course and gain knowledge on different subjects comes relatively easily. 

I also enjoy cooperating with other students on the course. With distance learning,  it can sometimes be difficult to know if you’re on track or are understanding something properly, but we all communicate and support each other in progression through the course. It’s a good community to be part of! 

After my degree and after I’ve finished playing and competing in football, I’d like to continue with a career in sport and be associated with a professional sports team in some capacity. I don’t know yet exactly what I’d like to do - strength and conditioning, coaching,  sports psychology, performance analysis and sports management all interest me. I feel like this course has opened up avenues to all these different areas and has given me exposure to different areas of Sport and Exercise Science. The course has also provided great flexibility for me to study alongside my sporting career. 

What are your greatest achievements so far? 

My best sporting achievement would be becoming a professional footballer for Manchester City, who I’ve supported my entire life, and representing England in the youth age groups since 2016. I won a bronze medal at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup and captaining the Under-19s team. 

I’m also extremely proud of becoming a patron for The Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, where I received treatment for sports-related injuries when I was younger. 

What do you like most about the Sport and Exercise Science Industry? 

My favorite thing about the industry is the social side. You build life-changing friendships and relationships with those who you participate alongside and the people you learn from such as instructors or coaches. Being part of a team brings individuals together and having success as a group is an amazing feeling.   

Sport and Exercise Science helps make people’s lives better. People can escape their worries through participation and spectatorship and develop bonds with others who share their interests. The industry improves lives physically, psychologically and socially. It provides great enjoyment to millions worldwide. 

What advice would you give to prospective students considering studying this course?   

If you’re passionate about the subject and have a strong interest in the areas covered, this course will be really enjoyable for you. 

You need to be motivated, but also know that tutors and other students are willing to help if you need extra support or clarity. Utilise all the help and resources available to you and be organised and committed.

Why do you feel it is important to have a diverse Sport and Exercise science industry?   

For me, diversity in Sport and Exercise means equal inclusion and opportunity for people from all cultures, ethnic backgrounds, genders, sexualities and age groups in participation, spectatorship and organisation. 

People from all backgrounds and at all stages of life should have the freedom to engage in Sport and Exercise whichever way they choose, without discrimination. This industry can positively influence everyone and should therefore be open to absolutely everyone.  Sport is often seen as a reflection of society and sporting organisations have a vital role to play in promoting the importance and value of equality and representation through sport. 

Diversity also allows for the consideration of many viewpoints and ideas, aiding knowledge acquisition and progression in the industry. It allows people to learn from the different experiences and perspectives of others to understand what is important to different people in Sport and Exercise. It, therefore, enables the delivery of exercise initiatives to be targeted for the greatest benefit to everyone. 

Representing different cultures, ethnicities, ages and genders in elite sport playing, coaching, management and administrative capacities is also hugely important. It gives people of all ages relatable role models to inspire them to participate, find enjoyment through exercises or aspire to a carer in the Sport and Exercise industry. Diversity should be the biggest priority in every industry, especially one where the benefits can be so widespread and last lifetimes. 

What are your plans for the future?  

I hope to continue my education alongside my football career and use my platform to inspire others. I also want to help change the lives of children across the UK through my work with the Children’s Hospital Charity. Beyond football, through extending my knowledge of the industry in this course, I’d like to have a role in the elite sport sector and within that help grassroots sport, while also trying to influence wider societal issues by using sport as a stage to fight for equal opportunity. 

Prepare for your future.