Tell us a bit about yourself
I’ve taught at the University of Cumbria since 2008, following an extensive career in industry in sport management and sport development in the UK and abroad. I also taught at Southampton Solent University. As a passionate advocate of inclusive sport, I want to ensure students not only learn appropriate theory and practice, but also have opportunities to engage in vocational experiences to develop job-ready skills for industry careers.
What research do you specialise in?
I have a PhD in ‘Green Exercise’ and I’m also active in research circles, most recently with studies focused on the health impacts of green exercise for specific population groups such as people presenting with long-term mental ill health, older adults and adults with intellectual disability.
More recently, I’ve carried out studies on open water swimmers’ experiences, with focused studies on women, disabled people and mental ill health, as well as considering the specific motives, benefits and barriers involved. I’ve also been a contributor at a variety of conferences.
What modules do you teach?
I teach across all year groups, including the core sport development strand in the BA (Hons) Sport, Coaching & PE degree. All my modules include vocational experiences, for example Year 1 students studying Introduction to Sport Development assist at numerous events organised by the local School Games Organisers, and in the process receive training from agencies including the Youth Sport Trust and Special Olympics UK.
In Year 2, students pitch a social inclusion sport project to industry guests in a Dragon’s Den and apply for a fictitious sport development post with a job interview assessment.
In the final year, I lead on a module called Club & Coach Development, which involves numerous guest speakers and students developing a start-up voluntary sports club.
Another final year module, Managing Community Events, involves students in small teams devising and delivering a community sports event, taking on specific roles as Chair, Secretary, Marketing, Logistics and Finance officers, with performance targets for fundraising and participation numbers.
What makes your course different?
The course is highly vocational and has links with a range of local and national partners. In Year 2, students also attend a 50-hour placement, and in their second year have a three-day outdoor activities residential.
Students also have numerous industry qualifications and CPD training embedded in their degree, as well as accreditation and qualifications mapped to specific modules with the national sport agency The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
What advice would you give to students considering studying on this course?
We’ll help you build an impressive CV and provide great industry experiences, but keep working to gain as much volunteer or paid relevant work experience before joining the course.
What’s your favourite thing about teaching at Cumbria?
Great students, close-knit classes so we’re immediately on first name terms, working with fantastic industry partners, sharing my research outputs with students, and being so close to amazing scenery in the Lakes, the Coast and the Forest of Bowland.
Interesting fact about yourself
I obtained large community grants for projects for a new sports pavilion build, outdoor gyms and club start-ups. I’m also an archery and cycling club treasurer, secretary and coach, and acted as a National Coach Mentor for Archery GB.
I’m also a registered coach educator for Boccia England, a disability sport organisation. In my spare time I enjoy wild swimming, archery, hiking, cycling, golf and bowls!