SPORTING students from Selby College have gone on to secure successful careers in the sport and coaching industry.

After completing a BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Exercise Science, former student Sophie Dales has recently launched her own fitness training and massage business, The Training Field. As part of this, Sophie offers outdoor bootcamps, specialist training programmes and sports massage and Indian head massage treatments.

Former student Beth Kerrigan also went on to secure a job at Leeds United Foundation as a Health and Wellbeing officer.

Matthew Pooley, who is currently enrolled on the programme, has recently launched his own coaching business alongside his studies.

Sophie said: “I would not be where I am today without taking that first step and jumping at the opportunity to study for a degree at Selby College.

"In addition to building my skills, experience and qualifications, my degree helped me to realise how passionate I am about health and exercise and made it clear what career path I should pursue. I couldn’t have gotten through my degree without the outstanding teaching and support of my tutors, which gave me the confidence to open my own fitness business once I had graduated."

Sophie completed a Level 3 Uniformed Public Services course at the college before progressing on to the BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Exercise Science degree.

Sophie was attracted to the degree-level programme as it gave her the opportunity to be assessed in sport and fitness, which would help progress her skills as an aspiring fitness coach.

With strong ties to the college, Sophie has recently returned to deliver a session to current BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Exercise Science students and talk about how she has successfully started her own sports coaching business.

She has also been supporting Level 2 gym instructor lessons at the college, which the students have benefited from and enjoyed.

The BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Exercise Science course is a three-year programme. The coaching modules are designed to equip students with the key skills to work with groups and individuals at both a grassroot and elite level.

Gabriel Horgan, Lecturer in Sports Studies at Selby College, said: “It’s fantastic to see our students to go on to get their groundings in the sport and exercise industry and really excel following their time at the College. In Sophie’s case, she has progressed from a Level 3 Diploma in Sport at the College to the BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Exercise Science programme and has now become a confident and competent business entrepreneur. As tutors, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your students learn and grow and develop into successful professionals."