What do you love about the subject you teach?
I love to teach my subject because I have a passion for sport psychology and how this impacts performance. This is often overlooked within amateur performance and the students become really interested by this as they can always relate their own experiences to the topics that we discuss.
I also love teaching massage as it is something new and exciting for the learners to experience. A lot of them want to go into sport physiotherapy and this gives them the basic skills needed to take this further at the next level. To see how much they develop over a short period of time in this unit is amazing as it forces them outside of their comfort zone.
What qualifications do you have that are connected to the subject you teach?
I have a joint Honours BSc in Sport Psychology and Sports Massage Therapy.
What relevant industry experience do you have?
I have coached since the age of 16 when I ruptured my knee ligaments. This gave me insight into all 3 subjects that I teach. I had to learn to coach young children, whilst also recovering and rehabilitating from an injury. I also had to deal with the psychological impact on myself due to being out for such a long time. I then started a football programme with WBA at my previous college which linked coaching, playing and education all together.
Do you have any Examiner / Moderator / Assessor experience?
What is your message to students considering studying at Priestley College?
Priestley is a great choice for young people, especially those interested in sport. We have some of the finest sports academies within the north west and this is evidenced with league titles and winning regional tournaments regularly. We have a programme built for elite athletes to allow them to compete and not fall behind with their studies and we have links with professional clubs for those wanting to still become a professional/elite performer. The environment is so supportive and we will push all of our learners to be better and improve, but will support them to do this in every which way possible.
Do you have any interesting hobbies?
I am a season ticket holder at Aston Villa. I have been since I was five and I still travel back every other week for matches.
