UWTSD Students Gain Valuable Experience within the UWTSD Academy of Sport

3 June 2025

Students at the ��Ҵ�ý (UWTSD) are gaining invaluable hands-on experience by working with the Academy of Sport’s performance teams and individual athletes. Through roles in coaching, sports therapy, and analysis students are applying their academic knowledge in real-world settings.

Academy of Sport students trying out the facilities

This unique opportunity is significantly enhancing students’ employability skills. By engaging directly with athletes, coaches, and support staff, they’re developing critical competencies such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and time management. These practical experiences are giving students a competitive edge in the sports industry and beyond.

Lee Tregoning, Head of UWTSD’s Academy of Sport said:

“The Academy of Sport offers a professional environment where students can grow and test their skills. They’re not just observing—they’re contributing meaningfully, and that makes all the difference.”

James Dillon and Stuart Evans on Sporting field

This year, students gaining experience within the Academy of Sport have included Physical Education student James Dillion and Sports Coaching student Stuart Edwards, who have completed coaching placements with the Men’s Football and Men’s Rugby team respectively. While Sport and Exercise Therapy students Ffion Thomas and Joanna Catherside have been working with the Rugby Teams.

Joanna said that:

“Working pitch-side has helped me understand how to manage pressure and think on my feet. It’s been an incredible learning curve, and I have learned so much being part of the coaching and support staff at the academy.”

If any UWTSD students are interested with placements in roles in such coaching, sports therapy, analysis, sports development, event management, and social media/media coverage for the upcoming academic year 2025/26 then please contact academyofsport@uwtsd.ac.uk for more details.