Last month, a group of Year 1 learners from the Level 3 Sport Coaching course and Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science course had the opportunity to visit the University of South Wales (USW) to gain insight into what sports science and coaching within higher education would entail. The visit provided them with hands-on experience in key aspects of the field while allowing them to explore potential pathways for their future careers and studies.

The day began with a visit to the Glyntaff campus, where learners participated in a VO2 max test. This involved one student taking on the role of the test subject on an exercise bike while the rest of the group acted as the research team. They were responsible for monitoring the test, handling the equipment, and collecting data. After the test, the group analysed their findings to measure the oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) exchanged during the experiment, ultimately determining the participant's VO2 max.

Following this, the learners moved to the USW Sports Park, where they engaged in a strength and conditioning session. Here, they underwent pressure plate testing to assess their lower-body power and identify any potential muscle imbalances. This hands-on session gave them valuable insights into performance assessment and injury prevention strategies.

The day continued with a physiotherapy session that focused on CPR training in a sports context. The learners participated in a role-play scenario where they had to respond to a player collapsing during a match, giving them the chance to practice administering CPR on a dummy and using a defibrillator. This activity showed the students the importance of emergency response in sports settings and the necessary training required for the role.

Overall, this trip to USW was a fantastic opportunity for our learners as it allowed them to explore the various sports courses, career pathways and opportunities available to them after completing their Level 3 qualifications. It also gave the learners the chance to network and interact with university lecturers and industry professionals. Additionally, the hands-on experience allowed them to envision what their future roles might entail, providing them with a clearer perspective on their potential career paths.

These opportunities are essential in helping students make informed decisions about their futures while developing their practical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Thank you to USW for hosting our students and showing them the amazing opportunities available to them in higher education.

If you are interested in applying to one of our Sport and Fitness courses in September, click here.