Sports Studies

With the Olympics kicking off in London 2012, sport and fitness are increasingly hot topics. Whether it's playing or coaching, Redbridge College gives you the opportunity to make your mark in this dynamic industry.

What next?
Start coaching sports or take your first steps towards realising your dreams as a professional athlete or sportsman; alternatively progress onto a number of health and fitness programmes at university through our diploma courses.

Potential Careers:

• Health and fitness instructor - £12,000 to £25,000 per year
• Leisure centre manager - £19,000 to £26,000 per year
• Professional footballer - £50,000 to £1million+ per year
• Sports coach - £10,000 to £30,000 per year
• Sports therapist - £17,000 to £28,000 per year

Jose Figura won global talent competition 'The Chance', organised by Nike to find the best unsigned footballers in the world.

Jose, who studied sports qualifications at Redbridge College between 2009 and 2011, was first spotted by Nike's scouts in a skills test held at the college.

He has since trained alongside the first team stars of Manchester United and FC Barcelona, and is now set to travel the world as part of the Nike Academy squad.

Jose says: "I’m going on a world tour with the Nike Academy in January 2013. We go to America first, to visit the USA men’s national team training camp, then to Italy to train with Juventus FC and then on to Manchester United.

"I’ve always wanted to go to America and now I’ve got the chance to go and even get to play football there!

"I’m also looking forward to having the chance to showcase my talent around the world, and hopefully get known as a player. It’s always been my aim from day one to be a professional footballer – this is a fantastic opportunity to help me do it."

“I’ve benefited a lot from my time at Redbridge College, in terms of how to present myself and be well-mannered.

"If it wasn’t for the guidance I received from my coaches at the college then I wouldn’t be as mature as I am now on and off the pitch."

Read Jose's blog about his experience of winning 'The Chance'

Charlotte Lynch studied Sports Studies qualifications at Redbridge College between 2007 and 2009.

Charlotte said: "I have always enjoyed playing sports from a young age and thought it would be fun to incorporate it into my education. 

All my tutors were really helpful and offered me help whenever I needed it, I felt comfortable to ask them for help if ever I needed it.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the module in sports massage and sports psychology. We always applied our theory to the practical sessions and it really made the theory come to life.

I am currently in my second year of university and play for Barking Ladies football team. I hope to become a Physical Education teacher.

"I would definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in sports as the course is really enjoyable and is a stepping stone to university. Whilst on the course don’t be afraid to ask for help, the tutors are always there to help.

"Redbridge College also provides a great enrichment programme where you can take part in activities unrelated to your course on a Wednesday afternoon. Activities include basketball, choir, DJ skills and many more. I was able to sing at many college events and currently work with the college choir."

Would you like to know how elite athletes prepare physically and mentally for events like London 2012?

Maybe you’d like to learn about the strategies athletes use to boost their performance?

Learners studying Sports Studies qualifications at Redbridge College learn about all aspects of sporting performance and the techniques elite athletes use to make the most of their talent.

In class, sports lecturer Rhian if focusing on the condition of dehydration.

Learners discuss its effect on sporting performance, what types of activity are affected and what strategies can be used by athletes to prevent the condition occurring.

Rhian presents the class with a selection of popular sports drinks and in small groups learners discuss what potential benefits to performance each drink has.

Using their knowledge gained in the session, learners discover that branding and marketing can be misleading and that athletes must take great care in what products they consume.

The next day, learners put sports energy drinks to the test with a series of practical sports experiments to track their effectiveness.

Eighteen-year-old learner Fatih Katirci studies BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and plans to work as a fitness instructor after completing the course.

He says: “Classes like this are really eye opening for anyone interested in sport.

“The knowledge I am gaining on the course will be so important for my future career.”

Seventeen-year-old Brogan Harris studied GCSE PE at school before enrolling at the college.

She says: “Lessons like this are much more in depth than at school. It’s a challenge but I really enjoy it.

“The teachers make sure you are always involved. It’s a lot of fun and very interactive.”

Aidan Boxall: Sports lecturer

Aidan’s career in football has taken him to America and Australia. He has managed Millwall Lionesses women’s football team and took Chelsea Ladies to the final of the FA Women’s Cup in 2012, as assistant manager.

He has also worked extensively in non-league football and as a personal trainer, running his own sports injury clinic and sports coaching business.

How did you get started in the industry?

I started out as a personal trainer and from there set up my own sports injury clinic. I worked with sports teams and individual football and rugby players in addition to treating everyday people.

How did you start coaching?

I had always been in to football and also liked to travel. I went abroad to work in Australia and all over America, coaching men’s and women’s senior and youth teams. I also worked in the non-league game in this country, with Fisher Athletic, Chelmsford City and AFC Hornchurch.

How did you become involved with Chelsea FC?

I got involved at Chelsea Ladies after spending two years as Manager of Millwall Lionesses. At Chelsea I coached three players who played at London 2012 - Claire Rafferty and Dunia Susi from Team GB and Hayley Moorwood who played for New Zealand. Working at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground, alongside the Chelsea first team, was just fantastic.

What do you teach at Redbridge College?

I teach across the sports curriculum, including anatomy and physiology, sports injury prevention, fitness testing and specific coaching modules from some courses.

What are most important characteristics of a good coach?

A good coach needs to have personality, be organised and demonstrate a professional attitude. It’s also vital to have a good knowledge base, which comes through learning and experience.