edge hill university sport and physical activity

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Department of Sport and Physical Activity

Department of Sport and Physical Activity Edge Hill University

“I play with a fear of letting peopledown. That's whatmotivates me.”Jonny Wilkinson

These are exciting times for Sport andPhysical Activity at Edge Hill University.

£15m is being spent upgrading our externalsports facilities, as part of the ongoingdevelopment of the University’s campus,and maintaining our reputation as an eliteprovider of sports education. Add to this agrowing range of collaborative sports-related events, such as our annual physicaleducation and school sports conference, ourcontinuing work in local schools, andcontributions to the 2012 London Olympicsand Paralympics, and you’ll begin tounderstand why we’re so optimistic aboutthe future.

Our programmes are delivered by highlyexperienced and enthusiastic staff with areal commitment to providing a supportivelearning environment aimed at helpingstudents reach their full potential.

As a team we are dynamic, friendly andsupportive of your needs. Staff-membersare at the forefront of national and localdevelopments in their specialist areas andare actively involved in research andconsultancy projects of national and

international significance, evidenced withintheir teaching delivery.

A key feature of our degree programmes isthe emphasis placed on the development ofvocational skills, and we offer a range ofwork opportunities within each programmefor students to enhance their employabilityand career preparation.

Sports enthusiasts of all abilities willappreciate the opportunities provided bythe University’s multi-million pound sportscomplex. Our programmes are designed totrain the sports professionals of tomorrow,emphasising inclusion, participation,support, and understanding performance.

Dr Evelyn CarnegieHead of Department

We want to sharethis future with you


“I like adrenaline, that'ssomething I feed off.I'm just going to go outthere and do my best.”Jessica Ennis

We offer a wide range of undergraduate programmes,supported by our specialist Master’s programmes forthose wishing to continue their studies at the next level.

• BSc (Hons) Coach Education• BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science• BA (Hons) Sports Development and Management• BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy• MSc Football Rehabilitation• MRes Coach Education• MRes Physical Education and School Sport• MRes Sport and Exercise• MRes Sports Development• MRes Sports Studies• MRes Sports Therapy

• Top three in the North West for Teaching and Academic Support (National Student Survey 2012)

• Top three in the North West for Satisfaction with Students’ Union (National Student Survey 2012)

• Top in the North West for Students’ Personal Development (National Student Survey 2012)

• Top in the North West for Assessment and Feedback (National Student Survey 2012)

• Shortlisted for UK's University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2011, 2010 and 2007

• Best for Teaching in the North West (Sunday Times University Guide 2012)

Why study at Edge Hill University?

Study Sport and Physical Activity

BA (Hons)

CoachEducation


Athletes at all levels now require coaches who are at thecutting edge of their discipline, intellectually andphysically. This degree is founded on the integration ofknowledge and practice, and prepares you to join futuregenerations of coaches. Available pathways allow you tofocus on either community coaching or high performancecoaching. If you're seeking work at grass roots level,community coaching will focus on youth and communitysport development, while high performance coachinglooks at coaching for competitions.

Key text: Cassidy, T. Jones, R. and Potrac, P. (2008).Understanding Sports Coaching: The Social, Cultural andPedagogical Foundations of Coaching Practice (2nd ed).New York, NY: Routledge.

ProfileAlex StokesBA (Hons) Coach Education

“I’ve been involved in sports coaching since Iwas very young and always enjoyed seeingyoung athletes improve performance.

“The work placement gave me an opportunityto see how sports professionals operate, andexperience the kind of scenarios they face.

“I’m now an Assistant Development Officer. The best thing about the jobis seeing young people achieve. I’ve witnessed local youngsters gainnationally-recognised qualifications, and helped numerous people gainexperience of coaching and performance, through a range ofprogrammes. It really is very satisfying."

BA (Hons)

Physical Educationand School Sport


This innovative degree prepares you for a career eitherteaching physical education, or in school or youth sportdevelopment and delivery. You will be able to progressonto a PGCE to gain qualified teacher status, or enter othereducation-based professions such as after-school, youthand community coaching, youth sport teaching anddevelopment, or assistant teaching. Our experiencedteaching team will encourage you to adopt innovative,inspiring and inclusive approaches to working withchildren in the physical education and sporting arena.

Key text: Armour, K. (2012) Sport Pedagogy: AnIntroduction for Teaching and Coaching, London:Prentice-Hall

ProfileSarah Smith BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport

“I’ve gained a full insight into many aspects ofsport and teaching, from writing lesson plansthrough to the history of sport and politics.I’ve built a strong foundation upon which tobase my future career. Practical sessions allowyou to learn teaching techniques, and try new

sports. You can also gain coaching qualifications alongside your studies,which is a brilliant additional skill.

“This course has opened so many doors for me and last year I was ableto teach children in Ghana for six weeks. It was a fantastic experience. Ifyou come here you’ll have the best three years of your life, but alwaysmake the most of every available opportunity.”

BSc (Hons)

Sport and ExercisePsychology


What makes athletes tick is a question that has becomeincreasingly important to sports coaches and managers.The challenge of how to get the best possible performancefrom an athlete now relies on both mental and physicalpreparation. In this degree, you will have the opportunityto explore how psychological science explains sport andexercise behaviours. You will look at the fundamentalprinciples of psychology while considering what motivatesathletes and sports people, how they develop an elite sportperformance, and the influence of exercise onpsychological wellbeing.

Accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Key text: Gill, D. L. (2000). Psychological Dynamics ofSport and Exercise (3rd ed). Illinois: Human Kinetics.

ProfileBrett BieniasBSc (Hons) Sport and ExercisePsychology

“I’m interested in the dynamics of howathletes perform, including their abilities toact, react and cope.

“I really enjoy the structure of this course. Youbegin by learning about all of the separate

aspects involved, from biological through to developmental psychology inboth children and adults. Following this, you specialise in specific areasthat interest you the most, enabling you to undertake your own research.

“This course also provides an opportunity to gain a lot of hands-onexperience. Early on you get to conduct your own interviews andobservations, as well as collect data and complete research.”

BSc (Hons)

Sport and ExerciseScience


If you want to explore the sciences that underpin sportsperformance, principally sport and exercise biomechanics,physiology and psychology, then this degree could be for you.

You will develop knowledge and understanding of howphysical performance can be improved and how peoplecan realise their sporting potential via two pathways. AppliedSports Science focuses on elite athletic performance, whileExercise and Health is based around grass roots sport andthe link between exercise and health. Professional practiceis a key feature of this degree, endorsed by the BritishAssociation of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

Key text: Kenney, W.L., Wilmore, J.H. and Costill, D.H.(2011). Physiology of Sport and Exercise (5th ed.). Illinois:Human Kinetics.

ProfileDeclan Sephton-HulmeBSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Rugby league fanatic Declan gained a place onthe Warrington Wolves Scholarship Programmebefore going on to play for Widnes Vikings.

But only a few years ago Declan suffered abrain haemorrhage. On being told he may

struggle to walk or talk properly again, Declan refused to give in,returning to rugby just a year later, and more determined than ever:

"I had to change my career ideas because I can forget things as a resultof the haemorrhage, but I've never given up my dreams of playing rugby."Declan joined Edge Hill in 2011 where his talent and courage has beenrecognised through the University’s scholarship system.

BA (Hons)

Sports Developmentand Management


Sports Development and Management is a rapidly growingarea which covers youth and elite sport, community andorganisational development, the promotion of health andwellbeing, business and enterprise, corporate socialresponsibility, and how sport can contribute to positivesocial change.

Designed for those seeking careers in these increasinglypopular fields, this degree develops the applied andtheoretical knowledge needed to implement contemporarysport policy and development programmes, as well asmanage people and organisations in national and internationalcontexts. The knowledge, skills and experiences developedare also valued by employers outside the sport industry.

Key text: Houlihan, B (2008) Sport and Society (2nd ed).London: Sage

ProfileLuke DaviesBA (Hons) Sports Development

“I love sport, and this degree combines all thethings I enjoy with my existing skill set andpassion for people.

“The tutors are outstanding – always happy tosupport you, and the range of hands-onactivities gives you the vital experience

employers are looking for. I’ve taken work placements on every year ofthe course, each one building my involvement and responsibility furtherwithin different settings and roles.

“Being on this course has not only given me the experience andknowledge to pursue a career I love, but has equipped me withtransferable skills that will open up other doors along the way.”

BSc (Hons)

Sports Therapy


This programme provides you with the practical skills andknowledge to help injured athletes return to competitivesport. The course is designed to help you understandperformance through participation, giving you plenty ofopportunity to observe sport on an individual and team level.

This degree has a strong practical emphasis, underpinnedby solid theoretical knowledge. When you graduate youwill be eligible for membership of The Society of SportsTherapists, which carries professional indemnity insurance.Working with clients in our on-campus clinic is a keyfeature of this degree.

Key text: Biel, A. (2011). Trail Guide to the Body: Howto Locate Muscles, Bones and More (4th ed). USA: Booksof Discovery.

ProfileEvelyn RogersBSc (Hons) Sports Therapy

“When I first arrived I absolutely loved howfriendly everyone was and how people were soapproachable.

“During my third week I completed a first aidcourse before being made responsible for theEdge Hill Women’s Football Team. I was

scared and nervous, but when an injury did occur, my brain went intofirst aid mode, and before you know it you’re treating the player! Onceyou’ve dealt with your first injury, you feel more comfortable and confident.

“I’m planning to work as a therapist within a football club when Igraduate, and maybe continuing my physio studies, eventually openingmy own private clinic.”

MSc

Football Rehabilitation


If you are a registered practitioner of physiotherapy, sportstherapy or equivalent, looking to enhance yourprofessional practice within football rehabilitation,become a more rounded, holistic, evidence-basedpractitioner, and advance the profession by engaging inpractice-related research, then this programme could befor you.

Delivered by staff and visiting lecturers with extensiveexperience in professional football.

Key text: Brukner, P. and Khan, K. (2012). Brukner &Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine. Australia: McGraw-HillMedical.

ProfileTim WilliamsonMSc Football Rehabilitation

“I’ve held full-time positions with TottenhamHotspur, Leeds United, Birmingham City andCeltic FC, and have over 21 years’ experiencein football. This course was the most relevantto my role as Head of Physiotherapy andMedical Services at Celtic FC.

“I’d advise anyone looking to follow this career path to get as muchexperience as possible. Put the hours in and be prepared to occasionallywork for nothing. Don’t take the attitude that you only want to work at“big” clubs. Start at the bottom, and don’t try to learn the tricks of thetrade first, learn the trade first - injuries are injuries!”


Research Degrees

Alongside our MSc in Football Rehabilitation we haveadded a range of MRes qualifications, to build on theknowledge and skills developed over the course of yourfirst degree in sport. Our innovative student-led approachmeans your individual research interests are truly at theheart of studying for MRes awards. They are designed toadd an extra dimension to your expertise, enhancing yourcareer opportunities or preparing you for further study:

MRes Coach EducationThis programme offers you the opportunity to developspecialist, in-depth knowledge within a sporting context,in areas such as coaching pedagogy, skill acquisition,notational analysis, and coach development and learning.

MRes Physical Education and School SportThis programme offers you the opportunity to developspecialist, in-depth knowledge within the physicaleducation and school sport context, in areas such asaspects of pedagogy, contemporary and socio-culturalissues, fundamental movement skills, and child development.

MRes Sport and ExerciseThis programme offers you the opportunity to developspecialist, in-depth knowledge in the subjects ofbiomechanics, physiology or psychology, within a sportingcontext.

MRes Sports DevelopmentThis programme offers you the opportunity to developspecialist, in-depth knowledge within a sporting context.This might include aspects of development in and throughsport, sports in developing countries, grass rootscommunity sports, or local government sport and leisurepolicies.

MRes Sports StudiesDevelop specialist, in-depth knowledge within the sportingcontext, in areas such as sociology of sport, safeguardingand child protection in sport, disability and sport, and therelationship between gender, sexuality and sport.

MRes Sports TherapyThis programme offers you the opportunity to developspecialist, in-depth knowledge within a sporting context,in areas such as epidemiology, (p)rehabilitation ofsporting injuries, and interventions to prevent injury.

ProfileChris Greenhalgh Sports Development Officer

Sports Development graduate ChrisGreenhalgh now works as a SportsDevelopment Officer for Cheshire EastCouncil in Macclesfield, collaborating withuniversities, colleges and schools:

“I realised early on that I wasn’t going to makeit as a professional sportsman, so decided to study a subject that wouldallow me to enable others to take part in sport, particularly at grassrootslevel. I did some coaching, but always found that I preferred theorganisation of events and tournaments, which is an aspect of sportsdevelopment.

“I organise the annual Cheshire East Sports Awards, which recognise thelocal volunteers, coaches and clubs who champion sport within theborough.

“It’s extremely rewarding to recognise the volunteers who make everyoneelse’s experience in sport what it is, but also simple things such as a childfinding a new activity enjoyable or developing a new skill offer greatsatisfaction too.”

Amongst several highlights of his career so far, one stands out:

“Organising a street sports festival for a local housing trust, I was toldthat a particular group of kids known to the police, many of whom hadbeen suspended from school and banned from the youth club, wouldn’ttake part as they wouldn’t leave their estate. In the end ten of them did,and they had a great day.”

To find out what you could do with a sports qualification visit:edgehill.ac.uk/careers

Our impressive sports complex lies within anaward-winning, landscaped campus, with allthe facilities expected of a modern university.

The Hub is a new £13.5m state-of-the-artfacility, a communal space for students andstaff to meet, eat, relax, and collaborate, andforms the centre of the campus.

The Students’ Union gives you a voice,promoting positive change to ensure you havethe best possible experience while atuniversity. This includes access to a variety ofstudent clubs and societies, from puppetry topilates, and the opportunity to enter the worldof student politics.

Those looking for a creative outlet can sign upfor a shift on Vibe, our online mag, or subjectpeers to their eclectic music collections as abroadcaster on Vibe Radio, the University’sradio station.

The newly-extended Arts Centre provides anon-campus live venue, showcasing plays,discussions, stand-up comedy, music, danceand film screenings as part of a packedschedule.

You will have plenty of chances to acclimatiseto campus life and take advantage of all itsopportunities in our extensive accommodationprovision. We have over 1,700 single studybedrooms on-campus, in 40 halls of residence,giving you instant access to a community oflike-minded people taking their first stepstowards independence.


CampusLife

You’ve studied hard, you’ve enjoyed somegreat nights out, you’ve taken advantage ofmany of the extra-curricular opportunitiesavailable, and now you’re graduating. Whatnext? You’ll be looking for a reward,hopefully in the form of employment in yourchosen career area and,whichever careerpath you follow, Edge Hill University staffwill support you.

Developing employability is an importantelement of the University experience. Weattach particular importance to raising theawareness of all students in relation to thecareer opportunities open to them upongraduation, and making sure that they arein a position to pursue those opportunities.

On top of our individual careers support andguidance, we put together a host of activitiesdesigned to inform your career development,from a visiting speakers programme(covering areas such as education, personalfitness, the Royal Navy, and the fire andprison services), to sports education forums,to real hands-on work experience.

Senior Lecturer in PE and School SportsAdam Burrows organises the visiting speakers programme:

"The events encourage students to startpreparing for the range of career optionsavailable after a sports degree. Theunderlying theme coming through from

speakers was the importance of workexperience to complement their degreeprogramme.

"We’re also very grateful to employers foroffering opportunities for students todevelop their skills through work experienceand volunteering. There are also variousvolunteering opportunities available at theUniversity for students, such as our IDEALSprogramme in Ghana."

Careers and Employability


Facilities

"The swimming and diving were held in partof the old moat... it was the clammiest,darkest place and the water was frigid."

The words of American diver Alice Landon,reflecting on facilities at the 1920 OlympicGames, held in Antwerp. Thankfully thereshould be no such reservations fromathletes seeking to push themselves andothers to their limits, and possibly beyond,at our current 25-acre sports site, whichprovides high quality indoor and outdoorfacilities, and is about to become even moreimpressive.

Our new £15 million sports centre will haveprospective and current sport and physicalactivity students relishing the prospect oflearning in some of the best highereducation facilities in the UK .

It may hold surprises for some initially, with3G football pitches, trim tracks and sand-dressed hockey pitches.

What these descriptions represent, though,is some of the latest thinking in sports andactivity facility development, and willmaintain Edge Hill University’s cuttingedge in this area, as well as enhancing theaward-winning Ormskirk Campus.

Following consultation with local authorities,current users, and sports governing bodies,the University’s sports facilities will feature:

• Five natural grass pitches, for rugby league, rugby union and football

• An athletics arena, with an eight lane polymeric track and full field event facilities

• A full-sized, floodlit hockey pitch, compliant with current International Hockey Federation standards

• A floodlit football pitch to Football Association standards, with a 3G carpet (that’s a sand and rubber crumb infill)

• Three 3G 5-a-side floodlit football courts • Floodlit tennis and netball courts, complete with porous bituminous surfacing and acrylic painted finish to meet both England Netball and Lawn Tennis Association standards

• A trim track for both recreational and serious training, with a series of exercise stations to test skills and develop muscle groups

Sports Laboratories and ClinicsAs you would expect, our range of sportsdegrees and qualifications is also supportedby professional-standard laboratories andclinics, enabling you to explore the sciencebehind the sport.

PhysiologyOur applied sport and exercise physiologylaboratory hosts a range of scientificapparatus designed to measure physiologicalfitness. The equipment measures aerobicand anaerobic thresholds, cardiovascularvariables, VO2max, lactate profiles andthresholds, heart rate training zones, andbody composition.

BiomechanicsSport-specific fitness testing and performanceanalysis is carried out in the biomechanicslaboratory. A range of equipment, including2D and 3D motion capture systems, videoanalysis systems, electromyographs (EMGs),timing lights, force platforms anddynamometers, is used to analyse technique,and measure the electrical activity ofmuscles, gait mechanics, jump power,speed, acceleration, agility and strength.

PsychologyThe psychology laboratory is focused onunderstanding the fundamental principlesof psychology, the scientific study of mindand behaviour, identifying and understandingthe factors that govern motor performanceand the learning of motor skills, andaddressing sport and exercise behaviours,including elite sport performance, motivationand the influence of exercise on psychologicalwell-being.

We use eye-tracking systems to help usunderstand decision-making and identifyperformance improvement opportunities insport settings, and our sport scientists canalso provide individualised reports andspecific advice and training recommendationsto improve performance.

Sports TherapyStudents on our Sports Therapy degree haveaccess to some of the best facilities in highereducation. Our modern, purpose-builtsports therapy clinic houses a well-equippedstudy area and private consultation rooms.The facilities are used for teaching, but arealso open to the general public, while aconsultancy service provides athletes withcustomised treatment and exercise regimes.


AccraGhana.An IDEALS World

A group of second year Sport and Physical Activity students spent six weeksliving and working in Ghana, on the West African coast, as part of theUniversity's ongoing collaboration with the UK Sport InternationalDevelopment through Excellence and Leadership in Sport (IDEALS) programme.

ProfileJennifer WardBA (Hons) Sports Development

"We got to know the Ghanaians by undertakingnumerous team-building activities. We thenhelped to deliver the BILD (Beckwith InternationalLeadership Development) programme, wherechildren learn to think for themselves throughproblem-solving activities. We then spent timein schools around Accra playing games like

handball, football, rounders, basketball and cricket.

"I got something from every activity I undertook during this trip, and amalready using what I’ve learnt, as well as the life skills I developed andunderstanding how different people work. I now hope that futureemployers will look at my experiences and believe I’m someone who wantsto make a real difference."

Ghanaian childrenIrish-dancing onthe side of the road

IDEALS focuses on the positive impact thatsport can have in disadvantagedcommunities in Africa, whilst developingthe knowledge and abilities of participatingstudents, says Dr Iain Lindsey, SeniorLecturer in Sports Development:

"The IDEALS programme really developsthe students' skills around cultural andshared learning, leadership, facilitation andcoaching, as well as improving theiremployability. It also gives them a greaterunderstanding of other sport systems, bothin terms of governmental involvement anddelivery in the community."

Students delivered a variety of educationalactivities alongside Ghanaian staff andvolunteers, and were invited to severalcultural events. BA (Hons) PhysicalEducation and School Sport student PaulCarey was one of our representatives on thescheme:

"The time I spent in a school in Legon wasincredible. All the boys there wanted toknow how to play Gaelic Football, andseeing the enjoyment they got from learningthis new sport was very rewarding. By theend of my time there they were practicallyIrish, as on the way to a tournament I taughtthem an old Irish song, and how to dance toit. I’ll always remember a school bus of

Ghanaian children Irish-dancing on the sideof the road, with passing cars blowing theirhorns in approval!"

The trip made a lasting impression on all thestudents involved, as Paul concludes:

"I feel I’ve developed a wide range of skillsfrom taking part in this project and now feelmore confident and comfortable deliveringa lesson. I believe a lot of the qualities I’velearnt on this trip will help me become a PEteacher once I graduate."

All six students are now ambassadors for theproject and dedicate time promoting thescheme.

uksport.gov.uk/pages/ideals


“You have to expect things ofyourself before youcan do them.”Michael Jordan

Dr Andy Sparks, Senior Lecturer in ExercisePhysiology, bought his first mountain bikein 1990. Living on the edge of the NewForest, he had access to perfect terrain.

On a mountain bike holiday two years laterhe watched Chris Boardman win theOlympic Pursuit Gold at the 1992 BarcelonaOlympics, and Miguel Indurain win hissecond consecutive Tour de France. He’sbeen hooked by road cycling ever since, andin 2011 completed the Tour de l’Ain, a four-day stage race in the French Alps.

But cycling also plays a major role in Andy’sacademic interests:

“My PhD investigated the effects ofenvironmental conditions and nutritionalinterventions on endurance exerciseperformance, and my principal researchinterest remains endurance exerciseperformance. We’re currently evaluating theeffects of acute nutritional interventions oncycling time trial performance in well-trained cyclists.”

And here’s the science bit:“In road cycling, upward of 7000 Kcal canbe used each day. The recommended dietaryintake for most people is 2000/2500 Kcal(for males/females), so it’s a majorchallenge to consume enough to recover

Research profileDr Andy Sparks

adequately between stages. Typically, aftereach three-week grand tour (Giro d’Italia,Tour de France, Vuelta a España) an elitecyclist might be expected to lose theequivalent of three kg of body weight despiteconsuming 3-4 times the normal dailyrecommended energy intake. As a resultthere’s a lot of research on the provision ofmacronutrients (carbohydrate, fat andprotein) before, during and after enduranceexercise, but less focus on micronutrients,which may alter metabolism and provide anadvantage by changing the waymacronutrients are used during an event.

“Our idea is to try and use low calorie acuteand inexpensive nutritional supplements andproducts to improve performance. In somecases these strategies may only be useful forwell-trained individuals looking for acompetitive edge, but there are widerimplications for some of the products.

“In some cases the way that performance isenhanced is by altering perceptions of effort,and this has been shown to be a vital aspect ofimproving adherence to exercise and physicalactivity in sedentary individuals who haverecently started to be more active. A highproportion of our population lead largelyinactive lifestyles, and very often theyassociate activity with feelings of discomfortor lack of enjoyment so there’s a role for lowcalorie interventions that may encouragepeople to be more active by altering howdifficult they perceive those activities to be.”

So there may be hope for us yet, as Andytakes his research forward. His PhD studentsare currently completing projects focusedon cycling pacing strategies, nutritionalinterventions for improved hand-eyeco-ordination and ultra-endurance exerciseperformance. He is also on the editorialboard of the Journal of Science andCycling.


Edge Hill 2012Edge Hill 20121896. Edge Hill principal Miss Hale is busy ensuringthat ‘every care is taken to provide for the physicalwell-being, the intellectual development, and theefficient professional training of the students’(HMI report, 1895) at the new PE teacher trainingcollege for women in Liverpool. At around thesame time in Athens, Baron Pierre de Coubertinis launching the modern Olympic Games.

Over a hundred years later, thousands ofathletes from around the world descendedupon the UK for the London 2012 summerOlympics and Paralympics. Swimmers andathletes from the Federated States ofMicronesia (FDM), along with wrestlersfrom American Samoa and teams from theMarshall Islands set up camp at Edge Hill,and received the same welcome as thosepioneering young women did all those yearsago, before heading for London.

Edge Hill University had its own manstationed in the stadium, Dean Williams,senior lecturer in Physical Education. Hewas chief field referee of the team oftechnical officials for field events at the 2012Olympic Games, ensuring that everythingwas above board and by the book. Herevisited his highlights of London 2012 forus.

What was your general impressionof the Games?“Just being part of a fantastic OlympicGames in general, knowing that the countryhad done a great job. The atmospherearound the Olympic Park itself was superb,with giant screens showing liveperformances and the looks on people’sfaces. Staying in the Olympic village wasalso an experience – the food hall was aboutthe size of two aircraft hangars.

“I remember the decathletes saying they hadnever seen the likes of the support before atmorning sessions, as 40-50,000 stayed inthe stadium to see them complete theirpole-vault during the session break!

“The crowd supported all the athletes, butthe decibels went up considerably if it was aBrit. I remember seeing young KatarinaJohnson-Thompson from Liverpool beingannounced at the start of the Heptathlon200m and she was amazed at the roar she got,she looked around and could only say ‘oh wow’!

They were also incredibly sensitive. Duringthe Paralympic visually-impaired jumps, forexample, the athletes use a guide to directthem using auditory signals. 80,000 peoplewere silent to allow the athletes to hear theguide, but then heard the roar of applausefor their performance afterwards.”

What was your sporting highlight ofthe Games?“I was the referee on the Men’s Long JumpFinal on “Super Saturday”, and it was greatto see Greg Rutherford’s disbelief atbecoming Olympic Champion. I was alsofortunate to be at the start for the men’s100m final, won, of course, by the amazingUsain Bolt.

“In the Paralympics, it was Aled Davieswinning the F42 Discus for GB in a newEuropean record to a roar from the crowdthe Paralympics has probably never heardbefore!”

As a coach and teacher, is thereanything you took away from theGames?“As a coach, it was interesting to see thevariety of techniques used in some of theevents, and how the athletes prepared.

“As a teacher, it was the importance oftaking part: for example, seeing athletesfrom smaller countries who were just proudto participate as Olympians.

“And the ways in which people can stillstrive to take part in physical activity, fromthe community level up, as coaches, officials,volunteers, or medical support staff.”

In terms of a London 2012 legacy,what would you like to see?“I’d hope that there’s a legacy ofparticipation in sport across all groups insociety and an interest in lifelong healthyactivity. Hopefully it will have inspired

many youngsters to take up sport and tofocus on what they can do to overcome anyadversity they may face and to enjoyparticipation in physical activity bothrecreationally and competitively right up tothe highest standard. I’d also hope that themagnificent job the Olympic andParalympic volunteers did would be acatalyst for more people to volunteer in theircommunities.”

Dean’s Heroes of the Games“I thought Jessica Ennis was superb inliving up to the intense expectationsthat had been put upon her, anddelivering in style. I particularlyadmired the performance and tenacityof IIiesa Delana in winning the F42(amputee) High Jump with 1.74 metresfor Fiji, their first ever Paralympicmedal.

“And finally, the volunteer ‘GamesMakers’ who at their own expense didso much to make the Olympics andParalympics the success they were, andalways with a smile!”


Pushing the Boundaries of Sporting Knowledge

Delegates travelled from as far afield as Alabama, USA for theannual Edge Hill University PE and School Sport Conference.With the Physical Education profession facing considerablechanges, the Forum provided an opportunity to discuss thechallenges ahead.

"The aim of this conference is to bring together a variety of PEprofessionals to share their findings from practice-based research.This ensures that each year, as a group, we continually provideinformed and enhanced subject knowledge," explained SeniorLecturer in Physical Education and event organiser GarethWilliams.

With government austerity measures, and the new NationalCurriculum at a consultative stage, the event attracted a widerange of subject leaders, including keynote speakers Professor KenGreen from the University of Chester, Professor Gareth Strattonfrom the University of Swansea, and Professor Matt Curtner-Smith from the University of Alabama.

"I believe we have now firmly established the conference at EdgeHill as a key annual event. The feedback we’ve received has beenextremely positive, with people very impressed by the variednature of the Forum. Everyone, from undergraduate students tovisiting academics, indicated they’d got a lot out of the day, whichis great news, and plans are already underway for the nextconference,” concluded Gareth.

The Department is rapidly building a good reputation forfacilitating serious exploration and discussion of sport in the UK,and have also hosted a summit on rehabilitation in professionalfootball, developing the debate over the welfare and treatment ofinjured athletes. Speakers included medical practitioners fromprofessional football clubs Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers, as wellas senior medical professionals from a host of other sports,including a consultant who has worked with the British basketballsquad, and the performance director of Premiership rugby unionside Northampton Saints.

The events are all part of our commitment to the development ofknowledge in sports, and providing a platform for serious sportresearch.

Teenagers Fight For Their Rightto Do More Than Party

Teenagers, eh? All they seem to do is stand around, plan their nextill-advised extracurricular adventure, fantasise about the oppositesex, and churn out a steady stream of puerile, foul-mouthed banter.Or so we would be led to believe, watching the exploits of TheInbetweeners, the four suburban teenagers in E4’s hit tv series. Butdoes the show really represent the sum of our late-teen experiences?Professor Andy Smith, Associate Head for Sport Studies and SportDevelopment thinks not.

“It’s commonly assumed that if young people are doing the thingsthat people in The Inbetweeners do, where they’re going outdrinking, socialising, shopping and so on, they don’t involvethemselves in sport and physical activity. But the evidence indicatesthat actually many of the young people on whom we have evidencewill do both of those things,” says Andy.

Taking The Inbetweeners as its starting point, Professor Smith’sresearch challenges everyday perceptions of young people's lives,especially those offered by politicians and the media, arguing thatmany young people's lives are considerably more complex than weare inclined to think, typically incorporating participation in a rangeof activities, including sport, alongside some health-inhibitingpursuits that complement the difficult and complex transition fromchildhood to adulthood. His research seeks a better understandingof the lives of young people and to see how their private troubles canonly properly be addressed by recognising that they are, in fact,widely shared public issues in ‘unexciting societies' such as Britain.

“During my research students would argue that actually many oftheir lives are more complicated than even lecturers, parents or thepress would have you believe. But they appreciate much more thattheir voices are being heard and their lives are serious and beingtaken into account. It’s important to give young people a voice andto represent their lives in ways that are supported by the evidencerather than how we’d like them to be portrayed.”

This approach to working with young people forms the basis of ourapproach to teaching at Edge Hill, Andy continues:

“Students are always encouraged to use this way of seeing the worldto make a positive contribution to the lives of others in the threeyears of work experience and internships available to them.Students’ ability to translate theory into practice in the ‘real world’is always a very positive aspect of the feedback we receive fromemployers from whom students gain considerable hands-onexperience in sports-related settings.”

Professor Smith is co-editor of the International Journal ofSport Policy and Politics and leads the Department's SocialScience of Sport Research Group. His research activity focuseson the sport and leisure careers of university students and theways in which youth sport socialisation influences futureparticipation in sport and physical activity. He is particularlyinterested in the sport and leisure careers of university studentsand the ways in which youth sport socialisation influencesfuture participation in physical activity.


Alumni NetworkDonning the cap and gown, collecting your hard-earnedgraduation certificate, and drinking the celebratory champagnedoes not signal the end of your relationship with Edge Hill Uni.We like to think it’s just the beginning of a beautiful friendship.All we want from you is to know how you’re doing every now andthen. Our alumni network team does the rest of the work for you,keeping you informed of reunions, events, offers and more.

Edge Hill Sport and Physical Activity graduates can get involvedin the alumni network by emailing us: [email protected]

Alumni ProfileJessica Tonge BA (Hons) Physical Educationand School Sport

West Lancashire student Jessica Tongeproved hard work definitely pays offwhen she graduated with first-classhonours and landed her ideal job.

Jessica, from Skelmersdale, had doublereason to celebrate after gaining fantastic results in her BA (Hons)Physical Education and School Sport and securing employment,despite the challenging graduate job market.

Jessica is now working as a coach for West Lancashire SchoolSports Partnership, having juggled working part-time, volunteeringand studying while at Edge Hill:

"Although I was working, which sometimes made it hard to fiteverything in, I knew the importance of gaining as much experienceas possible, so I did a lot of volunteering, including working atprimary schools. I also started all of my assessments and projectsas soon as I got them, and I think the combination of workexperience and good organisational skills has really helped mesucceed.

"I really enjoyed my time at Edge Hill. I gained a number ofcoaching qualifications offered by the University, and my lecturersand tutors were really supportive, always on hand to help.

“The School Sports Partnership programme is a national initiativeinvolving every school in the country. The aim of the programmeis to encourage all schools to ensure that every pupil within theirschool is participating in at least two hours of high quality PE everyweek. I’m so excited that I’ll be helping schools in West Lancashireachieve this goal.”

Stanley Matthews, Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse, Alan Shearer, Bobby Charlton,Jimmy Greaves. Sue Smith is in exalted company as one of the few Englishfootballers to have scored on their international debut. But not even they can boastthey did it against Germany, which was how a 16-year-old Sue burst onto theinternational women’s football scene in 1996.

As a football-mad child the Edge Hill graduate was constantly kicking a ball aboutwith the boys, and even made the school team. She soon realised, though, that beinga female footballer was not going to be an easy ride:

“I was allowed to train with the boys but I wasn’t allowed to play in any competitivematches because I was a girl. It was very frustrating, for me and the boys, because Iwas a good player, but those were the rules. However, it only made me moredetermined to succeed.”

At 14, Sue was signed by Tranmere Rovers Ladies, but her parents encouraged herto keep up her studies.

“They had faith in my sporting abilities but wanted me to have something to fall backon,” says Sue. “I was only interested in one subject, so the degree in Sports Studiesat Edge Hill was ideal. Being a local girl, I knew Edge Hill had some of the bestsporting facilities in higher education so I was confident I could continue my trainingthere.”

In her first year Sue was selected to play for England in the UEFA EuropeanWomen’s Championship, which meant leaving her studies and jetting off toGermany: “My tutors were so accommodating whenever I had a competition – I eventook an exam abroad!”

Now playing for Doncaster Rovers Belles, Sue is one of England’s most successfulfemale football players with 90 international caps and 16 goals, twice being votedNationwide International Player of the Year.

Sue is also an active member of Sport England’s Sporting Champions programme,visiting schools and communities encouraging young people to get fit and play sport:

“I’ve got such a lot out of sport so I wanted to pass on my experience. Not everyoneis going to have a professional career, but through sport young people can buildconfidence, learn skills and make new friends.

“I know kids have a lot of other options like computer games and social networking,but it makes me sad when I see empty parks and playing fields on a lovely day. If Ican inspire one child to get out there and play sport, then it’s been worthwhile.”

Alumni ProfileSue SmithBA (Hons) Sports Studies

Football careerDebut Tranmere Rovers: 1994

England: 1996 v GermanyPosition Winger/forwardCurrent club Doncaster Rovers Belles (2011- )Previous clubs Tranmere Rovers (1994-2002),

Leeds Utd (2002-10), Lincoln Ladies (2010-11)

International 93 caps, 16 goalsrecord HonoursWinner, Cyprus Cup 2009 Finalist, Euro 2009 (England)Finalist, League Cup (Tranmere 2001)FA Cup Finalist (Leeds United 2006, 2008)FA Premier League Cup Finalist (2007)Nationwide International Player of the Year awardin 1999 and 2001

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