Sports graduate geared up for success after Cobblers Academy placement

A University graduate has seen his employability hit the back of the net after his Master’s degree landed him a placement with Northampton Town Football Club’s Academy.

Jack Harris – from Swindon – graduated from the Sport and Exercise Science in 2018 and went straight into the University’s Master’s degree in Strength and Conditioning (S&C).

This degree is geared toward developing the strength and conditioning coaching stars of the future, exploring the science behind S&C such as the development of strength, speed and power.

It’s a field Jack is keen to join now he is a fully-fledged professional: “I decided to stay on for the S&C degree because it was an area I wanted to delve into more. I had questions at first about whether to sign up for the degree but now I’ve done it, it has definitely proven to be the best decision I’ve ever made!

“The practical element to the degree made it interesting but also relatable to situations which are experienced when working in the industry. In addition, bringing in top S&C coaches like Marc Finney to teach us really made the environment a great place to learn.

“The lecturers themselves are fantastic, they have a wealth of experience and make learning fun and engaging – it’s less like you are being lectured and more like you are actively involved with your degree.”

The University’s connections in the town also helped seal the deal for Jack: “My placement at NTFC’s Academy has absolutely helped me on the road to the career I’ve been studying for.

“My day to day duties involved completing the strength and conditioning services for the academy, working with players from the age of nine through to 16. This involved completing gym and pitch based sessions to make them quicker, stronger and more efficient athletes.

“I’ve put everything I’ve learned studying for the S&C degree directly into practice whilst working for NTFC, both the theory and the practical side of becoming a good S&C coach.

“Most importantly, the players enjoyed my sessions – they really got something out of them. They felt fitter and stronger which helped their performances on the pitch.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time with NTFC – the experience has taught me so much – and it looks like they agreed. After completing the internship, I was offered and have accepted a paid role with them.”

Find out more about the Strength and Conditioning (MSc) degree with the University of Northampton: bit.ly/StrengthUON