Alumni

UCLan is recognised for its outstanding course provision which gives students the skills, knowledge, and personal attributes necessary to succeed at the University and in their future careers.

After graduating from UCLan Lewis Hiney secured a position with Preston North End FC, Jill Alexander has furthered her research ambitions, while Graham Theobald and Kristian Weaver have established their own businesses. They all kindly took time out to tell us about their experiences.

Lewis graduated in 2013 and has progressed from a voluntary role with Preston North End FC into a full-time position with the club. He has also set up Preston Sports Clinic, based at CrossFit Spectrum Gym, where he regularly offers injury assessments and rehabilitation services to clients.

"I did some work experience at Deepdale, before being offered a full-time season internship contract. I assist the Head Physio in assessment of injuries, massage and rehabilitation. I also help with matchday preparation for the reserves and youth team.

"In addition to this I set up Preston Sports Clinic and I also offer mobile Sports Therapy to the general public. It's hard work when you're trying to establish yourself, so it's important to promote yourself via social media and by word of mouth.

"I'd advise anyone looking to get into the industry to read as much as you can after graduating, so you remain as safe and effective as you possibly can. It's crucial to be confident as well – if you put people at ease, they'll have confidence in what you do and be happy to return in the future."

Since graduating Jill Alexander has worked in variety of sports including rugby, football and athletics.

"During my degree I did loads of volunteering in order to gain as much 'pitchside experience' as possible. In my final year I did my dissertation looking at cryotherapy in sport and ended up applying for a summer internship as a research assistant at UCLan.

"I subsequently completed a Master's by Research, looking at athletic taping on the asymmetric postures of female equine riders during sitting trot. It's a flexible area of study, as you can do full-time or part-time supported by outside work. I didn’t really want to go down the Physiotherapy route on a full-time basis as I wanted to do something which hadn't been done before.

"I'm now employed as a clinical researcher for the Allied Health Professions Research Unit within SSTO. I also work for Wharfedale RUFC and have my own business where I look after different types of runners and dancers. I see about 15 clients per week and this allows me time to focus on my research work which I find so rewarding."

In conjunction with Professor James Selfe, Karen May and Dr Sarah Hobbs, Jill has also helped to establish links between UCLan and Myerscough College in the field of equine research, and recently coordinated a landmark cryotherapy study with Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club.

Graham Theobald progressed through our Foundation route to secure a First Class honours degree and now runs his own Sports Injury & Rehabilitation Clinic.

"I initially studied Health and Social Care, but decided it wasn't for me. I enrolled on the Sports Therapy course and focused hard on achieving my goal of having my own clinic.

"Long before I graduated I designed a working values-based clinical model and secured finance with an in-depth business plan. The clinic opened a week after I completed my course and six years later we have around 4,000 clients.

"It's crucial to know your sports, to experience them and understand the different types of mechanisms involved. You've also got to have a passion for what you do, work hard and be reliable – clients may sometimes be late, but you never should be."

Kristian spent much of his time at UCLan gaining as much industry experience as he could in order to achieve his dream of working with athletes at the highest possible level.

"I loved being at UCLan, but made sure I gave up as much of my time as I could to create contacts which prove useful in the future. I worked with a professional basketball team in Liverpool before securing a role at Everton FC Academy.

"I also worked with a Women's Rugby team and after graduating I secured a travel scholarship to work in Canada. I had some amazing experiences working in American Football and ice hockey in front of some really big crowds."

After returning to the UK Kristian resumed his role at Everton, while also gaining a one-year contract at a Birmingham school where he looked after 20 national and international athletes.

The project, run by the Society of Sports Therapists and Youth Sport Trust, was eventually extended to three years and although funding finally ended the school still use Kristian's services.

Kristian has also worked with talented gymnasts, assisted teachers in PE & dance and expanded his football experience with Birmingham City FC Academy. After returning to the Wirral, Kristian decided to undertake a Master's and has secured a role as an Associate Lecturer at UCLan.

He has also established his own business – Kristian Weaver Sports Performance – and recently travelled back to Canada to work with the England U14 ice hockey team. Kristian says students looking to progress in the industry should concentrate on making their own opportunities.

"Don't let anything pass you by. When you first start off you'll do a lot of voluntary roles and shifts that no-one else wants to do. Make sure you build a working relationship with the people you treat and communicate with them. Ask lots of questions and you won't go far wrong."