I am a Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Scholar, currently in my second year of the programme. I work with British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) and performance teams, including the GB Rowing Performance Development Academy and Women’s Rugby Union, while also supporting other sports scholars.
The scholarship combines applied coaching with ongoing professional development. The role involves assisting in the delivery of sessions, supporting athletes in developing their physical performance, and contributing to a positive performance training environment.
Day to day, this includes conducting physical profiling and testing, setting up and delivering sessions, and building strong relationships with athletes to support their long-term development.
Reasons to volunteer
I initially became interested in volunteering following an injury, which shifted my perspective from purely participating in sport to understanding how performance can be developed and supported. That experience motivated me to get involved and give back in a different way.
Supporting athletes in improving their performance and confidence is incredibly rewarding, particularly within a high-performance environment.
I expected the hands-on experience would complement my degree, but it has also allowed me to develop key skills such as communication, adaptability, and leadership.
I also value the opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and peers through the scholarship’s mentoring and Community of Practice sessions. It’s a collaborative environment that encourages reflection, continuous improvement, and the ongoing development of coaching practice.
Confidence in a performance environment
The scholarship has had a significant impact on both my personal and professional development.
It has improved my confidence as a coach, particularly in delivering sessions, communicating with athletes, and making decisions in a live performance environment.
I’ve developed practical skills in areas such as programme delivery, physical testing, and performance monitoring, as well as softer skills like teamwork, organisation, and adaptability. The structured reflection and mentoring have also helped me become more self-aware and intentional in my coaching approach.
A key part of this development has been the opportunity to work with a wide range of people, including highly driven and successful athletes, which has furthered my understanding of performance sport.
Beyond skill development, it has had a positive impact on my overall time at university. Being part of a supportive coaching and athlete community for over two years has given me a strong sense of purpose and belonging, particularly as someone who experiences both sides as a coach and an athlete.
Connecting across sport
My favourite part of the volunteering experience has been the opportunity to meet and work with lots of different people. From fellow coaches to athletes across different sports and performance levels, I’ve gotten to meet and connect with a wide range of individuals and have had a lot of fun along the way.
I’ve also been part of some unique opportunities, such as the ‘Moving Through Menopause’ workshop and Principles of Physical Development in Para-sport, delivered by Hannah Bucys (GB Wheelchair Rugby Athlete) and Jack Clarke (GB Wheelchair Rugby S&C Coach). These experiences were particularly rewarding as they exposed me to areas of sport and exercise that are often underrepresented, and encouraged me to think more holistically and inclusively as a coach.
Advice for future volunteers
I would strongly encourage other students to get involved in volunteering, especially through structured programmes like the S&C scholarship. It’s an opportunity to gain real-world experience in a supportive environment while developing both technical and transferable skills.
The time commitment is manageable alongside university studies, and the structured nature of the programme, including mentoring and workshops, means you’re supported throughout. It also helps you build confidence and clarity around your future career.
Volunteering is a great way to discover what you’re passionate about while having fun.
For me, it has played a key role in shaping my interests, particularly around physical activity and female health. As next year’s LUU Opportunities and Development Executive, I’m hoping to build on this by promoting inclusive and accessible physical activity opportunities for students.
More information about volunteering
- Read more student profiles about volunteering
- Find out more about volunteering opportunities as a student at Leeds
If you’re a not-for-profit organisation in Leeds that would benefit from student volunteers, email the Volunteering Team at volunteer@leeds.ac.uk.