Personal Statement
Academic
I have wanted to pursue a career in sports science since a very young age and for me, my desire to undertake a degree in sports and exercise science represent a step closer towards this.
Studying PE at GCSE helped develop me beyond the practical side of sport and introduced me to the more in depth theory that is involved behind sport. My A levels subjects of Biology, Physical Education and Psychology have further developed my interest in the science behind sport and have allowed me to gain a better understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of sport. Studying these subjects has given me a better insight into how the body works and how our systems are able to adapt to function better during exercise. For me, beginning to understand the science behind sport has enormous value for sportsmen and women, and has heightened my passion to learn more in this field.
Sports/Soccer
I have had a passion for playing, watching and studying sports since a very young age. Whilst my interest extends to all sports, my main interests when younger were tennis and football; playing both to a reasonably high level. I was a member of the Nottingham tennis academy and part of the England Football Association’s Girls’ Centre of Excellence programme with Nottingham Forest girls squad, from ages 7 and 8 respectively. This is the elite level of football in England and it is from these centre of excellence that the England national team is recruited from. I played both sports until aged 12 when I felt the demands of each meant that I needed to decide to focus on one. Football, as a team sport, was where my heart lay and I decided to follow that path which I have never regretted. I have remained a part of a Centre of Excellence and latterly a Regional Talent Club, signing for Derby County U12s squad and remaining there. I currently play for the Derby County Ladies U18s squad, where I have been a regular starter for the team, and have recently been selected to train and start to play with their Development squad, which I am really enjoying and gaining great benefit from.
My preferred position is a defensive midfielder. I feel I have a good first touch, good vision and good short and long passing ability. I always look to play the ball forward and work hard to ensure my team can play the ball through midfield and retain possession. I am also physically strong and provide a good shield for the defensive back line. Playing defensive midfield also enables me to help direct play, utilising my knowledge of the game and leadership skills.
During my time with both Nottingham Forest and Derby County I have been awarded ‘Manager’s Player of the Year’ and ‘Player’s Player of the Year’ on several occasions. which is really gratifying to receive.
Other passions and achievements
Alongside playing football, I am also a fully qualified F.A. registered football referee, and regularly referee matches (from 7v7 through to 11v11), which is both challenging and rewarding. This has given me a really strong grounding in working and communicating with a range of people: players and coaches of all ages, along with parents. This experience has required me to be very adaptable, which is a strong skill that I possess, and to make decisions which others don’t always agree with, developing my confidence and decision-making abilities.
I have attained my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, and as part of that I undertook a sports leadership programme in which I supported younger members of local schools to undertake and develop in various sporting activities, which I found to be really inspiring. I captained both my primary school and secondary school teams to the Nottinghamshire Schools’ Championships, and during my time in secondary i have been awarded the ‘Rushcliffe Outstanding Leader Award and the ‘Rushcliffe Schools Girls’ Sporting Achievement Award’ for my consistent achievements in sports, at a high level.
During my A levels I spent a week undertaking work experience at David Llyod fitness club in West Bridgford. During my week there I got to spend time with multiple personal trainers who gave me an insight into what a job involving sports science was like. I have always enjoyed learning about the anatomy and physiology behind sport and my desire to further my knowledge in this field is what fuels my passion to undertake a degree in sports and exercise science.
Conclusion
I believe that I would be a successful candidate to undertake an exercise science course as not only do I have sound practical elite sporting experience, but I also have a strong academic background. I have very high standards and always work to the best of my abilities in all aspects of my life. I have a strong set of values, and strong beliefs in fairness and fair play which is valuable on the pitch as a player, in my role as a referee and I believe in life in general. I am a highly motivated and hardworking individual evidenced by successfully balancing football training 2-3 times a week, combined with academic study, for a number of years and would welcome the opportunity to continue developing as a sportswoman with a higher level of study in the field of sports and exercise science.
