A range of careers for Sporting Quartet

Rugby development manager, physiologist for the Great Britain Women's Hockey Team, University lecturer and secondary school PE teacher; all of these careers have been opened up to a quartet of University of Teesside graduates, thanks to their BSc (Hons) degrees in Sport Science.

Tony Fretwell, 23, who is originally from Leeds, has recently been appointed as a Youth Development Manager for Halifax Blue Sox Rugby League team. Previously he worked as a Football Development Officer with North Riding County Football, based in Teesside. Tony's new post involves coaching and education for 8-16 year olds, helping them to progress onto the first team. He has played rugby from the age of 13 and while at Teesside took part in a GB Student Rugby League tour of America. Tony said: "Sport has always played a big part in my life so I wanted a qualification which would enable me to continue with it into a career. The degree modules have been useful in my new job, such as Physiology, nutrition and monitoring sport performance."

Jane Holden, 25, from Leicestershire, is working as a Physiologist for the GB Women's Hockey Team in Milton Keynes. As part of her diverse role Jane helps to prepare the team for competitions, by devising fitness testing and training programmes. The team is currently aiming for a place in the Sydney Olympics. Jane originally wanted to study for a Biology degree but changed course to Sport Science after a disappointing grade in 'A' level Biology. She said: "Teesside was a friendly environment and the course lecturers really supportive. The social facilities were good as well. The practical elements in the degree like fitness training, combined with theory has given me valuable skills for my work."

After working as a toolmaker and an engineer, Rhys Thatcher, now 32, from Bishop Auckland, decided to return to education. He pursued his long-term interest in sport by applying for the Sport Science degree. Rhys said: "Coming from industry I was impressed with the course, it was well structured and organised. I enjoyed the Physiology elements and the fact you could become an independent learner, using data to solve problems. Going back to University was one of the best decisions I made." Following a Masters course in Sport Science at the University of Loughborough, Rhys is now back at Teesside, lecturing to Sport Science students.

Penny Brown, 24, from Ilkley, near Leeds, has just completed her second year as a Secondary PE teacher at Acklam Grange School in Middlesbrough. She came to Teesside with 'A' levels in French, Maths and Human Biology and made her career choice while researching her final year dissertation. Penny said: "I was looking at the link between children's fitness and their levels of activity. I went into four Middlesbrough Secondary Schools and saw a lot of school life, which made my mind up to go into teaching."

She followed the Sport Science degree with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary PE at the University of Durham, and then joined Acklam Grange. Penny added: "The Psychology and Physiology theory I learned has been really helpful in sports coaching and teaching GCSE PE. I'd never been to Middlesbrough before I started the course and really liked the university, it was small and friendly with a good social life. It was so easy to make new friends."

The University of Teesside is to launch a new BSc (Hons) degree in Sports Therapy from September 2000. The course will provide students with a vocational and academic training, to equip them for a career in sports therapy. The course covers several disciplines, which will enable graduates to seek employment in a range of related areas, including the health and fitness industry, sport development and teaching.

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