Testimonials
Read about University of Portsmouth students who have used their qualifications and experience gained through the UP for Sport scheme to help them gain employment in the sports industry.
Natalie Arbuckle
Current Role: Kickz co-ordinator Brentford FCKickz is a unique partnership between the Football Foundation, the Premier League, The Football Association, the Football League, and the Police.
Natalie’s role is to is to help create safer, stronger communities by developing the potential of young people. The initiative uses the hook of professional football clubs across England to engage 12 -18 year olds from disadvantaged areas. It provides regular positive activities which guide them towards better educational, volunteering, training, and social outcomes, discouraging other negative uses of their time, including anti-social behaviour.
Year of Graduation: 2007
Course: BSc Sports Development
Qualifications and Experience gained through UP for Sport:
Natalie gained her FA Level 1 qualification through the UP for Sport scheme. As an UP for Sport volunteer she was involved in the delivery of girls football coaching. She gained experience in after-school clubs at primary and secondary schools. As her coaching skills developed she was selected to be part of an 8 week programme to select, train and manage a representative girl’s football team from Portsmouth.
Barry Squires
Role: Sports Development Manager Bournemouth University
Barry’s role at Bournemouth University includes managing sports development staff, developing athletic union sport and facilities at the university and taking a lead role in building and maintaing partnerships.
Year of Graduation: 2003
Course: BSc Sports Development
Qualifications and Experience gained through UP for Sport:
Barry completed his FA level 2 course through the UP for Sport Scheme. During his second year at university he established his own coaching session at the University of Portsmouth Langstone Campus.
This was an open access session for young people in the local area; Barry set this up to help reduce vandalism to the university site. It was thought that by working with the local young people they would respect the facility. The scheme was very successful and Barry was able to attract funding to promote the work he was doing as well as purchase kit and equipment.
During his time as an UP for Sport volunteer Barry received the highest award of recognition from Millennium Volunteers as a result of 500 hours voluntary community coaching. Barry worked also worked alongside Portsmouth City Council to develop a competition structure for girl’s football.
Laura Coleman
Role: Women and girls Community Rugby Coach DurhamLaura role is to deliver coaching and competitive opportunities to young people and adults in local schools, clubs and other community settings within the Durham area. Laura is responsible for introducing leadership skills to young people and providing ongoing support and sustainability by delivering teacher and coach education.
Year of Graduation: 2008
Course: Sports Development
Qualifications and Experience gained through UP for Sport:
Laura Worked Closely with the Community Rugby Coach based at Portsmouth University, through UP for Sport she gained both her RFU TAG and Level 1 and Level 2 coaching qualifications. Laura volunteered her time coaching in schools and local clubs. Laura also managed a successful girl’s rugby programme in partnership with Portsmouth Rugby Club.
During her time as an UP for Sport volunteer Laura was appointed as RUSLO (Rugby Union Student Liaison Officer).
