On the Move magazine 2016/17

Gold medal glory

Susannah Townsend and the Great Britain women’s hockey team claim an historic Gold medal.

on the

Move

The magazine for sport at Kent 2016/17

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Overview brochure 2016/17 More people, more active, more often

Sport at Kent Term One 2016/17

For all activities at Kent Sport during term time, pick up a copy of Sport at Kent.

To find out more about Kent Sport, pick up a copy of our overview brochure!

If you require this information in another format, please contact the marketing team by emailing sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk or call 01227 823 623.

Thanks to Ben Zeng Photography for supplying images used in this magazine.

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kent.ac.uk/sports

| Welcome

Welcome From left to right; Graham Holmes (Director of Sport); Felicia Hull (Kent swimming team); Mel Clewlow (double-Olympian, 2016 Olympic commentator and Assistant Director); Natasha Brennan (Kent alumni, professional rugby player and World Cup Gold medallist); Vicky Annis (Kent Sport musculoskeletal physiotherapist); and Ben Trott (former professional cricketer and Assistant Director).

Welcome to the latest edition of On the Move magazine.

We hope you find it both interesting and informative.

It is an exciting time in sport with Team GB having brought home a record number of medals from the Rio Olympic Games. This event provided us with the opportunity to see athletes operating at the highest level in a huge variety of sports. Something to take inspiration from and a time to consider what sport has to offer for all of us. You can find out about Kent’s connections with the Olympics by visiting kent.ac.uk/sports/olympics The picture above shows Kent student, staff and alumni all involved with sport in various ways. Sport, fitness and staying active is relevant to us all be it for relaxing with friends, career development or aspiring to Olympic greatness.

With now well over 9,000 Kent Sport members, we are continuing to grow our facilities and services. We have completed development of an additional 3G pitch and added the Cycle Hub at the Pavilion, and have plans for other new facilities and services, constantly adding value to your membership and working to ensure your

experience at Kent is the best it can be.

December 2016 sees the third Kent’s Sporting Legends event where we celebrate past, present and future sporting achievements, including Olympic athletes from Kent.

Many of you will be new to Kent this year and we would like to offer you a personal welcome on behalf of Kent Sport as a whole. You have made a great choice. Kent is a truly international university with many inspirational things going on to give you a wonderful experience during your time with us. You will make lots of friends, develop new skills, attend great events and eventually leave Kent with a bright and successful future ahead of you. The knowledge that you develop along with your studies will provide you with a solid foundation for life. It’s an exciting time to be at Kent and we hope you make the most of every opportunity available to you.

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Update Kent Sport online

Social media is an important tool in communicating Kent Sport’s events, activities and exciting updates that benefit the University of Kent’s community. We are keen to share the many fun activities and opportunities available at Kent Sport as widely as possible and so we have recently launched our new Instagram page. We encourage you to check it out and get involved by posting your photos.

By ‘Liking’ and following UniKentSports, you will see all the exciting events, activities and competitions that run throughout the year at Kent Sport. You’ll also see important updates about opening hours and new developments. #KentSport

Facebook

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Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

kent.ac.uk/sports

| Contents

Update The latest news from Kent Sport 01 Join in Sports at Kent 05 Fitness, health and performance New for 2016 11 Fitness and dance classes 13 Wellbeing 14 Strengthening exercises 15 The power of beetroot 17 Kent Sport Physiotherapy Clinic Discover its benefits 19 Kent goes to Rio Susannah Townsend 21 Mel Clewlow 23 Kent’s Olympic athletes 24 Team Kent Sports VP Elliott Shell 25 Cycling at Kent 26 Scholar spotlight Joel Chidley – mountain biking Leigh Wetheridge – powerlifting

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Alumni spotlight Natasha Brennan 31 Future plans Looking ahead You said. We did.

33 34

Key to events, activities and services: Kent Sport membership required

Join Kent Sport Work and volunteer opportunities 36 Student perspective 36

Kent Sport membership is not required Some events are open to non-members but may be chargeable, for full event details visit kent.ac.uk/sports/events

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Update

New 3G pitch

In 2016, Kent Sport completed the construction of a brand new, £1m 3GX pitch as part of a programme of ongoing sports facility expansion and improvement. The new world-class third generation pitch enables back-to-back fixtures and training for rugby, football and American football and delivers the optimal playing conditions for matches from recreational to top-level. To achieve the quality standards required, Kent Sport selected the FieldTurf Vertex, which is tested to World Rugby and FIFA standards.

Ben Trott, Assistant Director (Operations) says: “This pitch is part of the continual drive to develop University of Kent sports facilities to meet growing student demand and recognising how crucial sport and recreational activities are for student development. It will be one of a number of significant Kent Sport developments planned for 2015-16 and beyond.”

The new facility will increase the number of outdoor games that can be played for a wider variety of sports. For booking information visit kent.ac.uk/sports/facilities

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kent.ac.uk/sports

| Update

The Cycle Hub

A new facility on the Canterbury campus for Kent Sport members and open to all who enjoy cycling. Whether you are a recreational cyclist, training to an elite level or interested in mountain biking or road racing, this is the place for you.

Conveniently located at the Pavilion, members can choose from a range of bicycles for hire, use the workshop facility to maintain and repair their own bicycles and participate in Kent Sport cycling events and activities - just check the events calendar on the website, pick up a copy of the Sport at Kent activity timetable booklet or enquire at the Kent Sport or Pavilion receptions.

The Cycle Hub is well stocked with a choice of Scott bikes including road, mountain and electric bicycles which are high quality and high specification. scott-sports.com The Cycle Hub is located close to a fantastic cycle path; the Crab and Winkle way. This track takes you straight from the Canterbury campus to Whitstable and the coast in about 45 minutes at a normal cycling pace. Or you could cycle down the hill to Canterbury and follow the river Stour to Chartham and, if you’re feeling adventurous, cross-country on to the beautiful village of Wye. What better way to get to know Kent than on two wheels! The Cycle Hub is next to the Pavilion which has changing and shower facilities and the Pavilion CafÊ Bar offers great food and a fully stocked bar.

Visit kent.ac.uk/sports/facilities for more details.

As we go to print, the Cycle Hub approaches the final stages of construction, due to be completed in October.

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Update

Kent’s Sporting Legends Kent Sport is once again hosting the county’s pre-eminent gala evening in December 2016 to celebrate sporting performances. Reflecting on the outstanding achievements over past years of sport at Kent is inspiring for future sporting successes. Therefore the event follows the recurrent theme of ‘past, present and future’.

Kent’s Sporting Legends include Kent Sport scholarship recipients (many of whom have gone on to international honours), Kent sports persons who have represented our country or been part of Team GB, and individuals who have contributed to the University of Kent’s sporting achievements.

If you are a current or past student or staff member that has represented your country or Team GB, if you have broken any records, have any other iconic sporting achievements and/or have memorabilia, images, video or anecdotes about sport at Kent, please get in touch by emailing sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk For more information about Kent’s Sporting Legends, please visit kent.ac.uk/sports/kentsportinglegends

ENAS visit a success The European Network of Academic Sports Services (ENAS) were extremely impressed with the sports and facilities on offer at the University of Kent and praised us for our exceptional staff and spirit in providing our services.

The team, many of whom are from organisations from different nations across Europe, met with Director of Sport and Recreation Graham Holmes to discuss many aspects of sport at Kent including service delivery, facility development and sports funding.

Following the successful visit, Graham has been invited to speak about Kent Sport and best practice at a conference in Malta in December 2016; “I am incredibly proud of what the team at Kent Sport have achieved over the last few years and hope that our high level of service and performance continues to improve going forward.”

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kent.ac.uk/sports

| Update

Student success at Mass University of Kent PhD student and Kent Sport staff member Cassie Mackenzie (pictured right, centre) shares her inspiring success story at the 2016 MASS Student Physique Championships.

The atmosphere backstage is incredible. Everyone, although utterly exhausted and nervous, is so kind and supportive.

The staff were really approachable and friendly, in spite of being run off their feet. You then play the waiting game.

Pretending to read books, while ignoring your nerves and hunger, getting to know your competitors and running through your posing, over and over again. Then you get the call to start pumping up, and the adrenaline really hits you. Suddenly, you’re not hungry or tired, but a bundle of emotions...

For the full story, please visit blogs.kent.ac.uk/kentsport-news

Matt Marsh

New menu at the Pavilion The Pavilion Café Bar is a great place to relax with good food, great atmosphere, viewing balconies, free WiFi and Sky Sports. With a fully licensed bar, you won’t find a better place on campus to support your friends playing sport.

New Café Bar Manager Rebecca Deakin has re-designed the menu, which includes delicious hot and cold food and drinks.

The Pavilion is available for groups to hire for business meetings, children’s sports parties and special celebrations.

Email kentsportevents@kent.ac.uk for booking enquiries.

For more details and to view the new menu, please visit kent.ac.uk/sports/pavilioncafebar

Holiday sports camps In 2016, the University of Kent once again hosted sports camps during Easter and Summer for children aged five to 14. EasterZone, Easter Academy and SummerZone were all fully booked and enjoyed by the children taking part, with many hoping to return again next year.

EasterZone and Easter Academy 2017 will take place from Monday 10 to Thursday 13 April.

SummerZone will take place from Monday 14 to Friday 18 and Monday 21 to Friday 25 August.

For more information please contact sportsdevelopment@kent.ac.uk on on the the

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Join in Kent Sport is excited to provide five programmes allowing you the opportunity to get active in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

How will you get involved?

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kent.ac.uk/sports

| Join in

Inter College Cup If you’re a student and looking to represent or support your college in sports competitions, then join a team and take part in the Inter College Cup. Players of all abilities are encouraged to take part, as the ethos of the competition is one of involvement and fair play, though there is a natural competitive element.

For more information and to take part please visit kent.ac.uk/sports/intercollegecup.

To suggest new sports for the competition, please email sportsdevelopment@kent.ac.uk

Currently, there are 10 Inter College Cup sports to get involved in, including: • • • • • •

Badminton Cricket Netball Rowing Volleyball And many more...

Students from the colleges go head-to-head in the annual multi-event sports competition, with each college accumulating points throughout the academic year. The winning team is awarded with the coveted Inter College Cup! on the

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Join in

Intramural sports Open to anyone from within the University, Kent Sport offers the chance for individuals and groups to take part in friendly competition among friends.

We provide a variety of intramural events on campus for staff and students throughout the year. There’s no requirement to be the best athlete or to join a specific team, just grab a group of friends and have some fun.

Intramural sports are for all abilities and are based around increasing participation and getting active.

Although different from club sports, there is certainly a similar level of competition and team spirit.

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Teams can include any student or staff member from within the University, allowing opportunities to network or enjoy sociable competition with friends and/or colleagues. If you want to be involved then join an intramural sport.

Our intramural sports include: • Dodgeball • Men’s and women’s football • Netball • Rounders • Quidditch For more information about specific sports, visit kent.ac.uk/sports/intramural or email sportsdevelopment@kent.ac.uk

kent.ac.uk/sports

| Join in

The Let’s Play programme engages with Kent staff and students in a variety of 30minute sessions, regardless of ability or age. Sessions are aimed at beginners and a Kent Sport membership isn’t needed.

Getting involved with Let’s Play offers flexibility with no commitment, social opportunities to be active and gives the brain a break from studying. Popular activities include climbing, open swimming, ‘This Girl Can’ sessions and many more. This year, why not try new sports like squash, indoor hockey and short tennis? Sessions run at both the Canterbury and Medway campuses and some external venues.

Let’s Play Activator David Burt has this to say: “Our targets for engagement each year have been exceeded so the programme is clearly really popular for a lot of students and staff. My team take part in a lot of the activities so there’s always a friendly face to join in with!”

Did you know: Bubble football in 2015 2016 saw over 500 people taking part!

“I loved taking part in Let’s Play last year as there was a great choice of activities that were either free or at very low cost.

The sessions were at great times throughout the week, and very well organised.”

Kirsty Harding, Student

So this academic year, join in and Let’s Play!

For more information about the Let’s Play programme please email letsplay@kent.ac.uk or visit kent.ac.uk/sports/letsplay You can follow the Let’s Play team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram LetsPlayKent.

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Join in

Coaching and officiating courses Kent Sport Reception Manager Adam Grainger tells us about his experience of the coaching programme and how it’s benefitted him.

While working as a receptionist for Kent Sport in 2014, I enquired about taking part in the FA Level 1 football coaching course. Kent Sport agreed to fund the course for me provided that I work 20 voluntary hours for them in return, for example helping out with summer camps and various other events throughout the year.

The course took place over two weekends on the 3G pitches at the University of Kent. It was very insightful, educational and enjoyable and has been a great foundation to build on.

At the start of 2016 I began coaching a local youth team based in Whitstable called Rising Stars. We are part of the very popular East Kent Football League and I’m really enjoying the challenges and rewards it brings. Delivering regular training sessions and taking charge of matches and tournaments has been brilliant and I’m learning new skills and techniques each day. My current age group is under 11’s and we are entering a nine-a-side format this coming season, changes will include the use of line officials and offside rules, a first for most of the children in the team.

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Frances Smith

Coaching children is extremely different to adults and I felt I needed a better understanding of the psychology, science and general insight into youth coaching so I completed my FA Youth Module Level One. I found this course very interesting and it has given me greater confidence to conduct and deliver training sessions, how to communicate with the children as well as keeping in mind their different learning styles, backgrounds and meeting individual needs. I would highly recommend this course to anyone thinking of getting involved with youth coaching.

The University of Kent supports volunteering and enables up to 25 hours of paid leave to support various initiatives. This has personally been very helpful as I do not have to use my annual leave hours to take training sessions or matches as long as sufficient cover is available in my absence.

I will be looking to further my knowledge in this field over the next 18 months by aiming to complete the FA Level 2 and Youth Module 2 courses while continuing to train and develop my players in the process.

If you are interested in coaching and officiating opportunities visit kent.ac.uk/sports/coachingcourses or email sportsdevelopment@kent.ac.uk

kent.ac.uk/sports

ViceChancellor’s Cup

School of Engineering and Digital Arts team captain Famy Rashid, Employability Officer (pictured below, front left), gives us some insight into why her team is keen to get involved in the ViceChancellor’s Cup and what it means to her department.

This is the second year EDA has participated in the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup and we love it! Last year was our first time and we came sixth. This year we’re aiming for a top three position! We’re not competitive at all…

The team has brought together members of EDA that would not normally work side-by-side and allowed us to really bond as well as discover some hidden talents. We’ve also got to know members of staff from other departments over some healthy competition.

The diverse range of sports allows all members of staff to take part, taking into consideration gender and age. This diversity is definitely reflected in the EDA team!

| Strength and conditioning | Join in

‘We have been absolutely impressed with the organisation and dedication of the Kent Sport team in putting the events together. The VC’s Cup has really inspired us and we now have a regular running club, weekly netball, badminton and tennis practice and we’ve just bought an ultimate frisbee!’

Famy Rashid EDA Team Captain

It’s inspired us to regularly practice sports such as basketball and netball which Kent Sport facilitate and it has also been a good way to experience some new sports such as ultimate frisbee. The highlights for us have been the gladiators round and the sports day!

I would encourage as many people as possible to join in the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup. It’s a great way to spend your lunchtime and have some fun!

If you are interested in taking part in the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup, please email sportsdevelopment@kent.ac.uk on on the the

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Fitness, health and performance Update

A £160,000 investment in the fitness suite saw the replacement of all existing treadmills, cross trainers, upright and recumbent bikes and steppers. Stations were replaced like for like with the addition of eight new stations to compliment the original offering. The new CV stations are all equipped with 15 inch embedded display screens with Freeview television to cater for all tastes while you work out. Each station is preloaded with several pre-set workouts offering a range of intensities and profiles to help achieve your goals. The treadmills are also equipped with a virtual Personal Coach function offering extra motivation during your daily walk or run.

The new equipment can also be connected to personal media devices and smartphones via bluetooth, USB and HD so that you can enjoy your own media while you train. The new technology also connects to personal heart rate monitors and most personal fitness tracking devices to ensure that every beat and calorie burned is recorded. Be sure to check out the eight brand new stations on your next visit and ask a member of the fitness team for any advice if you are unsure on how to operate them: Two Air Fit cycles and one Air Fit Upper Body Core Health and Fitness offer three unique air resistance stations that can challenge the upper body in isolation or in tandem with a leg workout. These self-propelled and powered stations recharge themselves as you workout so are the ‘greenest’ in our new flock. The resistance can be adjusted to suit all levels and both machine designs cater for our commitment to inclusive fitness and providing accessible equipment to all members.

One Stairmaster Gauntlet By far the largest addition to the CV family is the ‘Gauntlet’ which resembles a giant escalator that doesn’t carry you along but rather challenges you to keep up. This machine is an excellent addition as it can be used for short duration interval training or as an endurance alternative to the traditional steppers. The Gauntlet lives in the wellness suite along with the other functional equipment allowing it to be included in your functional workout or as a great warm up before the weights.

Two Tread Climbers The newest two stations in the wellness suite are the uniquely designed Tread Climbers that have twin decks offering an independent walking workout for both your right and left legs ensuring balanced conditioning.

Strictly a walking machine only, the Tread Climber challenges users by offering an authentic hill walking climb which test even the fittest of users. The design also works very well for rehabilitation (particular lower limb injuries) and will be used very effectively by the physiotherapy team. The Tread Climbers offer something new and unique and are one of the most exciting additions to the new range.

Two Wattbikes An important and exciting new addition to the fitness suite; they can be seen frequently in many national team training centres and have been used extensively by British Cycling (for whom it was developed) and in sports such as American football, rugby, rowing and swimming to condition and train professional athletes. The key to what makes a Wattbike different from other exercise bikes is the measurement of the athlete’s power (watts); power is a measure of effort over time so it reflects an athletes’ ability to move mass quickly, whether it’s peddling a bike along the road, running sprints or making a tackle.

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kent.ac.uk/sports

| Fitness suite upgrade

New for 2016

During the 2016 summer vacation the Kent Sport fitness suite underwent a wholesale upgrade of all cardiovascular stations, with Core Health and Fitness installing over fifty of their latest cutting edge fitness machines all with bluetooth, integrated touch screen technology and full media interactivity.

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Fitness, health and performance

Fitness and dance classes With over 40 exercise classes running each week during the Autumn and Winter terms, here are some interesting numbers…

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Over 14,000 attendees enjoyed last year’s Autumn timetable at Kent Sport, with over 1,000 visits each week

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If you attended all the classes on the timetable for one week you could expect to burn around 15,000 calories!

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Zumba is one of our most popular classes with two super classes in the Kent Sport main hall to cater for the dancing fraternity. The worldwide dance phenomenon is present in 180 countries which sees 15,000,000 people moving and shaking

•

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If you are interested in a slower pace why not try yoga which has been practised for 5,000 years with some historians believing it to be even

older. There are over a dozen different types of yoga alone practised around the world with Kent Sport offering a variety of different holistic classes on the current timetable •

Body Pump has been a long favourite on the Kent Sport timetable. Founded in New Zealand

by Olympian Les Mills, the programme is 25 years old and celebrates the 100th release this year. Join the team to celebrate and experience ‘Body Pump 100’ due just before Christmas 2016

•

Spinning continues to be a Kent Sport timetable staple and this term we are introducing ‘Freestyle Cycle’ to offer more variety to the studio cycling programme; a single class will see over 3,600 pedal revolutions per rider who will challenge their hearts to twice as many heartbeats in an effort to burn 500 calories!

For more information on class descriptions and timetables please visit our webpage kent.ac.uk/sports/fitnessanddance

kent.ac.uk/sports

| Wellbeing

Give yourself a boost!

Kent Sport health and fitness instructor Sarah Black offers some advice about the measures you can take to enhance your energy.

In a modern lifestyle the mind and muscles are kept tense all the time. This can deplete large amounts of stored energy, causing a variety of stress-related symptoms.

Every action involves several stages. Stimuli are taken in through the senses and are transmitted via the nervous system to the mind. The mind analyses stimuli and decides what action, if any, is to be taken. The mind then sends an impulse to muscles involved along with an extra energy supply to perform the action. The impulse, enforced with the energy, causes the muscles to contract and react.

If we are constantly bombarded by stress and worry our resources and energy are exhausted. Tension occurs, physical stiffness, illness, anxiety and even depression may result in fatigue.

The key is to reduce the amount of stimuli to which we are subjected. Deep sleep rejuvenates the body and mind, while restless dream state disrupts it.

When you feel mentally stressed try and eradicate the cause and use tools and techniques to combat the restless state: •

Mental relaxation – turn off loud noises, bright lighting and distractions. Your mind will only keep working if the surroundings are not settled. Tune yourself out by preparing the setting that will offer a tranquil night’s rest

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Time – just like your traditions, the body needs to create its own. Schedule your body clock by keeping regular times so you can adjust better to the routine of sleep. Regularity is essential for effective adaptation that will see positive habits forming

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Setting – keep a positive environment, if you want a productive rest. Choose warm colours resembling

calmness and comfort. Think sunrises and sunsets rather than cold icy blues and brightness •

Concentration – select a simple point to concentrate on. Breathing is a good choice as it focuses your awareness internally, engaging your inner activity and sense of emotion

•

Nutrition – before bed, beat bulging belly. Rather than going to bed with a full stomach, remember your energy and system will be required to work overtime digesting the meal, taking away priority of rest and actually promoting alertness. Choose simple, light meals. A healthy choice will impact profoundly on the night’s pattern of sleep

•

Diet – during the day our food choices reflect our energy, our mood, our personality and our health.

Essential energy maintains purity of body and mind so eat with consideration. If you want to achieve all round optimum in performance, diet is your priority.

Variety, colour, quality and quantity need to be questions you answer with thought and reason

My final advice is this; puzzling on how to mend issues while your head is rested on a pillow will do you no good. When you wake up in the morning your ‘issue’ will still be waiting for you. Having had a restful night’s sleep will supply you with the capability and determination to conquer any stress with greater ease.

If you would like assistance with your wellbeing and fitness goals, drop in to the Sports Centre and have a chat with our fitness team or visit kent.ac.uk/sports for details of fitness classes, services and fun events.

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Fitness, health and performance 15 Move on the

Kent Sport health and fitness instructor Darius Ashtari shares some tips on strengthening exercises to work in to your normal routine.

Squats •

Keep the weight in your heels - push your knees out and try and get good depth

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Keep your arms out in front to help with balance and keep your back straight

Walking lunges •

Maintain a straight line from your shoulder down to your knee. Big step forward, looking for a 90 degree angle in both knees

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Try the same technique with a rotation to the front leg

Plank •

Keep your back and bum in line and try to keep it straight and hold position

•

Place knees on the floor to make it easier

kent.ac.uk/sports

| Strengthening exercises Calf and shin exercises •

Activate calf muscles; stretch shin.

Walking forwards on the balls of your feet with arms raised high

•

Activate shin muscles; stretch calf.

Try the above but on your heels

Standing calf raise •

Try two feet and hold. Then try one foot and hold

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Try this with a bent leg to feel the difference

Warm-up drill for running •

Skipping forward 15 metres and raise knee to hip height

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Push up high off the ground

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Use arms to help momentum

•

Try the same technique but kick out your foot before landing

Side plank •

Keep your back in line and aim to keep your hips up as high as you can

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Place knees on the floor to make it easier

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Fitness, health and performance

Kent Sport health and fitness instructor Laetitia Pelachi talks about her research in the effects of beetroot and the potential benefits it can have on sports and exercise performance.

What made you get involved in sport and fitness?

I started developing a passion for fitness in my second year of university while being involved as the president of the University of Kent Gymnastics club. To improve my gymnastics skills, I discovered strength training and methods of training such as plyometrics which made me want to learn even more about fitness. I decided to qualify as a gym and exercise to music instructor while doing my first Masters degree in History of Art. Then I started working for Kent Sport as a gym instructor and qualified as a personal trainer. Since then I also enjoy teaching classes like spinning, Insanity and circuits.

What made you decide to study a Masters in Sports Sciences?

I thought working in the sport and fitness industry was really what I wanted to do as a career.

Therefore, after completing my Master in History of Art, I decided to change my career path to sport and did a Masters degree in Sport Science and Optimal Performance which I am about to complete. My aim would be to work as a strength and conditioning coach or a sport nutritionist consultant.

Would you say that your studies are helping you in your role at Kent Sport?

My studies definitely help me in my role as I have the opportunity to learn about the science behind training and refer to new studies when designing a programme or giving advice.

And maybe your role here is assisting your studies?

Working for Kent Sport also helped me for my studies as it allowed me to apply my knowledge about training in a real context. It was also helpful to have access to most gym equipment to conduct my study and find the participants.

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What interested you about beetroot juice supplementation? Is beetroot juice popular with sports people?

One of my favourite areas in sport science and fitness is nutrition, especially holistic nutrition. The interest and use of beetroot juice supplementation is definitely growing among the athletic population as studies have shown it has an ergogenic effect on performance. I chose to do my study on beetroot juice as it has impressive healing properties and can maximize sport performance. The nitrate found in beetroot is first reduced into nitrite after consumption and then metabolized into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide was found to improve skeletal muscle function, blood flow, regulating muscular contraction and glucose uptake (Jones, 2014), (Ormsbee, 2015). Nitrate is not only found in beetroots but also spinach, lettuce, celery, carrot juice and watercress. Studies have shown that beetroot juice can enhance exercise time to exhaustion, cycling and running performance and muscular efficiency during moderate intensity exercise (Lansley et al., 2011), (Bailey et al., 2009).

Although there is very little research on the effects of beetroot juice on strength and power, beetroot juice has been shown to improve the contractile properties of the skeletal muscle during knee extensor exercise (Bailey et al., 2010), the contractile properties of the skeletal muscle and voluntary muscle function (Haider et., al 2014) and neuromuscular efficiency (Flanagan et al., 2016). However, very few studies focused on the effects of beetroot juice on female participants using functional methods of testing which do not necessitate a lab. Therefore, I chose to include female participants in my study and use more functional tests such as squats, leg presses and vertical jumps that can be applied to a real world athletic performance like basketball, powerlifting and sprinting.

kent.ac.uk/sports

| The power of beetroot Tell us about the tests – what’s it like for the participants? What do they have to do?

The study consisted of three sessions including: a baseline or familiarisation session, a first supplementation session with either a beetroot juice or a placebo and a second session with the supplementation they didn’t have in the first one. In the first and second sessions the participants performed the same tests as the baseline session two and a half hours after consuming either a placebo or a beetroot juice.

The tests involved: eight, five, three and one repetition maximum of two-legged press, one-legged press, squat and bench, vertical jump and a 30-second sprint test on the Wattbike.

What have you found out so far, or is it too early to say?

Although my study is not completely finished, I found some improvement with the beetroot juice on the twolegged press, the squat and the vertical jump between the baseline and beetroot juice supplementation sessions and some very small effects between the beetroot juice and placebo supplementation. However, the results are not significant enough to prove the juice had an effect. I noticed that participants with higher level of strength training responded better than those who recently started strength training. This is because individuals who regularly train for power and strength may have larger proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibres compared to those who train aerobically. Research has

shown that the low oxygen availability in fast-twitch muscle fibres optimizes the reduction of nitrate found in the beetroot into nitric oxide which contributes to enhanced performance. To obtain a more significant result I would have needed to recruit more participants with similar training levels which was very hard in two months during summer time.

Why is sport and fitness important for students and others? How important is nutrition?

Sport and fitness is very important not only for students but also for everyone including athletes and the general population as it brings a balance in life, improved confidence and is a great way to discover both our physical and mental strength. Nutrition is definitely key for optimal health and performance. What we decide to eat can influence our health and wellbeing. We are what we eat! Billions of cells are being replaced in the body everyday and what we consume directly influences the composition and health of our cell membranes.

It has also been shown that the nutrient available in our cells can influence our genes (Alam, Tauqeer, Zelezniak, Alesksej et al., 2016). It is important to carefully choose quality sources of nutrients that are as natural as possible. Avoiding processed foods as much as possible, privileging organic foods that are high in micronutrient, minerals and antioxidants would be my best advice not just for performance but also optimal health.

Make your own beetroot smoothie!

For a delicious beetroot smoothie try this recipe: • • • • • • • •

Half cup freshly squeezed orange juice One cup mixed frozen berries or blueberries Two tablespoons granola Third cup diced beet, either raw or roasted (50 grams) Quarter cup plain low-fat yogurt or low-fat coconut milk One teaspoon honey or agave syrup Two or three ice cubes Sliced orange for garnish (optional)

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend for one minute. Pour into a glass, garnish with an orange slice and enjoy! on on the the

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Update

Kent Sport Physiotherapy Clinic

Vicky Annis shares some of the highlights of her career as a musculoskeletal sports physiotherapist.

It is extremely rewarding to see people achieve their goals, whatever their target. From European Junior 1500m Champion Bobby Clay (pictured, bottom) to Peter, a lovely gentleman who, after a fall, lost the ability to walk. Peter came to the clinic to see if there was any support or guidance we could give. I will always remember Meredith’s face (Peter’s wife) the first time we progressed to sitting on a plyometric box! Seeing Peter go from sitting to standing and taking a few steps with assistance brought tears to my eyes and it has been a great honour to see his determination. He continues to come to the gym with support from the fitness team.

clocking fast times, climbing mountains most people would have to push their bikes up and swimming 100m reps in less than seventy seconds time and time again! The athletes had nutritional support and I also helped cook a roast dinner one evening which always helps people feel more at home. I have no idea how many Yorkshire Tea bags were used during the camp! The mechanic was busy building and setting up the bikes they will be using at the Olympics. So many staff worked extremely hard behind the scenes and I just wanted to replicate their hard work with my own treatments and support.

The athletes trained on average five to six hours per day so fitting treatment in had to be timed well so that it wass effective but not detrimental to the following days training. Bone and tendon injuries tend to be the most common injuries within the sport so listening carefully to any warning signs is very important.

I have also been inspired by members of staff who previously didn’t run, now starting to attend the Wednesday afternoon running club, taking part in the running workshops to gain tips on how to further improve their technique, plus come to the clinic for check ups to make sure they keep their parkrun tally up!

Being part of the support team for the British Triathlon team is also another opportunity where I see athletes working ridiculously hard to follow their dreams and compete at the Rio Olympics. I spent two weeks in St. Moritz where the athletes were training at altitude. Believe me, even walking upstairs at over 1800m above sea level is challenging. The triathletes were training over 30 hours per week, putting gruelling effort into track sessions and

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kent.ac.uk/sports

| Physiotherapy Clinic

Is physiotherapy for me?

The Kent Sport Physiotherapy Clinic is not just for elite sports people, it can benefit everyone.

You do not need to be involved with competitive sports or visiting the fitness suite regularly. We all have busy lives and it can be easy to overlook health and wellbeing while prioritising other things.

But by taking the time to visit a physiotherapist you can offset the stresses and strains of everyday life and get back on track.

James Mapley, Scholar at the University of Kent - cyclist “I would thoroughly recommend the clinic; Vicky identifies the issues and focusses on those target areas to improve their state, explaining how the treatment she is providing will benefit specific muscle groups.

The clinic is an excellent resource and I certainly believe it has directly improved my performance and race results.�

If you have any questions about the physiotherapy and sports massage services please contact us by email physio@kent. ac.uk or call us on 01227 824 375. kent.ac.uk/sports/physio

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Gold Medal Glory “Our aim was to win Gold in Rio. There’s 31 of us in the squad and for us, standing up on the podium, we were delighted for ourselves. I wouldn’t want to be up there with any other group of girls. I can’t describe the feeling when you sing the national anthem with a Gold medal around your neck, there’s nothing better as an athlete.

We had just won the Olympics.”

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kent.ac.uk/sports

| Kent goes to Rio

Susannah Townsend, University of Kent alumni and former Kent Sport elite scholar, was part of the history-making women’s hockey team that claimed the Gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

How does it feel being a part of the GB women’s hockey team?

Being part of a team allows you to meet all these people and hear their stories. I get to spend every single day with my best friends and we have a common goal.

You can see in the way that we play that we would do anything for each other and that’s a lot to do with our team culture and helps our success. It takes such a long time to build those connections and when you’re in it you don’t realise how strong that bond is, but we want to spend social time together. We’re not just forced to be in a team together – we choose to be friends, we choose to get on. You’re brutally honest with each other but you’re there to comfort each other and help each other throughout and that’s what makes it special. Other teams may not have the hard conversations you need to have. You’re scared of upsetting a mate but for us you can have those hard conversations and still be friends.

You need to have that to be a successful team.

At the University of Kent you have an incredible amount of opportunities to join a team; joining a sports club in general allows you to meet so many people and to experience it with people which is just invaluable.

Sometimes you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, you’re having to go and introduce yourself to someone you don’t know but I can assure you its only uncomfortable for one or two minutes and then you are friends for life. So my one piece of advice if you’re coming to Kent or coming back is sign yourself up, step out of your comfort zone, go and join a sports team, if you don’t like it you can always stop. Try every sport you can, you may not be good at it the first time, I didn’t like hockey the first time I played, but I did it again and again and look where I am today. So you have to try things and then you can make your own mind up.

What did it feel like progressing through the Olympic Games stages?

You can do exceptionally well in the first four stages and then get to the quarter final and lose. So our aim was to get to the quarter finals. We believed one game at a time, debriefing afterwards but also looking ahead to the next. We knew that we were playing very well but it was almost an unspoken rule that we weren’t going to talk about it. The game where I felt a little bit anxious was the Spain game because you lose a quarter final and you’re out, that’s your Olympics done. Looking at

the rankings we knew we should have beaten Spain, but we know in tournament hockey that’s not how it works. For one game anybody can beat anybody. It was never spoken about, our aim was to go there and win Gold. We knew the processes that we had to go through to win. We took it a game at a time and didn’t get too excited and ahead of ourselves, but in your mind you’re always thinking, I want to win a Gold medal.

What happened after that final ball?

I’ve never run so fast in my life. I can’t describe the feeling. What had just happened, we had just won the Olympics! You look up and see your friends and family and the crowd and you hear all this noise and you know in your heart that Britain and Team GB is watching and supporting us and we want to do it for them. If you look at the amount of GB supporters compared to the Dutch there weren’t as many, but we absolutely outsung them all day and I can’t thank them enough for supporting us.

People say to me ok you’ve won an Olympic Gold medal what’s next, surely you’ve done it? It’s continuing to build, winning a home World Cup, winning another Olympics and actually making us a dominant force in world hockey consistently – we are now second in the world. For hockey, that’s the aim, to continue to help it rise, to put a stick in a little girls hand when she’s two, three or four years old and when I’m an old woman I can look at Britain continuing to dominate world hockey and I can honestly say that’s what a lot of us thought when we got up there. We were delighted for ourselves but thinking how this will change hockey. How will this change the sport that we love, especially in our country?

What’s your vision for the future of hockey and women’s sport?

To inspire the future, it’s not just inspiring hockey players its inspiring women all over the world that want to pick up a stick. After the world cup we changed our culture, it doesn’t matter how good we are at hockey, if our culture isn’t right we won’t go anywhere. So we sat down as a team and we came up with our own visions, values and behaviours and our idea was to create history and inspire the future and make a difference.

Every day when we go to training we say those words.

When a lot of the girls started hockey they weren’t getting paid, it wasn’t centralised, and it’s still very much an amateur sport. But we are very fortunate to do it for a living and we’ve seen the difference that it has made with our national team rising in the world rankings.

This will be the turning point in hockey – people will remember the Gold medal but people will also remember how we impacted hockey and women’s sport in general in our country and that’s something every single one of us will be proud of.

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Kent goes to Rio Kent Sport Assistant Director Mel Clewlow was in Rio working at the Olympics. A double Olympian herself and following on from her experience as commentator during the London 2012 Olympics, she was pleased to have contributed from the BBC commentary box, covering women’s hockey.

Having commentated in London and followed Team GB hockey for the past four years since, I honestly didn’t think I would be writing an article about my experiences commentating on an Olympic final, let alone a Gold medal for us! It’s not that they didn’t have the quality but trying to get 16 players to peak at the correct time is not easy!

end. To see some of my friends who I’d played with during my international career and my club team mate Susannah Townsend stand on top of the podium, receive their Gold medals and sing the national anthem is something I will never forget. I was (and still am) immensely proud and at times emotional of that team and the positive light it has shed on hockey. Nine million people were glued to their TV sets on a Friday evening and the impact it has had on the sport and the clubs here has been amazing!

Graham Holmes, Director of Sport (pictured above, right), said: “Having Mel, a double-Olympian, on the Kent Sport team brings an elite level of sports experience that few of us could hope to have. Her knowledge and love of sport has a profound effect on the facilities and activities that we offer and that we plan to provide and gives an insight in to how we can support our scholars to become the best athletes possible.”

Friday 19 August 2016 at 10.30pm UK time history was made when Hollie Webb scored the decisive penalty. I was positioned on the half-way line alongside the main commentator Matt Chilton and I without doubt played every pass, every foul, every goal and was drained and possibly in shock at the

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kent.ac.uk/sports

| Kent goes to Rio

There are a number of athletes from Kent that will be representing Team GB in the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Read about their achievements below.

Team GB claimed a record-breaking number of medals at the 2016 Olympic Games and several Kent athletes contributed to the amazing medal haul.

Sophie Ainsworth Sophie, from Ashford, was selected to be part of the Great Britain sailing team in the women’s 49er fx (skiff) sailing event, which made its debut at the Rio Olympic Games. Sophie, along with team mate Charlotte Dobson, came 10th in the final.

Tom Bosworth Tom is ranked number one in Great Britain for the 20 kilometer race walk and currently holds three British records. Tom trains at Tonbridge Athletics Club, and achieved sixth place during the 20 kilometer race during the Rio Olympic Games. Tom also proposed to his nowfiancé on Copacabana Beach!

Kat Driscoll The number one ranked trampolinist in Great Britain, Kat, from Medway, has also been ranked world number one during her career. She finished an impressive sixth in the Rio Olympic Games after a tough competition.

Kate French A modern pentathlete (a sport comprising five events: fencing, 200 metre freestyle swimming, show jumping and a final combined event of pistol shooting and a 3,200 metre cross-country run), Kate, from Meopham near Gravesend, came sixth overall in the event after winning the show jumping round.

Adam Gemili Dartford-based sprinter Adam is regarded as the third best 200 metre sprinter of all-time in England, and the first Briton to run the 100 metres in under 10 second and the 200 metres in under 20 seconds. He made it through the qualifying stages of the 200 metre sprint and came up against the likes of Usain Bolt in the final of the Rio Olympic Games. Adam narrowly missed out on a Bronze medal by just 0.01 seconds!

Jack Green Maidstone-born sprint athlete Jack specialises in the 400 metre along with the hurdles and the four x 400 metre relay. In Rio, Jack made it to a tough semi-final of the 400 metre hurdles race, against two athletes who went on to win Gold and Silver, where he finished eighth.

Ashley Jackson A men’s field hockey player from Chatham, Ashley made his Olympic debut in 2008, with the Rio Games being his third Olympic Games overall. The men’s hockey team unfortunately didn’t make it through the group stages, but did manage an amazing 9-1 victory over hosts Brazil!

Tom Ransley Ashford-born Tom attended King’s School in Canterbury before joining the Team GB rowing squad. In 2012 he won Bronze in the men’s eight at the London Olympics.

Improving on this performance, Tom and the team won Gold in the men’s eight.

Susannah Townsend Susannah, Kent alumni and former elite hockey scholar, and the women’s hockey team stormed home to win Gold, the first time in Team GB history, in a thrilling tournament. Not only did they win the ultimate prize, they didn’t lose a single game throughout, proving that the women’s hockey team is a force to be reckoned with. You can read Susannah’s Olympic commentary on page 21.

At the time of writing, the Rio Paralympic Games are yet to begin. We wish all Kent athletes taking part good luck and hope to celebrate their successes on their return.

Will Bailey During the 2012 London Olympic Games, table tennis player Will, who trains in Tunbridge Wells, won Silver and Bronze in the individual and team events.

Claire Harvey Claire, from Ashford, competes in athletic sports including discus, javelin and shotput after switching from sitting volleyball.

Tania Nadarajah Tania only took up archery in 2014 but is already part of the Rio Paralympic archery squad. She trains in Sevenoaks.

Ross Wilson Team mate to Will Bailey, above, Ross was also part of the Paralympic team that won Bronze in London 2012.

Ross lives in Minster.

To find out more about all of Kent’s Olympic and paralympic athletes, visit kentsport.org/kentmoves2rio/athletes For information about Kent and the Olympics visit kent.ac.uk/sports/olympics

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Team Kent

On the Move sits down with Elliott Shell, Kent alumni and the current Vice President of Sport.

What experience do you have in sports?

Growing up, I went to a very sport based school. I grew up playing mainly football because my dad is a big football fan; and other sports like swimming, basketball and cricket. They were the main ones in school. Then I ended up sticking with rugby coming to university.

What is your biggest accomplishment in the time you have been playing rugby?

Probably the first two Varsity wins, the last two years. Especially before that, it was the first time we lost in four years in a row. It was a long time coming and to be part of it was a great sense of achievement.

What has been your biggest challenge or setback while playing rugby?

Probably the biggest setback was being knocked out of the Daily Mail cup, which is a national cup when I was back in school, in my first year. It was pretty heartbreaking.

How does participation in sport benefit other areas of life?

I think it makes you more of a sociable person, makes you more of a people person and this translates into making you more employable. Playing sport you become more determined, your leadership skills improve, you work better in teams and those are the qualities that employers look for.

So not only does it help you enjoy university, it also helps you when you are applying for graduate jobs.

Do you plan to make any changes to Varsity?

I would spread the competitions more, so that Varsity runs for longer. Last year, on the Monday of Varsity, there was lacrosse, football

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and hockey competitions all happening at the same time, so the spectators had to choose which game they wanted to go to, which is difficult, because all three sports are very popular. This resulted in there being less spectators at each game, which decreased the confidence of the players, promotion of the competition and the viewing of the spectators. So that is something I would like to improve.

Do you have a saying or motto that inspires you?

If you want something to get done properly, do it yourself. That is something I always follow and that is probably why I do most of the jobs required, by myself, so that it actually gets done.

What student sports and activities does the Kent Union cater for?

Kent Union cater for many sports.

If you want to find out more about the different sports offered, you can look on the Kent Union website, under the sports page kentunion.co.uk/activities/sport

“Playing sport you become more determined, your leadership skills improve, you work better in teams and those are the qualities that employers look for.

So not only does it help you enjoy university, it also helps you when you are applying for graduate jobs.�

Student Sports clubs How do I join a sports club?

Sports clubs are a great way to get fit and enjoy sport, whether competitively or socially. Any student can join a sports club, regardless of ability or experience of the sport.

To join a club, visit kentunion.co.uk/activities/ sport

What requirements are there in joining?

A club membership fee may be required. If your club trains using Kent Sport facilities then membership to Kent Sport will also be required. Other than that, just join up and have fun!

To find out about Kent Sport membership, visit kent.ac.uk/sports/ membership

For updates on sport and fitness activities around campus, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter UniKentSports.

kent.ac.uk/sports

| Kent cycling club

Cycling at Kent Why should students choose cycling?

Cycling is a great way to exercise and spend time with friends in the outdoors, keeping fit and having adventures. Whether you are interested in recreation or competition, on-road or off-road, if you like the sound of having fun on two wheels, the cycling club has a place for you.

What sort of activities does the cycle club organise?

As part of the cycle club you can enjoy regular road, cross-country, downhill and casual rides. As well as that, there are national level competitions with other universities across the country and internal competitive races throughout the year.

What are the benefits of cycling?

Cycling is one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine because it’s also a form of transport.

Cycling saves you money, gets you fit and helps the environment. It’s a low-impact type of exercise, so it’s easier on your joints than running or other highimpact aerobic activities. The best way to build your cardiovascular fitness on the bike is to ride for at least 150 minutes every week - as a member of the cycling club you will soon be clocking up the miles and having a great time while you do it!

The Kent Sport Cycle Hub has recently been completed, what impact will this have for cycling on campus?

The Cycle Hub will be a focal point on campus for Kent Sport members who enjoy cycling. Conveniently located at the Pavilion, members will be able to choose from a range of bicycles for hire, use the workshop facility to maintain and repair their own bikes and participate in cycling events and activities. The Cycle Hub will get more people cycling, providing the opportunity to try different types of bikes and promoting cycling safety and skills development. This perhaps will lead to more people joining the cycling club and trying competitive cycling.

Cycling safety tips • Look behind you before you turn, overtake or stop • Use arm signals before you turn right or left • Obey traffic lights and road signs • Don’t ride on the pavement unless there’s a sign that says you can • Don’t cycle next to another person on busy or narrow roads • When overtaking parked cars, watch out for car doors opening suddenly and allow room to pass safely • Don’t use headphones while cycling • Never use a mobile phone while cycling on the

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Scholar spotlight www.samtaylorphoto.co.uk

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Joel C

“The whole point of racing for me is the challenge of composing yourself, in staying calm, with unbreakable focus whilst the pressure is truly intense and the consequences of an error are high.� kent.ac.uk/sports

| Scholar spotlight

Joel Chidley, Kent Sport downhill mountain biking scholar, tells us about his year in sport, the scholarship programme and why throwing himself down mountains doesn’t scare him.

So, what is ‘Enduro’?

Enduro is a variant of downhill mountain biking which, as a racing format, includes several liaison stages and timed stages. The times achieved in all stages are accumulated to determine your overall position. An enduro course comprises varied off-road terrain, such as: rocks, roots, drops, jumps, and banked corners.

Timed stages are predominately descending but there are also small pedalling or uphill sections. During the liaison stages you pedal back up to the top of the mountain ready for the next timed descent.

Is it scary?

People sometimes ask whether it’s scary to hurtle yourself down a mountain on a bicycle. I suppose objectively speaking, it should be. However, I can honestly say fear is an emotion I have never experienced in a race. For me there is no ‘thrill’ in subjecting myself to danger, or the feeling of losing control – I am not an ‘adrenaline junkie’. The whole point of racing for me is the challenge of composing yourself, in staying calm, with unbreakable focus whilst the pressure is truly intense and the consequences of an error are high.

Joining the scholarship program At the end of the 2014 season I joined the sports scholarship program, which has provided a type of structure that I’d always struggled with in the past. I personally find gyms pretty uninspiring! One of the reasons I love my sport is because it takes me to some of the most beautiful mountainous environments on the planet, so it’s sometimes hard to relate to a square room with heavy things to lift off the ground. James (our strength and conditioning coach at Medway) whipped me in to shape, and managed to get me to lift some heavy things… eventually. This whole process has supplemented my usual training really well and brought me in to the 2015 season with the foundation of some really great form.

2015 in a nutshell Although I’ve been racing for years, this has undoubtedly been my ‘breakthrough season’. Though

plagued by mechanicals early on, as the season matured, everything started to fall in to place and the results felt close – I just had to be patient.

After a seasons best 5th place, at the 3rd round of the national series in Hamsterley forest, County Durham, I was feeling confident as round 4 approached. The weekend started with the long drive to Ae Forest, in the Scottish boarders, and finished with me on the top step of the elite men’s podium. I won the race! My first elite level win in national level competition, just 6 seconds ahead of 2nd placed Mark Scott after 17 minutes and 33 seconds of racing. The best part was, it just so happened to be my birthday! Throughout the weekend, as people asked how I was feeling, I said I felt very “calm” on the bike. This was the truth, nothing was particularly special, and it just all came together when it counted.

September rolled around and off to Wales I went. At the edge of the Snowdonia national park, Dyfi Forest was the venue of the national series finale, which doubled as the British Enduro National Championships. Coming fresh out of my victory in Scotland, all I had to do was put together a clean race, I knew I had the speed to win.

In qualification I was a little cautious but only dropped 2 seconds on the leader, sitting back in 3rd. Despite some flickers and sparks of magic, it wasn’t to be the race I’d hoped for. I never found my flow all day, until ultimately, battered and bruised after two unfortunate high speed crashes, I rolled through the finish line feeling beaten.

I knew those two small mistakes had cost me dearly.

To my complete shock and amazement, despite what felt like a bad day at the office, I ended up winning the bronze medal, just 0.04 seconds off silver.

This final race was actually a perfect reflection of my year overall. There were great moments, but dire mistakes, with an impressive result despite performing far below my best. I feel like I’ve found my feet in enduro racing and I’m teetering on a precipice, just waiting to break through to the next level. Who knows what next year will bring? I know what I’m capable of now, and I’m excited. on the the on

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Scholar spotlight

On the Move chats with University of Kent’s scholar of the year 2015/16 about powerlifting and what it means to be a sports scholar at Kent.

What age did you start getting involved in powerlifting and who or what inspired you to continue?

I got involved with lifting at the age of 16 purely to mix up my training as I used to go to the gym and do lots of cardio. My dad was always in the weights area and I decided I wanted to give it a try as well. I realised pretty quickly that I was lifting more than most of the women there and I wanted to see how much other girls my age were lifting.

I looked at the British records and saw that I was lifting similar weights and this was when I decided I wanted to try a competition for myself. I learnt a lot from my first competition as I was unaware of the rules and having to lift on commands, however the people around me were brilliant and gave me lots of guidance and I finished the competition having placed 1st and I also set two new British records.

Who has had the biggest influence on your sporting career so far and why?

My dad; I have trained with him for over six years and I have learnt most of the things I know about training from him. I don’t have an official coach like the majority of lifters and so we have learnt a lot together and it feels as though we have both been on this journey. He has given me so much of his time and support and would never miss a meet, regardless of where in the world it is.

What were your sporting ambitions whilst growing up and before arrival at university?

Before university I had only been lifting at national level and my goal was to continue this, to increase my total and set new British records. However, as I got older and progressed through university, I began to get noticed at competitions and got more involved with other lifters. From this I was selected to represent Team GB at the Europeans and as a result of my performance was also selected for worlds.

How has the University of Kent Sports Scholarship Scheme helped you over the past three years?

The Scholarship Scheme has helped massively whilst at university as prior to starting I was at home

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and able to train with my dad as I always had.

However, living away I had to train more on my own and the scholarship scheme provided me with the guidance I was missing. I had two incredible coaches, Kent Sport fitness instructors Chris Payne and Ben Roberts, both of whom had been involved in the sport themselves and had the knowledge to help me improve. Being involved in the scheme has also meant that I have had continued support throughout my time at Kent particularly after my back injury as I was able to receive physio and my coaches helped to get me back into lifting after a long recovery period. The scheme has also ensured that I have maintained my academic focus, as to be able to continue on the scheme I had to perform academically.

How has the structured Scholarship Strength and Conditioning programme complimented your training and performance in your sport?

The programme has complimented my training and performance as I was able to work with my coaches 1-on-1 and they were able to give feedback and critique my form to maximise my performance. I have also been given different programs to try and have been able to establish which program works the best for me. The weekly session really helped my training and my own knowledge has increased massively as a result of them.

There has been a spotlight on women in sport recently, how do you think organisations and the media can support further development of female athletes going forward?

The spotlight on women in sport has been incredible in recent years and there has been a massive increase in the number of women taking up different sports, particularly powerlifting. When I first started university I rarely saw many other girls in the pit or even the weights area as there was the misconception that lifting weights would make women bulky. I think one of the key reasons for this is the change in the media, particularly in regards to the ideal body shape; women who are more muscular and toned are being praised for their hard work and has led to women trying new things.

kent.ac.uk/sports

| Scholar spotlight

“Working with Leigh has been a real privilege; she is a dedicated and highly motivated athlete and a fantastic role model for women’s strength sports. Powerlifting is not an easy sport and requires many long and often painful hours in the gym to achieve success and especially when you have to balance training with working and studying.

Even though this was only her first year of international level competition, she approached it with the same happy dedication I saw in her training sessions and it has been justly rewarded with a European Championship win, a World Championship Silver and a handful of British records.

She has been a credit to the Kent Sport scholarship scheme and I am sure she will continue to break British records and win more major titles in the future if she continues at her current rate of progress.”

Ben Roberts Kent Sport Fitness Instructor

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Alumni spotlight

Natasha Brennan

Kent alumni and former elite sports scholar Natasha Brennan talks about sport at university, life as a professional rugby player and World Cup Gold medallist.

How was it juggling sport with academic studies at University?

It was quite difficult at times because I was playing international hockey, especially in the first year – getting used to studying on a new course and being away took a little time. Then in 2009 even though I was on a hockey scholarship I started to play rugby and there would be days when I would play half a rugby game, play a full hockey match for Kent and then I would go and do Canterbury training in the evening.

What motivated you to set such high aspirations?

From a young age I was playing a good level of sport because my sister played hockey. Then I remember watching 1996 Olympics and everyone knew who Jane Sixsmith was at the time and I remember we could write to our idol in school and I wrote a letter to her. Ever since then I’ve wanted to play in the Olympics. I remember watching the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and even though I didn’t play with Mel Clewlow at that point I knew who she was and it just looked like such an amazing experience.

How important do you think it is for students to be able to participate in sport?

It’s really important, from making friends to developing that social group and also when you’re working a lot it can be quite stressful and having

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sport in your life is a release; and obviously the health benefits from it. When I graduated from Kent, before I had an opportunity to go professional, I was working in recruitment and nowadays there’s a lot of people with good degrees and something that differentiates people from others is their extracurricular activities. So something such as sport is really important for distinguishing yourself from other people.

What’s a typical day in your life as a professional sportswoman?

Usually we are in between 7.30am – 8.30am so coffee is the main driver, that’s the first thing. I train at Surrey Sports Park at the University. Some people go and see the physio and then maybe an hour of mobility exercises and then a speed session, weights session or a pitch session. We’ll then come in and have lunch together and usually go through some footage whether its analysis of opposition or our own training. Then if we played rugby in the morning we have weights in the afternoon and usually some kind of fitness session and psychology meetings as well.

Is there anyone that inspires you?

You have your family like your parents and my brother and sister because they’ve invested a lot of time for me to do well at a young age and you want to have something to show for it. There’s lots of athletes you admire a great deal, people like Mel Clewlow, Anna Bennett and Alison Annan – they were amazing hockey players that achieved great things so they were obviously an inspiration to me when I was younger. Within rugby a lot of my peers have inspired me because they helped me progress quite quickly, I only started playing rugby in 2009 and got into the elite programme around 2011- 2012 so you need your peers around you.

kent.ac.uk/sports

| Alumni spotlight

“There’s always a lot of variety of training to be that all round player so that’s definitely an attraction.

And we get to travel to some really nice places as well – sevens is usually played in hot countries so having opportunities to go to places like Dubai, Brazil or America and Canada is a massive bonus.”

Join the discussion Kent Sport Alumni has a Facebook page where you can relive old memories and find out what’s on at the University of Kent Sport!

Join our group, reconnect with old sporting friends and see what your peers are now up to. facebook.com/groups/kentsportalumni on the

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Future plans

Kent Sport are continually looking to improve the facilities and equipment available to the University’s community. Here we look at two potential major developments planned over the next few years.

Swimming pool and wet facilities

This subject arises more than any other aspect of sport at Kent. It is the most popular activity in any leisure facility and is the one in greatest demand.

A swimming pool facility will greatly contribute to the exceptional student experience that Kent provides.

• It is the most attractive activity for nontraditional sports people and more likely to engage those who don’t ordinarily take part in sports • Swimming is one of the most beneficial types of exercise. The positive impact it has on health and wellbeing is well documented • Wet facilities are an effective stress reliever and will enhance the wellbeing of students and staff Director of Sport Graham Holmes has visited several swimming and wet facilities to ensure that the widest and best possible range of facilities are covered in the swimming pool plans. The information he has gathered from these factfinding trips is informing and shaping the direction that the swimming pool is taking.

All support is appreciated and will bring the University that much closer to seeing this become a reality. Please consider investing in the future of sport at Kent through the Kent Student Sport Fund.

Please note: these are early architectural conceptual drawings and are subject to change.

Tennis Centre extension

Kent Sport are planning an exciting and ambitious new addition by 2019; an extension to the tennis court which will add a brand new fitness suite.

The plans for the new fitness suite are still in their infancy, but initial thoughts include: • • • •

Extending the front of the tennis centre, covering one of the outdoor courts The outdoor court that is covered will be moved so that we retain three outdoor and three indoor courts A new fitness suite with mezzanine floor will be built at the back of the tennis centre, covering one of the tennis courts This new, two floor fitness area will include equipment for more specific forms of training

For further updates about facility developments, visit kent.ac.uk/sports/facilities

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| You said. We did.

You said. We did.

Each year you let us know what you think about sport, fitness and recreation on the Canterbury campus. Your feedback is invaluable to ensuring we provide the best experience possible by identifying areas for progress and areas of improvement. Our ‘You said. We did’ web page demonstrates how we are acting on your feedback and here are a few of the most recent improvements.

Survey feedback

Over the summer the University surveyed all undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as all Kent Sport staff and public members.

Out of 667 respondents: • Almost 90% rated activities and facilities as good or excellent • 84% rated customer service as either good or excellent (with an additional 14% neutral) • Almost 80% said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their membership • A common suggestion for improving membership was the addition of a swimming pool and this was ranked as the most important sports facility development that would enhance student experience The survey feedback included many positive comments about Kent Sport. In your words: “Good variety of equipment to use and a good selection of classes to attend. The gym is always very clean and staff are all friendly and helpful.”

“It has been a great way to de-stress and to relax and have some fun with friends whilst playing sports.”

“Kent Sport is amazing. As a student with Gold membership this has enabled me to make the most out of my experience.”

“The online booking system, the friendliness of staff, high quality instructors for classes, good equipment, never too over crowded, wide range of classes.”

3GX and Cycle Hub investment

Kent Sport has invested more than £1.25 million in the development of two major facilties to better serve our members. This investment includes the brand new 3GX pitch for rugby, football and American football, and the Cycle Hub which allows members to rent bicycles for free and provides tools and expert advice for bicycle maintenance. See page two for more details.

New fitness suite equipment

The fitness suite underwent a complete upgrade of cardiovascular equipment from Core Health and Fitness over the summer 2016 vacation. The £160,000 investment has added eight additional stations alongside 55 brand new cutting edge Star Trac stations.

For more information about the new equipment, please visit kent.ac.uk/sports/facilities

Changing room refurbishments

In April 2016, the men’s changing room was given a much needed refurbishment to improve the space and equipment available to our members. Improvements to the space included brand new lockers, improved flooring and changes to the layout. Plans are underway to update the women’s changing room and these hope to be completed as soon as funding allows.

Inclusive fitness

Kent Sport is committed to providing inclusive fitness and sport across all our facilities. It is our mission to get more people, more active, more often and our staff are here to assist you with any accessibility enquiries or information regarding all of our activities and services.

We can help by providing sports facility tours and orientations tailored to individual needs. The fitness suite is equipped with a range of accessible equipment that offers flexible training modes. The Fitness Team are also on hand to explore alternative training solutions for all members. Our Sports Development Team are working on a number of inclusive activities and projects.

Some of our literature is available in alternative formats, visit kent.ac.uk/sports/inclusivefitness or speak to our staff at the Sports Centre or Pavilion reception.

We are continually looking for ways to improve value for money, customer service and our engagement with members. Visit kent.ac.uk/sports/yousaidwedid for further information and share your feedback with us anytime by emailing sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk.

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Join Kent Sport Update

Join Kent Sport “This is my third year being a Kent Sport Gold member and have never been disappointed with anything they offer. From the amazing facilities to the classes they put on throughout the week, it’s always been worth it.”

Brett Johnstone, student

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| Join Kent Sport

Join our team!

Kent Sport are always looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals who have an interest in sport to help join our team in a variety of capacities.

If you think you have the skills to provide excellent customer service, then stop by reception to see if we have any positions available.

Volunteering opportunities We are also grateful to our volunteers who make a significant contribution to sport and fitness at Kent. Whether you want to build experience in photography, graphic design, event organisation, blogging about sport or find out what else you could get involved with, just email us at sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk to find out more.

Volunteering points can be earned by succesfully completing a volunteering post at Kent Sport.

Visit kent.ac.uk/sports/jobs for current opportunities.

Get involved!

Anyone can become a member of Kent Sport. Membership provides access to so many great facilities and activities - but don’t take our word for it; Business Administration student Dominic Boorman shares his experience of sport at Kent.

Hello all! I have just started my final year here at the University of Kent and I hope this article will give you a brief insight into how sport has had such a positive influence on my time at the university.

When I am not working towards my degree I am involved in sport one way or another. This includes playing for the University of Kent Men’s Football team and participating in various other sporting activities that I enjoy, in my free time.

There are three different types of Kent Sport memberships available to students which cater for all. I decided that a Gold membership would be best suited to me after attending the fresher’s fayre in September and speaking to the Kent Sport representatives. Having a Gold membership gives me unlimited use of all the sport facilities and classes on campus for no additional cost which I find very useful as it enables me to play as much sport as and when I want.

We are lucky to have a number of great facilities for numerous different sports and activities here on campus including; a large fitness suite, six tennis and netball courts, three sports halls, two squash courts, multiple grass pitches and three artificial pitches. Personally, I often use

the fitness suite which is spacious and modern with a wide variety of machines and free weights. There are also many fitness instructors on hand to give advice and direction whilst using equipment in the fitness suite.

Another facility that I regularly use is the new 3GX artificial pitch, which opened in 2016. This artificial pitch provides the best playing surface possible for football (no bobbles!) and is also suitable for rugby. When I have the time, I also enjoy making use of the high quality tennis facilities.

There are three indoor and three outdoor tennis courts meaning that I can play all year round, whatever the weather. Finally, the three sports halls host an array of different sports – too many to list here, however I enjoy using them to play table tennis and participate in circuit classes.

Joining a sports club has been one of the best decisions that I have made since joining the university and it is something that I would highly recommend. Being a member of the University of Kent Men’s Football Club involves playing two matches a week and training twice a week.

This, combined with weekly socials, has meant that I have developed many friendships and memories that otherwise would not have existed. It is for this reason that I believe getting involved in a sports club, no matter what level of experience that you have, can be highly beneficial.

As well as the conventional facilities and activities provided by Kent Sport they also offer some other exciting activities over the year such as Santa runs at Christmas and bubble football! To sum it up, whether you enjoy playing sport competitively, recreationally, or just to keep fit there are plenty of options to fulfil your needs and many benefits to be gained by getting involved!

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Proud to be European Advert from University of Kent

www.kent.ac.uk/european

Gulbenkian is the University of Kent’s Arts Centre offering innovative, engaging and high quality arts activity for the public, staff and students. It provides a key role in delivering the University commitment to public engagement and has a particular focus on the creative empowerment of children and young people.

To advertise in the next issue of On the Move magazine, please contact the Kent Sport marketing department by emailing sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk

Tickets & Information 01227 769075 www.gulbenkian.co.uk

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Cafe Bar A great place to relax with good food, great atmosphere, viewing balconies, free WiFi and Sky Sports.

Don’t forget to pick up your Pavilion Café Bar loyalty card, where you can earn free drinks with purchases.

FU N CT I O N S @ThePavilionCafeBar

MEETINGS

PA R T I ES

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Kent Sport University of Kent Canterbury Kent CT2 7NL 01227 827 430/823 623 sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk

Sports Centre Monday to Friday

9am to 10.30pm

Saturday

9am to 5.30pm

Sunday

10am to 5.30pm

Fitness Suite Monday to Friday

7am to 10pm

Saturday

9am to 5.15pm

Sunday

10am to 5.15pm

The Pavilion Monday to Friday

9am to 10.30pm

Saturday

9am to 9.30pm

Sunday

9am to 10pm

The opening hours above are for term times only. Please check our website for vacation opening hours. kent.ac.uk/sports/openinghours

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