Student Athlete Guide May 2023

STUDENT ATHLETE

TOP 25 FOR GRADUATES IN SKILLED

#TakeOnTomorrow

At Northumbria University we help you prepare to take on YOUR tomorrow. Our Focus Sport programmes, Athlete Support Services and Sport Scholarships are designed to provide the best support to help you progress both athletically and academically.

No. 1 FOR STUDENT

STUDENT ATHLETE

Being a Student Athlete at Northumbria allows you to develop academically and enhance your sporting abilities. Our professional support staff work together to offer multi-disciplinary support in a high-performance environment.

By combining this with additional opportunities within our volunteering, community, and student development programmes we aim to support you to build on your personal skills and profile in preparation for life after university.

We understand the demands of being a student athlete and we aim to support you to have a wellrounded approach to life. As a Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) accredited centre, it is a priority of Northumbria University to provide a platform for student athletes to reach their educational and sporting potential.

FACILITIES

We are proud to boast two Sports facilities along with many key partnerships with facilities across the city and region including Kingston Park (Home of Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder).

Our city-centre based Sport Central is home to our Main Arena, S&C Suite, Gym, Swimming Pool, Sauna

Sport Central facilities rated EXCELLENT by QUEST, 2021v

and Steam room plus Sprint Track and Sport Science Laboratories. Coach Lane Sports Centre houses our outdoor pitches and additional S&C Suite and Sports Hall. Scholarship Student Athletes receive a Sport Central Fitness Membership which provides free access to the Gym, Pool environment and Classes.

SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship packages are offered to support the development of a dual career, to help Student Athletes to develop their sporting aspriations whilst gaining a quality degree.

INDIVIDUAL FOCUS SPORT

We offer two main Sport Scholarships which each include a tailored financial package, Sport Scholar kit, specialist S&C, physiotherapy treatment, unlimited access to the Sport Central Fitness facilities including the gym and pool plus anti-doping, lifestyle and nutrition support.

INDIVIDUAL

Athletes that are on an NGB Performance Pathway (excluding our focus sports) and compete at a National or International level can apply for an Individual Scholarship.

Scholars are given access to support services that are tailored to meet individual needs.

Financial Support

Sport Scholar Kit

Strength & Conditioning

Physiotherapy

Dual Career Support

Gym & Fitness Membership

Anti-doping Workshops

Lifestyle and Nutrtion Support

Sport Psychology

To apply for one of our scholarships visit northumbriasport.com/student-athletes

FOCUS SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS

Student Athletes competing at a high level within one of our Focus Sports are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Successful applicants will be given access to a performance sport environment and support service programme that is tailored to the needs of each sport.

BASKETBALL (Men and Women), FOOTBALL (Men and Women), GOLF (Men and Women), RUGBY LEAGUE (Men), RUGBY UNION (Men and Women), and VOLLEYBALL (Men and Women).

Financial Support

Sport Scholar Kit

Strength & Conditioning

Performance Analysis

Physiotherapy

Gym & Fitness Membership

Anti-doping Workshops

Lifestyle and Nutrtion Support

Sport Psychology

Dual Career Support

KEY PARTNERS

We also work with key partners to offer further support to team and individual student athletes.

Partners such as TASS, Sport Newcastle and Royal & Ancient (R&A) offer funding and support packages.

Northumbria is proud to be one of the 37 TASS delivery sites and one of the 17 Universities supported by the R&A Golf Club.

TASS is an athlete support programme to help talented athletes with balancing the demands of their sport and studies to be the best in both.

For information on TASS or to find out how to access support, visit www.tass.gov.uk

Sport Newcastle offers sport scholarships to a local talented young athletes. The Northumbria University award is an annual award of £1,500 for up to 3 years.

www.sportnewcastle.org.uk/rising-stars

The R&A supports golf programmes at seventeen universities and awards 100 individual foundation scholarships to players from all over the world.

Funding can support the costs associated with golf or education www.randa.org

SUPPORT SERVICES

Our Focus Sport and Scholarship Athletes have access to our wide range of Athlete Support Services in addition to sport specifc coaching.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

We offer a treatment and rehabilitation service for selected performance athletes and teams based at Sport Central. Our expert sports physiotherapist work closely with our S&C coaches to understand the causes of injuries to ensure they are able to identify, treat and eliminate sport related injuries.

Our programme includes:

Physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation support

Physiotherapy screenings for scholarship athletes

Discounted additional physiotherapy

In-house sports massage

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

We offer Strength and Conditioning (S&C) support to our performance athletes and teams to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.

We aim to improve our athletes understanding of S&C by supporting them to develop their training skills and knowledge to increase their capacity for training.

Improvement in these factors will result in development of physical abilities such as:

Endurance/Work capacity

Movement and Mobility

Stability and Robustness

Strength and Power

Our programme includes: 1:1 or group coaches sessions

Dedicated S&C Suite with 6 Olympic lifting platforms

Biomechanical screening

Individualised gym and pitch based programmes

Performance testing and monitoring

SPORTS NUTRITION

In order to achieve peak performance when it matters it is important to understand what to eat and when. Whether it be in training, pre, during or post competition your nutritional intake will play a key part of your ability to work effectively.

The role of our nutritionists is to evaluate the dietary needs of the athlete and provide practical recommendations that will help optimise heath and performance. The nutritionist will assess the current eating habits and preferences and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the athletes current nutritional strategy.

Our programme includes:

One to one consultations

Customised dietary recommendations Group workshops including:

- Intro to Sports Nutrition,

- Nutrition for Travel,

- Shopping tips,

- Fuel for Performance,

- Supplement Advice

- Practical Cooking Skills

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND PSYCHOLOGY

Performance Analysis (PA) is used to gather game statistics as well as to improve individual performance. PA provides high quality footage and information to allow athletes and coaches the platform to focus on areas to review and improve.

Our programme includes:

Filming and analysis of fixtures

Individual access to all footage online via Hudl

Pre and Post match feedback sessions

Individual player and athlete analysis

Support for players and athletes in building footage

The aim of Sport Psychology is to help athletes prepare psychologically for the demands of competition and training. This service is delivered through tailored one-to-one sessions (on a referral basis), resources and workshops.

Individual support can include: Goal setting, anxiety management, cognitive techniques, imagery, concentration/focusing techniques, confidence, mental toughness/resilience and counselling.

Team support we offer includes:

Team goals, role clarity, communication, leadership, cohesion and tournament/competition preparation strategies.

FOCUS SPORTS

Our Focus Sports receive significant attention and investment to support the development of our student athletes.

Within our ‘Focus Six’ we provide an athlete-centred performance environment. We are ranked highly within British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS), have a strong profile and aspire to become nationally leading in each of these sports.

Our Focus Sports compete in the top student sport leagues and competitions in BUCS.

Our focus sports currently include:

BASKETBALL FOOTBALL GOLF RUGBY LEAGUE

RUGBY UNION VOLLEYBALL

BASKETBALL

“Northumbria University opened up more doors than I could ever imagine. As a student athlete I improved as a basketball player, began to build a career, and grow as a person. Every day I trained alongside girls who aspire to become better basketball players and brighter students. It’s an experience I will never forget.” - Ali Gorrell (Alumni) FAU Alumni

MEN’S PROGRAMME

DIVISION: BUCS Premier North

HEAD COACH: Drew Lasker

CONTACT: andrewlasker@newcastle-eagles.com

- 16+ Years as professional player

- Multiple BBL Championship winner

- Founder of Train Harder 21

WOMEN’S PROGRAMME

DIVISION: BUCS Northern Tier 1

HEAD COACH: Chris Bunten

CONTACT: chris.bunten@northumbria.ac.uk

- Assistant Coach for England Basketball winning silver medal at the Commonwealth games (2018)

- 10 years professionally coaching in the top womens leagues

FOOTBALL

“I had an unbelievable positive experience playing for Northumbria Women’s Football whilst studying for a MSc in Strength and Conditioning. From my teammates to the coaching staff, everyone was incredibly welcoming and supportive, which makes representing the university community that more special! Every time I get to step on the pitch it is a privilege; I am playing for something bigger than just me.”

- Brianna Westrup (Alumni) University of Virginia Alumni, LAOC Galaxy

WOMEN’S PROGRAMME

DIVISION: BUCS Premier North

HEAD COACH: Michael Havelock

CONTACT: michael.havelock@northumbria.ac.uk

- Former Sunderland AFC Foundation of Light, U19 Football Scholarship Manager

- Former Sunderland AFC Girls Regional Talent Club, U16 Head Coach

MEN’S PROGRAMME

DIVISION: BUCS Northern 1A

HEAD COACH: Derek Forrest

CONTACT: derek.forrest@northumbria.ac.uk

- 35 years coaching experience in the UK and USA

- Former Newcastle United Academy and Foundation Coach

“The best thing about being a student athlete is the opportunity to play a sport you love while studying. There is constant support and drive to make yourself do better and push further than you thought was possible. Whether that be from elite level coaches who are always there to provide analysis and help, to the Strength and Conditioning team who look to develop and help you grow yourself away from game”

- Max Smith former student

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S PROGRAMME

DIVISION: BUCS Premier North HEAD COACH: Tim Cockill

CONTACT: tim.cockill@closehouse.co.uk

- Senior PGA Teaching Professional

- 12 years experience

- BUCS Champion before turning pro

RUGBY LEAGUE

“I first heard of Northumbria in my first year of college and heard nothing but good things. I was pretty set from that point. Constantly being told it’s the place to be for sport; great facilities, coaches and most of all a dominant RL team. After being here for 3 years, it outperformed my expectations. The best part is hard to nail down to one thing. The support which is on offer is next level. And it would be unjust not to mention the social aspect of sport. From the first training session to Wednesday night socials, everyone is made to feel welcome. And if your someone nervous to make friends sport is the best way to enter uni-life.” -

Cai Ellis

MEN’S PROGRAMME

DIVISION: BUCS Premier North

HEAD COACH: Jason Payne

CONTACT: jason.payne@northumbria.ac.uk

- 14 years professional Rugby League career at Castleford and Newcastle

- Former Newcastle Thunder Head Coach

- 11 years Northumbria Head of Rugby League

NUMBER 1

STUDENT RUGBY LEAGUE

PROGRAMME IN THE UK

(British Universities & Colleges Sport CHAMPIONS 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022)

RUGBY UNION

“What attracted me to Northumbria was the support provided to those who want to play sport alongside their studies. I knew some people who were already studying and playing at Northumbria, and they would always tell me how great it was. The best thing about being a student athlete is being able to develop my skills and love for the game alongside studying to have my dream job. The support we received is unbelievable and makes the extra commitment worthwhile.”

- Zoe Hornby (Current Student) Leeds Rhinos Ladies Rugby League

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S PROGRAMME

DIVISION: BUCS Premier North (Men’s)

BUCS Premier North (Women’s)

HEAD COACH: Joe Cain

CONTACT: jon.cain@northumbria.ac.uk

- Ex Professional player for Leicester Tigers

- Forwards and Defence coach at Darlington Mowden Park

HOME GAMES AT KINGSTON PARK, HOME OF NEWCASTLE FALCONS

VOLLEYBALL

“I have developed so much as a player and person during my time at Northumbria. The competitive environment, professional coaching support, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, and other services have given me the base to grow as a player whilst getting a great degree. I have enjoyed being part of a winning team at Northumbria.”

- Steph Boyce (Alumni) England Senior Player

MEN’S

AND WOMEN’S PROGRAMME

DIVISION: BUCS Premier North

HEAD COACH: Dan Livingston

CONTACT: dan.r.livi@gmail.com

- Student Cup Winners

- Former National League Player

CONSISTENTLY

BUCS

TOP 5

FOR OVER 5 YEARS (British Universities & Colleges Sport)

“The thing that attracted me to Northumbria was the opportunity to study in one of the UK’s top Business Schools as well as play in one of the top golf programmes. I didn’t have to compromise on my education or sport as Northumbria offered me a top quality programme for both”

OVER 400 UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM northumbria.ac.uk/study #TAKEONTOMORROW