Matt chose to study MSc Strength and Conditioning Coaching after learning the course would give him a great foundation of knowledge to move into the discipline and has since worked on real world projects with clients such as British Diving.

He is now a Strength and Conditioning with British Canoeing coach based at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield which is also an official satellite campus for the University and home to many of Team GB's top athletes.

'The element of coaching within the course was the first Strength and Conditioning course of its type and it leads the way in learning coaching delivery alongside theoretical knowledge and connected students with a wider network of Strength and Conditioning (S&C) professionals

'The delivery of the course facilitated an environment for curiosity and discussion. At no point did I feel we were just learning to pass an exam. We were learning to better our professional practice and to take our skills forwards.

'Alongside my studies, I became a Senior Graduate Strength and Conditioning Intern for Team Hallam where I was responsible for the Strength and Conditioning delivery for a number of the Team Hallam sports teams. This was a perfect environment to translate my learnings into practice.

Within my dissertation, I had the privilege to work alongside British Diving, a fantastic connection through the university and Ponds Forge. Working alongside elite practitioners accelerated my learning and allowed me to apply my skill set within elite sport - an experience which has helped me get to where I am today.

'Not only do the theoretical elements of the course prepare you for delivery Strength and Conditioning support, but the interpersonal development has been invaluable. Understanding how professional organisations operate, and how to best conduct myself within this environment when working with multiple external stakeholders, have been important skills in my graduate role thus far.'

'In my role as S&C coach at British Canoeing, I work across both Olympic and Paralympic Sprint Canoe groups, alongside facilitating Strength and Conditioning support to the British Canoeing Academy.

'I am responsible for aiding in the delivery of Strength and Conditioning on the World Class Programme at British Canoeing and to support the athletes and other support staff in the build up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

'My future ambitions are to continue to develop as a practitioner within the EIS and to become an expert S&C coach within the organisation across multiple Olympic Cycles.'