From Sport & Exercise Science at Cardiff Met to Head of Performance at Newport County AFC < CARDIFF MET BLOGS

From Sport & Exercise Science at Cardiff Met to Head of Performance at Newport County AFC < CARDIFF MET BLOGS
APPLY THROUGH CLEARING
From Sport & Exercise Science at Cardiff Met to Head of Performance at Newport County AFC
October 30, 2024
Scott Wickens
BSc Sport & Exercise Science
Sport
My name is Scott Wickens and I studied BSc Sport and Exercise Science at Cardiff Met and graduated in 2021. I am currently Head of Performance at Newport County AFC. My career started on Cyncoed Campus in 2018 and has since led me to take on Manchester United in the 4th Round of the FA Cup!
I was interested in Sport and Exercise Science at Cardiff Met early on in my A-Levels. I wanted to try and get back into professional football, having been released from the academy at my hometown club at 16. Cardiff Met stood out to me due to the strong reputation for sport nationally and internationally. As soon as I came and saw the facilities, there was no doubt it was my first choice.
I spent my first year in halls at Cyncoed. Being on site and having world class athletes literally on my doorstep was a game changer. Some of the contacts I made from mixing with students from various courses and cohorts are now in the industry and doing some really good work. They are people I still speak to, sharing ideas and trying to continue to learn. Seminars with the athletes we had on-site became a vital practical experience and having access to them to study and train as part of your studies really sets Cardiff Met apart from other universities.
After graduation I started as Lead Sport Scientist at Yeovil Town FC in the National League. I was suddenly having to implement theoretical knowledge from every module I had studied to guide players who had played in the Premier League, all asking questions and needing individualised aid for injury rehab, strength and conditioning and nutrition. I spent 2 seasons there, constantly learning on the job before moving into my current role at Newport County. My degree from Cardiff Met has given me a base I’ve used in over 150 professional games so far in my career. I am constantly learning, and the club has been fantastic in supporting my personal development and the development of the sport science department here.
If you’re interested in studying Sport and Exercise Science at Cardiff Met, Here’s my advice…
REACH OUT:
There is some really great work being shared across social media from universities, students and practitioners. Most practitioners are more than happy to talk about how and why they do things. If you see something that intrigues you, reach out!
DEVELOP CONTACTS:
You never know what may be afforded as a result of making yourself known. Once you make yourself known…
ENGAGE:
Find a way to involve yourself. No matter how you start, whether it’s volunteering to take measurements in a seminar or filling up water bottles to hang around and watch how people work during training, make sure you engage and you give yourself a great chance to learn.
ADD TO YOURSELF:
The qualifications you can access, time you can spend learning and opportunities to involve yourself in different sports are at an all-time high while at University. Make sure you take advantage.
I would highly recommend studying Sport and Exercise Science at Cardiff Met. It is a course that allowed me to develop lifelong relationships, put down roots in South Wales and kickstart my career.
Previous article
From Cardiff Met to global climate conference: My experience at COP29 Simulation in Egypt
Next article
From MSc Computing & IT at Cardiff Met to Career Success
Postiadau diweddar
Dod o Hyd i Fy Llais mewn Darlledu Chwaraeon ym Met Caerdydd
Manteisio ar brofiad gwaith gyda fy nghwrs Busnes a Rheoli ac astudio drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg
Addysgu ac ysbrydoli’r genhedlaeth nesaf gyda TAR Uwchradd Cymraeg ym Met Caerdydd
Fy mhrofiad yn astudio’r cwrs MA Addysg (Cymru) drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg
Fy mhrofiad yn astudio’r cwrs Astudiaethau Chwaraeon ac Addysg Gorfforol (Dwyieithog) drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg
Newid byd er gwell. Ffeirio’r gyfraith am yr ystafell ddosbarth
Sut gwnaeth y cwrs Blas ar Ddysgu fy mharatoi ar gyfer yr ystafell ddosbarth
Fy mhrofiad yn astudio drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg ar y cwrs Astudiaethau Chwaraeon ac Addysg Gorfforol
Fy uchafbwyntiau yn astudio Therapi Lleferydd ac Iaith drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg
Fy mhrofiad ar ddechrau bywyd prifysgol yn astudio Astudiaethau Chwaraeon ac Addysg Gorfforol