Sporting experts join pupils at summer school of sport

40 Year-10 pupils from across the Tendring Aimhigher Partnership schools will be at the University of Essex next week for a unique sports science summer school.

The students, all selected for their interest in sport, will spend 3 days living and studying at the Colchester Campus as they gain an insight into higher education – with a sporting focus.

The University’s Widening Participation Officer, Lucy Watson, explained: ‘The aim of the summer school is to encourage students to explore the options available to them if they want to take their interest in sport further – and how this could be achieved through further study at University.

‘There is so much more to sport than just participation and the students will be taking in part in lectures and seminars on everything from the importance of nutrition in sport to physiotherapy and sports psychology.’

The summer school participants will be making use of the University's sporting facilities and trying out different sports, including judo, trampolining, badminton and squash – all under the guidance of a team of experts and former sporting champions.

Amongst those sharing their knowledge are former world trampoline champion Carl Furrer; Mac Abbotts, one of the most respected coaches in British judo, badminton coach and former England international Steve Bish; world ranked Indonesian badminton player Atu Sagita; and professional squash coaches Carolyn Mett and Chris Vine. Chris leads the North Essex Squash Academy based at the University.

The summer school, organised by the University’s Widening Participation Team and Tendring Aimhigher, takes place over 19, 20 and 21 July. Parents and carers will be invited to attend the final day of activities and student presentations.