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UEL students join Three Lionesses for World Cup preparations

Thursday 3 February 2011

Middle row, second from right-to-left: England Head Coach Hope Powell, UEL Field Leader for Applied Sport & Exercise Science Marcia Wilson, and UEL students Hannah Griffiths, Rachel Kent, Dominique Hume and Annabel Ottey

Sports science students from the University of East London were given the rare opportunity of joining the England Women’s football squad at their official training camp in Spain recently.

Annabel Ottey, (Sport & Exercise Science); Dominique Hume, (Sports Journalism); Hannah Griffiths, (Sports Coaching) and Rachel Kent, (MSc Sports Psychology), were given exclusive access to the squad as the players took part in training sessions and friendly matches, ahead of this Summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Germany.

The visit to the renowned La Manga sports training resort provided the students with invaluable experience at the highest level in their respective fields.

Hannah Griffiths said: “It was an incredible experience for me as it has given me both theory and practical elements to take away and use in my own coaching.

“Watching the quality of coaching being delivered by (England Head Coach) Hope Powell has really inspired me to pursue my career in coaching and reach my full potential.

“I will also be able to use all of the information and guidance I was given to help UEL women’s football team have a very successful first season.”

Rachel Kent added: “The experience was memorable for so many different reasons, not just observing world-class coaching, but also in the professional conduct of the players and the welcoming attitude of the squad.”

Hope Powell said: “Achieving a successful career in sport, whether it be on the field of play or behind the scenes, is extremely competitive.  Experience of this kind can sometimes make all the difference, and I sincerely hope the students who took part found their time with us both beneficial and enjoyable.”

Event organiser Dr Marcia Wilson, UEL Field Leader for Applied Sport & Exercise Science, said: “Hope and her colleagues were incredibly welcoming and were happy to be interviewed by the students, who had full access to all training sessions and watch Hope coach the squad.

“They were very privileged to watch an elite national coach and her team at work, providing incredible knowledge about the link between theory and practice. Such opportunities are extremely rare, and we are extremely grateful to Hope and her team for this fantastic experience.”

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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