Building confidence and skills for the future
During her Level 3 course, Yasmin had plenty of opportunities to put her learning into practice, from planning and delivering coaching sessions to organising sporting activities and taking responsibility for leading groups.
She said: “The amount of stuff that we had to do on a college course, where we’d have to go out and prepare our own games or tournaments, where you’d have to take charge, gave me so much confidence and brought out the leadership skills that I didn’t realise I had at the time.
“Definitely knowing that I can work in a team, but also as an individual, is important. You don’t realise it at the time, but honestly, college really does set you up for the future.”
One experience that particularly stayed with Yasmin was teaching blind football to learners with visual impairments as part of a college session. It helped her recognise the importance of adapting activities to suit different needs and abilities, something that has since become an important part of her work supporting children in schools.
Yasmin also believes learning alongside other students helped her develop as a coach.
She said: “It was so much fun, especially with the people you were working with. You learn so much from each other and take different qualities from each other’s coaching abilities before making them your own.”
Knowing she had made the right choice
For Yasmin, studying at Chesterfield College confirmed that a future in sport was exactly what she wanted.
After college, she took a gap year before securing a football scholarship in Florida. Although the opportunity was cut short by COVID-19, she returned to the UK and began building her coaching career, taking on opportunities that have since led to working with young people both at home and abroad.
Looking back, she believes the course gave her a valuable insight into the industry and prepared her for what came next.
She said: “I knew after finishing and completing my course that it was the right decision for me to work within sport, and I definitely knew I was always going to pursue a career in that industry from then on.”
Her advice to future sport students
Yasmin’s advice to anyone considering studying sport at Chesterfield College is to go for it, while recognising that the course involves more than just practical sessions.
She said: “I’ll be honest, it’s not all sports. There is going to be the hard work, all the writing and the assignments, but it is so much fun.
“If you know you enjoy sport, then do it. College definitely opened it up for me. I was 100% behind going to college and doing the sports course. Look how it has set me up – just do it!”
Yasmin’s story highlights how the right course, practical experience and support can help students build the confidence and skills to turn their interests into a career.
Interested in a future in sport? Explore the courses available at Chesterfield College and discover where studying Sport could take you.
Come along to our Open Evening on Wednesday 11 November, 4 pm – 7 pm, to meet our tutors, explore our facilities and find out more about studying sport or any other course with us.
