The Italian job
Students and graduates of sport-related degrees at Loughborough University are making an impact in elite football across Europe.
From placements with premier league clubs, to graduate careers working with the brightest stars in the game, our degrees provide students with the skills and experience sought after by elite clubs in the UK and abroad.
Here graduate Darragh explains how his Sport and Exercise Science degree at Loughborough led to his career working with some of the biggest names in football and his current role as Head of Sport Science at Juventus Football Club – the most successful club in Italian domestic football.
The first thing that Loughborough inspired in me was the depth of the field of study, creating a real interest and will to continuously improve my Sport Science related knowledge. Simply being in and around elite level athletes on a daily basis and the quality of facilities available on campus were a constant inspiration during my time there.
Having Loughborough University on my CV, also helped me get my foot in the door, as different employers knew of its reputation and recognised the quality of education it provided.
Working with the best
When deciding to study sport science at university, Darragh dreamed of working with top level football teams. During his first season with the club, Juventus FC won the Coppa Italia and have since gone on to lift the Serie A league title.
The best players to work with possess a great mentality, a very strong desire to train and of course the will to win. They are the players that want to train at 100% all the time. On a more human level it is great to work with players that are down to earth and humble despite having won almost everything possible in national and international football.
I hope to stay at the club for a number of years, as I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge of coordinating the Sport Science department within the club and I am certainly gaining an invaluable experience in elite level football.
Pride in our graduates
Dr James King, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, explained that seeing graduates securing careers in top- level sporting organisations is one of the most rewarding parts of his job.
Loughborough’s focus on research-informed teaching provides students with the cutting-edge knowledge and skills which makes our students attractive to employers within the sector.
Prospective students wishing to pursue a career in elite sport must be committed to developing a sound theoretical knowledge of their discipline along with relevant practical skills and experience. All of which we can help to provide.
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