INSIDE THE UNIVERSITY CENTRE FARNBOROUGH SPORTS SYMPOSIUM

Our recent Sports Symposium gave students direct access to industry expertise, real-world application and the latest insights into future careers, bringing together leading professionals from across sport performance, therapy and athletic health for an immersive afternoon of insight, demonstration and hands-on learning.

For students currently studying – or considering a future in – sport science, personal training, physiotherapy or rehabilitation, it was an opportunity to engage with the industry in a way that simply can’t be replicated in textbooks.

Designed as more than just a series of talks, the symposium blended practical workshops with expert-led discussion, allowing students to actively apply what they were learning in real time.

The symposium welcomed experienced professionals who are actively working and excelling in their respective areas. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, shaped by their own career journey and specialism.

Abby Curtis – Osteopath & GB Athlete

Abby combined her clinical expertise with first-hand experience of competing at an elite level, offering a powerful perspective on performance from both sides of the treatment table.

Her session explored the importance of injury prevention, recovery and maintaining peak condition, as well as the realities of life as a high-performance athlete.

For students, this provided valuable insight into how theory translates into practice, particularly in high-pressure, results-driven environments.

Matt Jaggard – Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Matt’s session focused on the fundamentals of strength and conditioning, with a strong emphasis on correct technique, programming and coaching delivery.

Through an Olympic lifting workshop, students were able to step into practical application of what they’d learnt, practicing key movement patterns, refining their technique and gaining hands-on coaching tips from an industry expert that they can apply in both academic and professional settings.

Galen Lowe – Sports Therapist & Chiropractor

Galen provided a dynamic and engaging insight into sports therapy and chiropractic practice, offering a deeper understanding of how professionals assess, treat and support athletes.

His session concluded with an interactive workshop, allowing students to experience elements of hands-on assessment and treatment approaches, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

At University Centre Farnborough, our students are not just building knowledge, they’re also preparing to enter competitive and evolving industries. Experiences like the Sports Symposium are designed to support that transition, offering exposure to professional environments, expectations and standards.

It also reinforces the importance of:

• Staying current with industry developments
• Developing practical, transferable skills
• Building confidence through applied learning
• Understanding the realities of their chosen industries

These kinds of events place strong emphasis on industry engagement and career-focused learning, ensuring that our students graduate not only with qualifications, but with the experience, insight and confidence to progress into their chosen field.