Sports Program Entry Essay

Sport fascinates me. As a participant in one of the fastest growing sports, cheerleading, in the UK I am personally aware of the physiological demands, psychological strength and training required to compete. But it is the science behind the human body’s response to exercise and the practical application of this knowledge to improving performance physically that particularly appeals. Being selected onto a gifted and talented sports programme at school gave me the opportunity to study human physiology, participate in practical investigations and sports beyond the usual curriculum. This interest in sports science has further developed through my studies, especially the blend between the practical, quantitative and qualitative skills it requires.

Having studied GCSE Food and Nutrition as part of my research, I was fascinated by the impact adopting a gluten free diet had on the health and tennis of Novak Djokovic. An understanding of the science behind sport can be applied to help achieve the best results possible. However, it is also very relevant in a society so challenged by health issues such as growing obesity, and an aging population. As part of the National Citizenship Scheme I focused on sport within the community and raised over £2000 towards a Walking Football Scheme for the over 50’s which I helped run. Completing

This developed my communication and organisational skills, teamwork and ability to adapt activities to the participants. Highlights included using my IT skills to create and present a PowerPoint on the Rio Olympics for the school, organising and running inter-form competitions culminating in a district primary schools mini Olympics. Collaborating with a member of staff I introduced a new extra-curricular cheer club to the school where I was able to use my knowledge of the sport and experience to coach younger