Aligning with Southampton Sport’s commitment to support teams striving to achieve sporting success, this academic year saw the inauguration of the Pathway Sports programme. This aims to help two teams enhance their performance by providing them with practical support on their training and preparation.
As the successful applicants for the 2022/23 academic year, the Women’s Netball and Men’s Hockey teams benefitted from the following package of support:
- In-person strength and conditioning sessions twice a week, as well as remote strength and conditioning programming
- Access to in-person and virtual Pilates and recovery sessions
- Wellbeing training
- Financial gift to go towards kit and equipment
Participating students have found the Pathway Sports programme hugely beneficial for their training and fitness. A few students reflected on how the programme helped them:
- “I managed to get stronger and fitter than I was last year.”
- “The programme has had a massively positive impact on my hockey. The sessions have made my fitness and strength increase dramatically.”
- “Having a structured programme keeps me motivated to keep coming to each session and strive for PBs (personal bests).”
- “It’s been very comforting having coaches who take the time to show you how things work and correct your technique. It’s been a big confidence boost – I don’t dread the sessions anymore for fear of embarrassing myself, instead I look forward to learning new exercises and about equipment. It’s pushed me and my game to be better and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
The Men’s Hockey team coach also reports a positive impact of the programme, with the club seeing improvements in injury prevention, injury recovery, as well as on-pitch fitness, which contributed to the team receiving two promotions in British University and College Sports (BUCS) competitions. “Being part of the Pathway Sports programme, with access to the strength and conditioning programme, has been an important step to Southampton being recognised as a destination for talented hockey players.”
Applications for 2023/24
If you and your team would like to take part in the next Pathway Sports programme, applications will open shortly before the next academic year via the Southampton Sport website.