A lecturer at the University of Worcester spent a weekend at Chelsea FC after being nominated for a mentoring experience by a school pupil.
Jessica Fassnidge, lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, had given a presentation at a Worcester high school and later found out one of the pupils had been so inspired by the talk she had nominated her for a weekend mentoring experience at the national club.
It was run by Chelsea sponsor Three, as part of their We See You Network, which supports women in football.
Jessica said: “It’s incredible to think you can go and do something which is a normal part of your role, speaking in a school, and then one of the young people actually went away and made a nomination for me.”
She continued: “The pupil asked me about female players, and I’ve since learned that she has decided she wants to come to the University to study Sports Therapy; it’s wonderful to see how we can inspire passion in young people.”
As part of her experience over the weekend, Jessica watched a Chelsea Women’s game, attended a live podcast recording event and even got to spend a few hours at the sides training ground meeting players and coaching staff.
Jessica, who also plays for Worcester Women’s FC, said: “I got to train with some of the coaches, play on the pitches, do loads of drills and hear from lots of people at the club like the medical team, the nutritionist and former players.”
She continued: “The whole experience was amazing. I got to network with people, and it was just so nice to be surrounded by people in the women’s game who are super passionate about it like I am.”
Lerverne Barber, Head of the School of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “Jessica is an inspiring educator and is fully deserving of such a wonderful experience which will also help her own personal and professional development.”
She continued: “Lecturers from across the University routinely work in schools in the region to educate and inspire young people, and it’s moments like this that we can really see the impact they have on young people.”
Lerverne added: “Jessica is a new academic appointment for the School of Sport and Exercise Science, and she has already made a significant impact in the short time that she has been with us.”
For information on courses at the University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries, telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk