“I chose to do my undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science because I’ve always had a passion for Sport and I loved my two years studying PE A Level at Reigate College. Sport Science is such a broad subject. It was only during my second year that I discovered Sport Nutrition and decided to specialise in this area. Within the Sport Industry there’s a real focus on Nutrition as an increasing number of elite sports clubs appreciate its role in enhancing performance. As a result, there are more job opportunities, making it an exciting field to work in.

My role involves working within the first team Sport Science department at Aston Villa, mainly with the Head of Nutrition, to develop strategies to enhance the players’ performance on the pitch. This ranges from working with the chefs to create menus, making individual fuelling and supplement plans for each player, as well as creating material to educate and inform the players about the importance of nutrition for optimum performance. Other jobs include body composition assessments and hydration testing for each player.

I enjoy my job at AVFC because it involves lots of interaction with both the players and other staff; I feel part of a team working towards the same clear goal, making it a great working environment.

Tom Jackson

Reigate College: 2015-2017

Currently: Sport Science Intern at Aston Villa Football Club (AVFC)

Higher Education: 1st Class Honours Degree – Sport & Exercise Science and Masters in Sport Nutrition, Liverpool John Moores University.