Developing the Next Generation of Coaches: Strength and Conditioning Scholars at Leeds Beckett University

Applied Experience That Builds Careers

The Leadership Academy model ensures that scholars are embedded within live performance programmes, working with university teams and partner organisations. This applied responsibility allows them to develop coaching confidence, technical expertise and communication skills while being supported by experienced practitioners.

Josh Martin is a strong example of long-term development through the programme. After several years immersed in the coaching placement, his dedication was recognised with an award at the Beckett Sports Awards. He played a key role in establishing our Barbell Club — a weightlifting and powerlifting initiative that continues to grow and that he still runs today. Through connections built at Leeds Beckett, Josh moved into a first team S&C role with Leeds Rhinos Netball and now also supports Yorkshire Rugby Union Academy and the i2i Football Academy. He is about to begin his PhD at Leeds Beckett, having already completed his master’s degree, demonstrating how coaching practice, networking and academic development can combine to create a strong career pathway.

Current scholar Bailey Harwood is already making a significant impact. He leads S&C provision for the university netball team and coaches within the university football programme, alongside securing a role within the Leeds Rhinos Netball pathway. In addition, he works across multiple roles within Beckett Sport, including as a receptionist and fitness class coordinator, gaining broad operational and coaching experience across the sport environment.

Matthew Weatherall has combined his placement work with external delivery, supporting the university’s American football and UCCE cricket squads while also delivering S&C at Queen Ethelburga’s School. His work with the UCCE squad has opened further opportunities within the Yorkshire Cricket pathway, with applied data collection now feeding directly into his master’s dissertation — a clear example of integrating research with practice.

Lloyd Barker has been supporting rugby union and football squads at Leeds Beckett and, through relationships built during his coaching placement, secured a joint strength and conditioning and sports science role with Leeds United first team. During his development he also gained experience with Yorkshire County Cricket, highlighting the value of broad exposure across performance settings.

Progression Into Elite Sport

Many former scholars have progressed into elite and professional sport environments following their time in the programme.

Jess Foster, who completed the coaching placement two years ago, has worked extensively across rugby league and rowing, including with Leeds Rhinos Women and Leeds Rowing Club pathway programmes. She now works part-time with Manchester City Women’s Academy. Jess also achieved UKSCA accreditation at the end of her placement — a major professional milestone that recognises competence and safe practice in high-performance S&C environments.

 Keira Heavey recently completed both her master’s degree and coaching placement, during which she coached within the Leeds Rhinos women’s pathway and academy system. Alongside her academic and coaching commitments, she completed an Ironman triathlon, applying the principles from her studies and placement directly to her own training and performance — a powerful demonstration of theory put into practice.

Strong Industry Links

Our long-standing relationships with professional clubs continue to create meaningful opportunities for scholars. Leeds Rhinos, in particular, has been a key partner, with multiple scholars contributing across men’s academy and scholarship programmes over recent years. Charlie Venables, a former scholar, is now a full-time first team S&C coach at the club. Others, including Dan Reed, Toby Groome, Charlie Whitehill, Christopher Burn and Marcus Upjohn, have also supported Rhinos pathway programmes, with several still involved today.

 Former scholar Murray Bingham has built an international profile, now working as Head of Content Strategy at SportSmith, a world-leading S&C education company. Alongside his work in education and events, he has held performance roles within basketball, including Newcastle Eagles Women and the GB Women’s national squad.

Spencer Cope represents another successful pathway, moving into rugby and later establishing his own coaching business — showing that the programme also supports entrepreneurial routes within performance coaching.

More Than a Placement

Across all of these examples, the same themes are clear: applied responsibility, structured mentorship and strong industry connections. The Strength and Conditioning Coaching Scholars programme is designed not only to develop technical strength and conditioning knowledge, but also professionalism, communication skills and the ability to operate within multidisciplinary performance teams.

Through the Leadership Academy, Leeds Beckett University continues to provide an environment where aspiring coaches can gain meaningful experience, build trusted networks and step confidently into professional sport.

We are proud of the impact our current and former scholars are making across the sector and look forward to supporting the next generation as they begin their journey.