Hamza Mohammed, who studied a Masters by Research (MRes) degree is currently exploring South Asian Muslim women's experiences of rural green space for his PhD, and Steven Connelly, who completed a Masters in Physical Education and Youth Sport, is completing his PhD in Australia, researching Health and Physical Education teacher perceptions of inclusion within their own practice. 

Jonny Allen, who also completed a MRes degree at Leeds Beckett, is continuing his PhD study at the University. His research aims to explore the lived experiences of ‘looked-after’ asylum-seeking young people in England, and how experiences in sport, physical activity and physical education can have influence on their broader lives. Jonny shares his story with us…

You’ve been with Leeds Beckett since studying your undergraduate degree in Physical Education, can you tell us about your experience of studying at Leeds Beckett?

I came to Leeds Beckett to study BA (Hons) Physical Education as I wanted to become a PE teacher. During my undergrad, there were so many opportunities presented to me. I had some amazing experiences, from being club captain of the University Futsal Team, to securing a summer camp job through the University’s connections. 

I discovered that I really enjoyed the academic side to my degree, so after a chat with my academic tutor, I was inspired to apply for a Masters. My academic tutor also explained that by studying for an MRes, I would gain the necessary skills and experiences for a PhD programme. I knew this would be a great opportunity to build on my undergraduate dissertation project and develop my academic and research skills. 

Being part of the research community is great at Leeds Beckett. The PhD journey can quite often be an isolating experience, but there are so many different events (both school and university-wide) to bring all of the postgraduate research students together. 

What skills did you develop on your Masters which helped you progress onto PhD study? 

By studying for an MRes, I developed various research skills including qualitative interviewing (using remote methods) and knowledge of a qualitative analysis tool (NVivo). I also developed personal skills such as resilience and problem solving, through navigating a research project during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

What are you researching for your PhD?

My PhD working title is: Exploring the Sport, Physical Activity (PA), and Physical Education (PE) experiences of ‘Looked-After’ Young People seeking Asylum. My research aims to explore the lived experiences of ‘looked-after’ asylum-seeking young people in sport, PA, and PE and influences on their broader lives.

Among those seeking protection in the UK are numerous displaced and unaccompanied children and young people. These young people are often referred to as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) and defined as a person who appears to be under 18, is applying for asylum in their own right, and has no adult relatives or guardians to turn to. Like adult refugees and asylum seekers, UASC must demonstrate a well-rounded fear of persecution to be granted their refugee status. Once arriving in the UK, UASC are supported by a local authority. These young people are a marginalised and vulnerable group in society who have often suffered traumatic experiences that can contribute to poor physical health and psychological well-being. 

My research considers how issues of race, ethnicity, culture, language and other identity categories intersect with different spaces in these young people’s lives to influence experiences.

What inspired you to undertake this area of research, and what impact do you hope your research will have?

I was particularly drawn to my area of research as I am passionate about making a difference to the lives of all young people. During the PE undergraduate course at Leeds Beckett, I undertook many placement opportunities in various school settings (including mainstream primary, secondary, and special educational provision). Here, I observed the impact that PE, sport, and PA had on young people. 

It is hoped that my research will provide teachers, schools, sports coaches, local sports clubs, social services, and local authorities with some important lessons around the potential benefits that sport, PA and PE may provide for ‘looked-after’ asylum-seeking young people, and how these experiences may impact their broader lives. 

What are your ambitions for the future?

My future aspiration is to become a Lecturer within a university environment, where I will be able to conduct my own research and educate the next generation of university students.