Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
A day in the life of a Leeds Beckett social sports athlete
Hi, I’m Daisy, a first year Creative Media Technology student who is an avid rugby league & football fan. In this blog, I'm excited to share with you what a day in my life looks like as a Leeds Beckett social sport athlete.
After missing the trials for the women's football team due to my lecture schedule, I thought my chances of playing football were over, for this year at least, I was devastated because playing football is my passion and my favourite thing to do. However, everything changed mid-October when social football was launched. This program allowed me to be coached by a second-year first-team footballer, the captain of the entire Leeds Beckett Women’s Football Club. It was an incredible opportunity that I couldn’t pass up! Social football is a much smaller group than the main women’s football team, so it feels like you get more personalised training and it’s easier to get to know the team.
My Monday routine
Training takes place every Monday from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Headingley campus. A typical Monday for me starts at 10:00 am and ends at 4:30 pm.
My day begins at the Leeds School of Arts building, located at the City campus. After a three-hour lecture, I have a lunch break around noon. I usually head to the Rose Bowl for lunch because they offer a variety of cheap and tasty meals - my usual go to is the salt and pepper chicken and chips, this costs around £4.95 and is delicious! After refueling, I head back to class at 2:00 pm. Once my lecture ends around 4:30 pm, I jump in my car and make my way to Headingley campus for football training which is around a 15 minute drive.
Training
When I arrive, I meet my teammates in the foyer of the sports building. There’s always a buzz of excitement as we gather our gear and head out together, walking past the athletics track to the hockey pitch where our sessions are held.
Our training sessions are structured yet fun, starting with a warm-up that includes light jogging and stretching to prevent injuries and prepare us for the activities ahead. We then move into passing and moving drills, which help us build teamwork and improve coordination on the field. These drills ensure we can handle various in-game scenarios smoothly.
After the passing drills, we engage in possession-based games designed to enhance our control and decision-making skills. We split into small teams and play mini-matches, focusing on maintaining possession and strategising to outplay our opponents. This part of training is great for building camaraderie and understanding among teammates.
To wrap up the session, we have shooting practice, working on our accuracy and power. Our coach provides valuable guidance and encouragement throughout the session.
Training is not just about improving our football skills; it’s also a fantastic way to socialise and bond with the team. It’s a refreshing break from the academic pressures of university life and a chance to do something we all love. My favourite part of training is catching up with my teammates who have become some of my very good friends.
After training, we spend a few minutes cooling down and reflecting on the session, discussing any upcoming matches or events.
Socials
Social events usually follow the 3s, 2s, and first team matches on Wednesdays, as games are typically scheduled then. These gatherings are perfect for catching up with teammates, meeting new friends, and enjoying the camaraderie. It’s also a chance to connect with other sports teams who share similar interests. One of my favourite memories was celebrating after the first team secured a crucial win against Manchester Metropolitan to avoid relegation from their league. The day started with us watching the match followed by heading out to Headingley. It was a fantastic opportunity to bond with teammates and experience a memorable social gathering.
How I balance football and university
Balancing football and university can be challenging, but it’s all about time management. After my lecture ends at 4:30 pm, I drive to Headingley campus for training and usually get home around 7:00 pm. Once I’m home, I recap the day’s lecture and catch up on any uni work. While academics are important, it’s equally crucial to have fun and enjoy activities like football. I dedicate Mondays to training because it’s something I look forward to all weekend. Having training at the beginning of the week means that the rest of the weekdays can focus on uni work and lectures.
