14 June 2024
Fife College's Sport and Fitness team has hosted its inaugural sports conference, featuring a headline appearance by former Premier League manager Dean Smith.
The exciting new event, which took place at the College’s Kirkcaldy Campus, marked the start of an annual tradition to bring together current students, alumni, and future students who will join the College in the following academic year.
Former Aston Villa and Norwich City manager Dean Smith, now with Major League Soccer (MLS) side Charlotte FC, joined the conference online for an engaging interview conducted by former player Craig Easton. His participation provided invaluable insights into professional sports management and inspired attendees with his extensive experience and knowledge.
The conference aimed to facilitate the transition for prospective and progressing learners by integrating them into shared learning workshops on campus. It also sought to enhance the employability of learners by connecting them with industry professionals and potential employers, providing invaluable networking opportunities.
James Shields, Sport and Fitness Academic and Quality Lead, said:
"This new conference represents a significant step forward in how we support our students’ journeys from education to employment. The enthusiasm and engagement from everyone involved were truly inspiring, and we look forward to building on this success in the years to come.
“We are already eagerly anticipating next year’s conference and look forward to continuing this tradition of innovation and collaboration in sports education at Fife College.”
The lineup of speakers also included former Fife College lecturer Dr Tom Johnston from Napier University and Scottish Hockey, former HND student Gav Hugh, Development Officer for Fife Steel Basketball Club, and Caitlyn McAleese from the Recovery Lab in Kirkcaldy, an experienced sports physiotherapist who has worked with the Fife Flyers ice hockey team.
Other speakers included James Wade, Senior Game Development Manager at Scottish Rugby, who led a practical session while Andy Muir from Coach Logic demonstrated the use of self-analysis through video. Current HND Sports Coaching students were involved in presenting too, showcasing a range of practical sessions and research topics.
For more information about Sport and Fitness courses available at Fife College, visit our Sport and Fitness pages.
