Spotlight on Talent – Callum Merrett

Studied: Sports coaching and development
Progression: BSC Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences – University of Birmingham

Callum’s experiences on his Walsall College course included many opportunities to ‘go out there and do it’.  These ranged from coaching local children at Silverdale Football Club to hosting a sports day for students at Croft Academy.  He also took part in a college duathlon.

Callum says these experiences bought his studies to life, helped develop his confidence and led to him achieving a D*D*D* course grade.  These are all reasons why he would encourage others to consider studying a vocational technical course.

“I came to college to improve as a footballer.  I achieved this while excelling academically,” said Callum.

He continued: “Taking an academic and practical study route has got me on to a sports science degree without needing to do A Levels.

“It’s why I’d encourage others not to discount the idea of taking the vocational study route.  The university entry requirements aren’t all that different between this type of course and A Levels.  You also have so much more potential to explore and experience different job roles and careers while you learn.”

Of the course modules Callum completed, the one that stood out most was sports psychology.  He hopes to explore this further during his second year at university, with a view to pursuing a career in this field.  Teaching is another option he is looking at.