Wakefield College Sport & Public Services Newsletter Spring 2025

Department Newsletter

Greetings from the Sport & Public Services Department at Wakefield College!

I am thrilled to introduce you to our amazing department - where passion meets profession, and where every challenge is a stepping stone to success.

In this edition, you can expect to find a wealth of information. We’ll bring you the latest news from our department, keeping you up-to-date with current trends and departmental achievements.

We proudly showcase our students’ successes with many of them now in roles at professional sports clubs, the armed services or progressing on to Higher Education.

These stories are nothing short of inspiring, demonstrating the high level of dedication and talent nurtured within our College walls. Explore their testimonials to understand what truly sets our department apart.

Finally, indulge in some fun facts and figures about the worlds of sport and the public services. These enlightening snippets offer a fresh perspective on the diverse and exciting paths you can explore in these dynamic fields.

Sport Student Makes Super League History

Former Sports student Tyler Dupree helped Wigan Warriors make Super League history in 2024 – winning every trophy on offer within the calendar year.

As a Prop Forward for the team, Tyler helped lead them to multiple victories including winning the Grand Final at Old Trafford, the World Club Challenge 2024, the Challenge Cup 2024 and the League Leaders Shield 2024.

Acknowledging his significant achievements, Tyler was shortlisted for the Association of College’s Higher Education Student of the Year Award 2024.

Amy O’Keefe Head of Sport & Public Services

Tyler said about the experience: “I’m incredibly proud to be a part of such a pivotal moment in Wigan Warriors’ history, which has seen us become the first club in Super League to win all four trophies in one season. This has been a career-defining year for me, and it feels even more special to have my achievements recognised both on and off the field by being shortlisted for this award.”

Tyler also made his debut for England in the International Rugby League 2023, when he

appeared in the squad for the end-of-season series against France, featuring in the third and final test match at Headingley Stadium.

He has also played for the likes of Leeds Rhinos, York City Knights, Featherstone Rovers, Batley Bulldogs, Oldham and Widnes Vikings, after starting his professional rugby career on a two-year scholarship with Salford Red Devils in 2016.

To further enhance his professional rugby career, Tyler completed a Foundation Degree in Applied Sports Performance at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. This is where he developed the skills to refine his performance in professional rugby, including nutrition for sport performance, strength and conditioning, skills coaching and more.

Hear from Tyler about how gaining his degree was the ‘cherry on top’ of an amazing season, by following this QR code:

Sport Fun Facts

Golf on the Moon

In 1971, astronaut Alan Shepard hit a golf ball on the moon during the Apollo 14 mission, making it the longest golf shot in history due to the low gravity.

Olympic Origins

The modern Olympic Games, revived in 1896, were based on the ancient Greek Olympic Games, which date back to 776 BC and included running and long jump.

The Longest Baseball Game

The longest professional baseball game lasted 33 innings and took eight hours and 25 minutes to complete in 1981.

Public Servces

Fun Facts

World’s First Police Force

The first police force in the world was started in London in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel.

The UK’s Speedy Ambulance Services

The NHS aims for ambulances to reach life-threatening emergencies in 7 minutes or less, though actual response times vary based on location and demand.

Firefighters Do More Than Fight Fires

They also respond to floods, road traffic accidents and chemical spills. The London Fire Brigade even helps rescue animals stuck in tricky places!

Hear from our Students Public

Services

Hayden

The course was recommended to me because I prefer practical work and like being outdoors. We have done lots of volunteering and trips such as hiking Kinder Scout in the Peak District, a ski trip to Italy, visits to Wakefield Trinity, the Coal Mining Museum and more. We have also worked a lot with the local forces such as watching their riot training drills.”

Sport

Maddy

I am a Gymnast for Wakefield Gym Club, so this course helps me apply what I learn in class to practice. I enjoy trying a variety of sports and the atmosphere of the classes which are always fun and relaxed. I’d like to go to university in the future.”

Students Take Part in

Emergency Services Exercise

Level 3 Uniformed Public Service students got to see behind the scenes of one of the region’s biggest emergency service exercises at York Minster.

Involving police, fire crews and ambulance staff, the operation aimed to test the response of blue-light services to a potential terror attack. The exercise included an acid attack, knife attack and a siege.

The students convincingly portrayed victims in the simulated chemical attack, aiding in the training of emergency services. This practical experience was invaluable for our students, emphasising the importance of hands-on training in emergency preparedness.

Learning from Industry Experts

We regularly invite guest speakers to deliver talks and sessions to our students, with professional football referee Bobby Madley recently delivering a talk to our Level 3 Sport and Sport & Exercise Science students.

Course Leader, John Heaton, said: “This is the fourth time Bobby has visited the College to share his story. Bobby has been very generous with his time and is extremely open and honest with our students about his journey in professional Sport on and off the field.”

Total Sports Limited also ran some multi-skills activity sessions with our Sport students, allowing them to gain valuable insights into coaching and the key skills required to become a successful coach.

HM Prison Leeds recently delivered an engaging session to Public Services students about what it’s like to work in a prison.

Tom Fitzsimons, who is mostly famously known for running across the Sahara Desert for charity, also delivered an educational and inspirational speech to our students about his journey with sobriety and how he overcame alcoholism through his passion for running, leading him to conquer ultra marathons and beyond.

Students Support Local Community

Our Sports Massage students recently volunteered at the Wakefield Hospice 10K, offering much-needed pre- and post-race massages to runners!

It was a brilliant opportunity for our students to gain hands-on experience whilst giving back to the community.

As part of their efforts to participate in community projects with the local authority, our first year Sport & Exercise students recently took part in a Walk Leader Training Day for Nordic Walking. The training aims to help the community become more active and targets specific groups most at risk such as the elderly.

Hot off the Slopes!

Check out our Sport & Public Services students’ ski adventure! Ever wondered what happens when Public Services students hit the slopes?

Spoiler alert: It’s all about speed, skill and a whole lot of fun! Take a sneak a peek at our latest video – it’s not just about skiing; it’s a thrilling journey of learning and laughter. Ready to be wowed? Grab your virtual skis and join us on this exhilarating ride. You won’t believe what they can do!

Learning Beyond the Classroom

It’s not all work and no play in the Sport & Public Services department!

Our Sport students recently had the chance to try out Wheelchair Rugby thanks to Wakefield Trinity. After learning about the rules and basics of Wheelchair Rugby, they embarked on a fierce game.

Bobby Madley

Tom Fitzsimons

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