On the Move magazine 2018-19

Outstanding Team of the Year: Kent Falcons The University’s American Football team have gone from strength to strength, smashing the record and showing promise for the future.

Director of Sport

Meet our newly appointed Director Mel Clewlow.

Fitness tips New to the fitness suite? Our knowledgeable staff provide these tips to get you started.

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Move 2018/19

CO N T E N TS SPORTS DEVELOPMENT Off-the-wall events Let’s Play STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Ollie Mangion

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PHYSIOTHERAPY Sports massages

FITNESS Fitness tips

MEET THE DIRECTOR OF SPORT

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TEAM KENT

Outstanding Team of the year

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SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR Freya Rawlins, Cycling

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CYCLE HUB

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PAVILION CAFÉ BAR Big screen events

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STAFF ACTIVITIES Break Out sessions

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Give your energy levels a boost in one of our fitness and dance classes. From BodyPump to Pilates to Spinning, we’re sure to raise your heartbeat.

Content and Design Mariah Young Photography Nick Sandland Smith Contributors Phil Darrell-Smith, Mel Clewlow, Vicky Annis, Oli Prior, Mike Burrell, Jeni Dexter, Karen Drake, Jemma Whyman, Hayley Turner, Rebecca Deakin, Ben Roberts, Billy Radford, Kirsty David

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T H A N K YO U A special thank you to all those who contributed to this magazine throughout the 2017/18 academic year. From posing for photos to providing us with testimonials regarding your incredible year with Kent Sport to just generally being optimistic and willing to try anything. We look forward to seeing what this year will bring!

kent.ac.uk/sports

| Welcome

Attending university is a thrilling time and getting active makes it even more exciting.

We make friends, learn about teamwork and leadership while developing skills and fitness.

Sport should be more than just being involved in sports, but getting active around campus and beyond. Kent Sport’s number one aim is to bring more opportunities for students to enjoy physical activity at Kent.

of opportunities available to you here and if you’re not sure where to start, just have a chat with our staff at the Sports Centre or Pavilion and they will be pleased to help.

If there is something you are interested in doing, we’ll aim to provide it for you. Contact sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk or post on our social media UniKentSports and tell us what you want out of your three+ years.

While sport can bring out competitive nature, it is also about so much more than winning. It is about getting involved, getting moving, selfdevelopment and seizing opportunities. This is available to everyone at Kent whether it’s a casual game of frisbee with friends, taking a relaxing walk through our campus woodlands with your study group, cycling to Whitstable and dipping your toes in the sea or signing up for some tennis coaching.

While you are here, have fun with our Let’s Play activities, try a fitness and dance class, get involved with intramural sport, have a game of badminton with friends, visit our fitness suite, look out for our off-the-wall events and join one of the many student clubs.

Whatever you do at university, jump in; do new things; find out who you are and enjoy your time here.

It is clear that physical activity benefits so many areas of life and Kent Sport encourages you to enjoy an active lifestyle while at the University of Kent. There are an abundance

Welcome to Kent. Now it’s your move!

UniKentSports Kent Sport staff

Welcome Pictured: Participants during UV touchtennis – one of our off-the-wall events. on the

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Off-the-wall events

Off-the-wall events Want to try something totally out of the norm? Kent Sport’s got you covered.

We put on some pretty amazing events last year and this year there’s more fun ahead.

With activities like Bubble Football, UV sports nights, miniature golf and tennis with an attitude, we’re excited to give you exactly what you’re after – good times!

Be sure to visit our Facebook page UniKentSports to see the events we have on this academic year.

“Bubble football is such great fun because you can get rid of all your stress by having a laugh with a group of mates whilst absolutely clattering into each other!

Even just a short half hour session can brighten your day completely!”

Callum Perry, final year student

Fancy a bit of fun?

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We put on various events throughout each term, so look out for our events on Facebook UniKentSports or contact sportsdevelopment@kent.ac.uk to find out more.

kent.ac.uk/sports

| Let’s Play

Let’s Play – Canterbury Looking for a way to make friends and get your blood pumping at the same time? Let’s Play does exactly that! Kent Sport’s friendly and fun programme provides the perfect way to get involved in sport that isn’t too competitive and accepts absolute beginners to those interested in getting back into sport. It’s the best way to get involved while working around your availability, requiring no commitment and a chance to be social, active and enjoy!

Why not try something different like squash, swimming or short tennis?

Sessions run at the Canterbury campus and some external venues.

“Let’s Play has helped to make my university experience a greater one as a whole and has really helped me regain my passion for sports!”

Coming to a Medway campus near you...

Our Medway campus is experiencing change for the better.

Although the Let’s Play programme will no longer be available at Medway, students have asked for a more streamlined approach to activities on campus.

With three universities trying to provide fitness opportunities and unique events, they’ve decided to come together to put on one heck of a programme filled with sports, activities and good times.

Contact sportsdevelopment@ kent.ac.uk for the new timetable of events available throughout the year.

Glory, undergraduate student So this academic year, join in and Let’s Play!

For more information about the Let’s Play programme check out our Active Kent timetable booklet available at receptions and online at kent.ac.uk/sports/letsplay.

If you want to see what’s going on, then Like us on Facebook LetsPlayKent.

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Ollie Mangion isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. With the help of his Kent Sport trainer Ben Roberts, Ollie’s fitness progression has been nothing but triumphant.

Breaking down the barriers

Ollie is a wheelchair rugby enthusiast and has been trying to cement a place in the GB team, but at the same time making sure his club performance is always improving. He had been selected for the GB Development team for wheelchair rugby, so there was always a desire to progress towards making the elite team. This drive to improve is clearly evident in Ollie every single time he comes for his sessions plus his commitment to push through the sometimes ‘punishing’ training sessions.

When Ollie first started training at Kent Sport, he was initially unsure as to how much of the equipment he would be able to use. With a little experimentation, Ollie has been able to use most of the equipment Kent Sport has available in the Fitness Suite. Since his focus of training is the upper body, he started out using the fixed resistance machines which were easily adaptable for his specific needs.

He made excellent progress, maxing out the weight stacks.

Since then, Ollie and Ben have been able to use more of the free weights from the high performance area to really give his training a boost to the point that he has bench pressed 100kg. It has taken some trial and error to see what works and what doesn’t. With a bit of imagination, there is very little that Kent Sport can’t do for athletes with disabilities.

Since Ollie and Ben started working together, Ollie has progressed to the GB Elite squad for wheelchair rugby.

Interested in enhancing your fitness game? We offer fitness consultations and programmes. To book, speak to our reception staff or email sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk.

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kent.ac.uk/sports

| Physio

Kent Sport Physiotherapy Clinic

Based on the ground floor of the fitness suite at the Sports Centre, the clinic provides a seamless pathway to improving performance.

The highly qualified physiotherapists, sports massage therapists and health and fitness team can enhance your wellbeing and sporting performance.

Massage the stress away Massage helps conditions which affect your mental state such as depression, anxiety and stress. Having a relaxed body helps to shift your everyday worries by quietening your mind and getting you in control of your own wellbeing.

A healthier you Regular massages can help lower blood pressure which reduces the strain on your heart. Massage helps relax your muscles and increase the production of endorphins – our body’s natural painkillers. After a massage, we are able to overcome stress more easily due to the serotonin and dopamine being released. A high level of stress can lead to decreased immune system activity, which increases the risks of colds, flus and other illnesses.

Lifting your mood During times of high stress, we tend to find ourselves feeling anxious or

depressed. This can often lead to losing focus and feeling overwhelmed.

More than just your mind Carrying too much tension can lead to muscle pain and stiffness. It is also linked to headaches, stomach problems, fatigue and difficulty sleeping.

Muscular benefits Muscles throughout the body tense when presented with stress. Typically after the stress is over, muscles return to a normal state of relaxation.

However, if stress is constant, tense muscles can lead to joint aches, pains and headaches.

At Kent Sport Physiotherapy Clinic, our qualified therapists tailor each person’s treatment to individual needs.

Email us at physio@kent.ac.uk or call 01227 824 375 to schedule your next appointment.

Look out for our offers and discounts throughout the year by Liking

KentSportPhysiotherapyClinic

on Facebook.

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Health and fitness Olympic lifting is a big part of strength and conditioning at the University of Kent.

Millie Knight is one of Britian’s top visually impaired athletes. For over two years, her main coach at Kent Sport has been Mike Burrell who helps get her conditioned for competitions including World Cups, World Championships and the Paralympics.

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She is a double Paralympian, triple Paralympic medallist, world champion and holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Kent.

from Kent Sport staff

fitness

Gavin

Mike Jeni

Chris

Tip 1

Tip 2

Define a goal

Consult your doctor

Tip 3

Comfortable clothes

Set clear objectives.

This will give you the motivation to succeed.

Always check with your GP before starting a fitness programme.

Appropriate sportswear helps keep cool and prevent injuries.

Tip 4

Tip 5

Tip 6

Warm-up

Cardio exercise

Hydrate

Activate the body and help prevent injuries by warming up.

Cardio gives your heart and lungs the workout they need.

Replenish what you lose. Water is vital to body and health throughout the day.

Tip 7

Tip 8

Tip 9

Rest days

Healthy food

Track your progress

Give your muscles time to recover – enjoy those rest days!

A balanced diet will give you the energy to push through your workouts.

It’s the little steps that help you reach your big goals.

Tip10 Weights

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Start out small and build up over time for maximum effect.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so don’t stress – focus on the good things.

Wellness

Speak to an instructor

Our instructors are full of knowledge and want to see you succeed!

Our dedicated fitness team are on-hand for advice to help you get your best workout. We also provide consultations to give you the knowledge you need to become a healthier version of yourself. We offer: • •

Fitness consultations Fitness assessments

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Exercise programmes Personal training

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Nutritional consultations

To book a health or fitness consultation, please email sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk or call 01227 823 623. on the

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New Director – Mel Clewlow 10 Move on the

Some may recognise Mel Clewlow’s smiling face around the Sports Centre. She helped develop sporting activities across the University and brought the sports scholarship scheme to fruition. After being a big part of Kent Sport for several years, Mel has stepped up to the ranks of Director of Sport.

Mel Clewlow joined the University of Kent as the Sports Development Manager, quickly being promoted to Assistant Director responsible for Sports Development, Fitness and Finance.

Mel has made strides in creating a more active campus and helped build partnerships with other departments throughout the University.

When an opportunity arose for Mel to step up to Director of Sport, she couldn’t say no. After serving as Interim Director for seven months, Mel was confirmed in post on a permanent basis where she aims to get the Canterbury and Medway campuses as active as possible as well as offering opportunities to the local community.

“My ambition is to get all University of Kent students and staff active in any way they wish.”

Mel Clewlow, Director of Sport Mel’s vision is to get everyone active by 2025 and she has been writing a new strategy to achieve this. It’s important that Kent Sport has a friendly atmosphere and provides opportunities for everyone. Whether it’s in a fitness class, in the gym, on the field or cycling around the beautiful Kent downs that surround the University, there’s so much to choose from.

There are some incredible opportunities that will have a lot of staff, students, alumni and even the Canterbury community excited and Mel looks forward to rolling that out in the coming years.

Mel Clewlow first became interested in Hockey at the age of 11 at Sir Roger Manwoods Grammar School in Sandwich. It wasn’t long before Mel was representing England at junior

Pictured: ‘Melly from the Telly’ commentates at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

age group level where she played England U16, U18 and U21 before making her senior debut in Ireland in 1996. Mel achieved 254 international hockey caps competing for England and Great Britain over a career that spanned 13 years which included two Olympic Games, three World Cups and three Commonwealth Games. Mel is still regarded as one of the best defenders in the country and still competes at the highest domestic level possible for Canterbury Ladies Hockey Club.

After retiring from the international scene, Mel wanted to try commentating and used her contacts within England Hockey and asked the simple question of how she could get involved. Very quickly she became part of the commentary team presenting at major hockey events including the London and Rio Olympics and has now made a name for herself across the world.

Nicknamed ‘Melly from the Telly’, you can catch Mel commentating on international hockey whenever a large scale, elite game is playing. Her role as co-commentator is to support the main commentator and offer expert advice on formations, players, umpiring interpretations, skills that the players execute and any replays that are shown.

Even with the full-on job of managing an entire department, Mel continues to commentate at games across the world. Her last job was the women’s World Cup held in London in the summer of 2018 and she looks forward to being involved in future competitions around the world.

Meet th Pictured: Mel Clewlow jumps up in excitement as she scores a winning goal at the Olympic Games.

kent.ac.uk/sports

| New Director – Mel Clewlow

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Team Kent On the Move sits down with Emily Window, the new Vice-President of Sport at Kent Union.

What made you run for the role?

I ran for this role because I’m always drawn to leadership roles, and because sports have been such a big part of my university experience. Being a part of Kent Union meant that I would be able to make real changes to students’ lives and experiences next year.

How did you feel when you learned that you had been elected as Vice-President (Sports)?

I honestly couldn’t believe it.

When I started university, I never imagined that I would be running for one of the officer positions by the end of my degree. I had such a fun time campaigning and meeting sports committees and members, and so when I found out I was elected I was overwhelmed with excitement to know that so many students had put their faith in me and that I will be able to represent them next year.

What activities do you participate in?

I’ve been a part of the trampolining

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team since my second year of university, but I also love doing yoga, both at home and at the classes at the Sports Centre.

I’m also currently training for my first half-marathon, so running is my current focus. Although I’m not much of a player, I do enjoy watching football when it’s the World Cup or the Euros.

Why should students get involved in sport; what are the benefits?

Students should get involved in sports at university because it really can make such a difference, particularly if you’re feeling stressed from deadlines and exams. It’s important to take a break from work and get active – it really is a great form of self-care.

The benefits of sport aren’t just physical and mental, there are also social benefits, and being active at university is a really great way to meet new people and make friends - the difference that being part of a sports team made to my university experience when I joined trampolining in my second year was huge!

Out of the wide-ranging sports facilities and activities available on campus, what would be your favourite?

Probably the squash courts which are available to hire – during exam season it was definitely a great way for me to let out some stress!

What would you say to encourage students to get active and try new sport and fitness activities?

The University offers such a wide range of clubs and facilities, and so it’s probably the best time to take up a new sport or hobby as there is so much to choose from!

Trying a new sport does take a lot of courage, particularly if you are trying it on your own, but it will be so worth it once you find your rhythm and make new friends!

No matter how you choose to get active – by joining a team, going to the gym or taking a fitness class – you’ll feel better for it!

| American | Kent Football Falcons

Outstanding Team of the Year 2017/18

Unbreakable: Kent Falcons The University of Kent’s American Football team, Kent Falcons, have seen an incredible triumph in the 2017/18 academic year.

The team soared to division one (D1) southeast champions being undefeated in their regular season posting a 10-0 record before narrowly losing the D1 final. The team had the number one defense and number four offense in the country, led by a strong coaching staff featuring two former international players.

They were also recognised as the Outstanding Team of the Year alongside their team captain, Joseph Ganly, winning Administrator of the Year at Kent Union’s Team Kent Ball in March 2018.

American Football was established in 1996 at the University of Kent with a simple distribution of posters to drum up recruitment. Popularity for the sport has continued to grow throughout the past 20 years especially as the team have succeeded in their need to be on top.

Being a strong competitor sport and physically demanding, the Kent Falcon’s has a solid comradery amongst its teammates. Not only do they have a great social side to alleviate pressures, they continue to work as a team on and off the field.

“The success of the team is not defined by individuals, but by the collective effort, hard work and belief.”

Joe Ganly, Club President Their training schedule is not for the faint-hearted, but with the need to dominate in their division, there’s a reason they came out on top in 2017/18.

If you’re interested in playing for the Kent Falcons, contact kentfalcons@kent.ac.uk or if you’d like to train like one, Kent Sport offer training programmes to suit your needs, contact us sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk. on the

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Scholar of the year

Freya Rawlins,

Law LLB, Canterbury campus When did you first discover your passion for cycling and when did you compete in your first race?

I’ve always been into sports, mainly running and athletics, but cycling had always intrigued me with the ability to go further and faster. I quickly fell in love with cycling when the opportunity arose to go on a cycling trip to the Alps and found that I enjoyed climbing mountains!

Shortly after starting at the University of Kent, I joined a local club in Canterbury and after some advice I took on the challenge of racing. At my first race I was terrified, I had no idea what I was doing and I came in last. [As my experience grew] I learnt a lot and quickly took my first win!

What is your training schedule and how has it changed for the better during your development on the Scholarship Scheme?

I spend a lot of training time on my indoor cycling trainer, alongside strength and conditioning sessions with the Kent Sport scholarship team. This really helped me build a strong base and some much-needed strength.

When I specifically wanted to improve my sprint power, we devised a training programme which targeted what I needed to improve on – I managed to see some really big improvements!

The best time for me to train is in the mornings and so have adapted my life to fit with that. Depending on the time of year my training load can be immense, and it can be difficult to juggle with my studies, but at the end of the day – do what you love and do it whole-heartedly.

How has the University of Kent Sports Scholarship Scheme helped you over the past two years?

I joined the Scholarship Scheme in my second year of University, having seen the incredible support provided to a cycling friend of mine. The Scholarship Scheme not only helps with physical performance, but it also helps with the mental and psychological aspect of training and performing.

Interacting with so many other accomplished athletes provides a really great opportunity to share advice and learn about other sports.

The Scholarship Scheme has been a tremendous help following some bad cycling crashes with specific rehabilitation of the injuries I sustained. With the help of my Kent Sport scholarship coach, Chris Payne, we were able to tailor my strength and conditioning sessions to help with a spinal injury I suffered during a cycling crash in training.

After a few months of specific training I was back to being on peak form, and I could once again climb out the saddle with no pain and

(continued on page 15)

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Interested in becoming a scholar?

If you are interested in applying to be a sports scholar for 2019/20, please visit kent.ac.uk/sports/scholarships Deadline: 30 April 2019

| Scholar of the year

“Do what you love and do it whole-heartedly.”

Freya Rawlins Scholar of the year 2018

(continued on page 14)

could go faster and harder for longer on the bike.

Following that, we worked on strengthening my frame and also increasing muscle mass during my recovery from anorexia, all with the aim of helping my cycling performance improve.

What’s the importance of recognising eating disorder signs and symptoms? How can students best manage these conditions and the associated anxieties?

I have unfortunately suffered from my eating disorder a long time before I started university and it’s really been an ongoing struggle. Eating disorders are a mental health issue that can become physical, and getting help is vital as the long-lasting effects are extremely detrimental.

I didn’t receive help when I first got sick and have spent years suffering; but had I received help when my struggles were first noticed I may have recovered and been able to live a normal life. I have not always been able to manage my eating disorder; it’s not only negatively impacted my university work and life, but also cycling performance. With small steps and a fantastic support system I am well on my way to recovery and it is awesome.

If you are recovering; I understand it is hard, it is the hardest thing I have ever done, and I climb mountains for fun! But always remember why you started to recover, why you chose this road, and never forget that you are not alone! My advice to anyone, male or female, who has noticed either themselves or a friend showing signs of an eating disorder is to talk, open a dialogue and go from there. BEAT is a charity that I support, and they provide help to those suffering with any form of eating disorder. Please visit the BEAT website beateatingdisorders.org.uk for more information on signs and what to do.

“The Scholarship Scheme not only helps with physical performance, but it also helps with the mental and psychological aspect of training and performing.”

Freya Rawlins, Scholar of the year 2018 Do you have any advice for new students engaging in sport or established athletes looking at applying for the Scholarship Scheme?

For those engaging in sport, keep it up. University is hard, you spend copious amounts of time studying, so those hours you’re either competing, or in the gym, or doing any form of sport or activity are vital for the mind and soul. It can be hard sometimes to see how doing sport is beneficial when you have so many deadlines, so instead of going out for a ride I might do something else that is beneficial; a walk, go to the gym or do a stretch session, no matter what it always helps clear the head.

For athletes looking at applying to the Scholarship Scheme; definitely apply! The Scholarship Scheme has been an incredible experience, and you really get back what you give to the scheme. With regards to your strength and conditioning sessions – do your research. Find out what will benefit you and your sport and talk to the coaches to develop a training strategy specific to you. Both Ben Roberts and Chris Payne are amazing coaches; I’ve worked with Chris for the past two years, and we regularly discuss what would be beneficial to my performance and worked to that.

Dedicate yourself to the scheme – you’re being given the opportunity to improve on your performance with an excellent support system of incredible athletes and ex-professional athletes, so take that opportunity and make the most of it! on the

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Cycling at Kent

Cycling is a great way to not only get around campus, but to experience all that Kent has to offer.

The Cycle Hub The Cycle Hub is Kent Sport’s very popular shortterm bike hire facility on campus. You can hire bikes for up-to-eight hours per day (free for Gold and Silver members). There are maintenance services within the Cycle Hub and our fully-trained staff will be able to diagnose and repair any issues you might be experiencing. Changing rooms/shower facilities are also available.

From the Cycle Hub, there are lots of great routes you can take to explore the beautiful Kent countryside. By downloading the Strava/Ride with GPS apps, you can also track your ride and get GPS assistance. Visit the historic seaside town of Whitstable or take a scenic ride down to Chartham following the Great Stour river. kent.ac.uk/sports/cyclehub Cycling Club If you’re serious about cycling and you’d like to meet other students with the same interest, join the University of Kent Cycling Club. Membership to the Cycling Club is open to students, staff and alumni of the University of Kent and includes weekly led-rides, training with other club members, invites to regular socials and the opportunity to borrow club equipment.

Transport team The University runs a long-term bike hire scheme for students. Use the bikes to travel to lectures or venture into town or explore the Kent countryside while getting fresh air and exercise.

Staff can participate in the Cycle to Work scheme and benefit from a discounted rate for a new bike and equipment, provided the bike is used for at least 50% of your journey to work. kent.ac.uk/transport/cycling Social cycling Students and staff are welcome to join the Kent University Bicycle User Group (KUBUG), allowing you to keep in touch with others who are interested in cycling on campus.

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kent.ac.uk/sports

Staff netball

When was the last time you got away from your desk and did something active? Break Out staff sessions are activities held specifically for staff to help them take a break away from their desk and to get them moving.

In partnership with the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup, Break Out sessions continue throughout the year giving staff that well deserved break from the daily grind.

Last academic year, we had feedback from staff asking for more activities but in a shorter amount of time. We heard you and we’re here to deliver. All activities are an hour, but feel free to come along for 30 minutes or more – whatever suits your needs.

Staff racket sports

With various activities to choose from, Kent Sport’s Break Out staff sessions are the perfect way to either try something new or get back to your roots and brush up on those skills with the sport you used to play way back when.

“I wanted to say a big thank you for your support and motivation to achieve the 5K. I am not just saying it but I sincerely believe I wouldn’t have done it otherwise!”

Helen Johnson, University of Kent staff

Want to get involved?

If you’re interested in taking part, pick up the latest Active Kent booklet for sessions and times.

Open to all staff. All abilities welcome. Free for Gold and Silver members. If you are interested in taking part, contact sportsdevelopment@kent.ac.uk.

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Adverts 18 Move on the

kent.ac.uk/sports

The Pavilion Café Bar offers delicious food and drink to fuel your sporting adventures and so much more.

This academic year we’re excited to provide various big screen viewings to bring the entertainment to you here on campus.

Don’t miss out on your chance to see it on the big screen!

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to find out when and where we’ll be premiering the following: •

Super bowl 2019 – American Football

•

Women’s Netball World Cup

•

Game of Thrones – April 2019

•

Champions League

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FA Cup

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Wimbledon

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Women’s Football World Cup

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Premier League matches

Kent Sport | University of Kent | Canterbury | Kent CT2 7NL | 01227 827 430/823 623 sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk | kent.ac.uk/sports

If you require this information in another format, please contact the marketing team by emailing sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk or call 01227 823 623