Andre Taiwo
If the word Sports Science leaves you scratching your head in puzzlement, don't worry you're not alone. It's long past the stage of being a closely guarded secret for those in the know. The Sports Science industry is one of the most cutting edge of its kind and with growing demand and employment numbers there is no question as to its popularity and innovation. Here one KCC student gives you the real lowdown.
Profile: Andre Taiwo, 19.
Studying Sports Science at KCC Maxilla.
How did you get into Sports Science?
I have always had a desire to be part of Sports, I love the game, the passion, the love. I went to a summer school and discovered Sports Science there.
What subjects do you study on your course? And what do you enjoy the most?
So many! There are 27 units. We’re doing bio-mechanics, social sciences, cells, skeletal system, nervous system to name but a few. My favourite subject is Sports psychology. It looks at how sportsmen behave, and also how to manipulate the mind and stimulate it so that the sportsman can have a great performance.
Does your course involve practical sports?
No, the BTEC National is more practical. Access is more theory because we're preparing for university.
Which universities are you applying to?
Buckinghamshire, London Met, St Mary’s, Roehampton and Brunell.
What job do you see yourself doing in the future?
The sports sciences cover a very big field. However I see myself as more of a sports scientist, eg: psychologist or physiotherapist.
Is there anything most people don't know about Sports?
The government is predicting that by 2050 a large amount of our population will be obese. So there's a lot of money being put into Sports, especially the 2012 Olympics.
Do you have any players who inspire you?
Kaka, he's a footballer who plays for AC Milan. He doesn’t play for money, just for the love of the game. Also his lifestyle, he's a man of god. It's good to have a footballer who doesn't get sucked into the lifestyle. He’s a good role model, and I’ve never heard any bad things about him in the media.
What advice do you have for anyone who is interested in Sports or studying Sports science?
Have tunnel vision, the worst thing that you could do in life is to let yourself be defeated. You need to have a positive state of mind and a mentality for Success. In a sense there's a lot of competition out there in the sporting sector. So you must have your mind set on the goal of completing your course, getting your degree and don’t worry about the negatives.
Interviewed by Tanya Andrews
