Jess Norkett, who is passionate about sport and has competed in athletics since the age of nine, decided to pursue a career in strength and conditioning after an injury led to her understand the value of it as part of an athletes journey.
Most careers in this specialist industry require master’s level qualifications as well as practical experience.
Jess decided to apply for the funded scholarship at Sheffield Hallam University and was accepted. As well as academic learning, the scholarship offers practical coaching hours in the form of an internship alongside studying.
Jess said: “For me personally, this opportunity represents far more than just financial assistance, it represents an investment in potential regardless of personal backgrounds. Scholarships and funded opportunities play a vital role in removing barriers to higher education and master’s-level study, helping to create a more diverse academic community that rewards individuals passionate about pursuing a career within a particular field.”
The scholarship was established jointly between Sheffield Hallam University and the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) in 2023. It aims to advance equity of opportunity and will enable exceptional individuals to have the opportunity to access postgraduate study to improve their chances of forging a successful career in the industry.
Sheffield Hallam is one of only four universities in the UK to offer a scholarship of this nature with TASS, which will run for two academic years.
Dr Steve Thompson, Senior Lecturer in the School of Sport and Physical Activity, said: “We are now entering our third year of the scholarship that was designed to break down barriers for those with protected characteristics, providing opportunities to study a master’s in strength and conditioning whilst gaining first-hand practical experience with Sport Hallam. We have had so much success with the scholarship so far, and this year is no different. Jess has been an excellent addition to the course, and I am excited to see how she develops in the future.”
Kate Cox, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at Sheffield Hallam, said: “It is fantastic to be able to support Jess as part of the EDI scholarship in partnership with TASS – the initiative has already produced some brilliant talent, and I have no doubt this cohort will be any different. We remain committed to championing diversity and inclusivity across sport at Sheffield Hallam and celebrating the positive impact is has, not only on the individual, but the community of people it also supports.”
Jess said she hopes to work in an elite sport environment and use the opportunity to encourage more women into careers in the sports industry.
She said: “I would love to go on to work amongst an elite sport environment, forming part of a team of people working collaboratively to harness athlete’s potential and ultimately contribute to winning medals for their country.
“I would also love to be able to act as a figurehead and help develop and encourage other female coaches within the industry.”
Dr Ruth Crabtree, Head of the School of Sport and Physical Activity at Sheffield Hallam, added: “We work hard to provide opportunities for students, and the scholarship scheme is a perfect example of how we put widening access at the forefront of what we do. Jess is thriving at university, not only in her academic studies, but in additional work opportunities too. We pride ourselves on applied learning, ensuring our students can gain academic qualifications, whilst working with prestigious sport organisations, developing their network and enabling employability opportunities for the future.”
