Employer Thoughts: Roy, Principal Active Schools and Community Sport Officer
A career in sport can be rewarding at any stage.
We sat down with Roy McPherson, Principal Active Schools and Community Sport Officer to learn more about the role of Active Schools and the skills needed to succeed.
Why did you decide to pursue a career within your industry?
I had a passion for different sports since a young age. I appreciated the positive benefits that physical activity can have for everyone and is an area I wanted to pursue it for a career.
What can you expect from a typical day?
No week is the same, however I’m regularly involved with online and face to face meetings, funding applications, report writing and attending events.
What key skill do you think is needed for your role?
The key skill is being able to communicate in a positive and efficient manner with our team, and all external partners. Due to the volume of different project discussions that takes place each week it’s also very important to be well organised and keep up to date with developments.
What would you say is the best thing about working within Active Schools?
Our team create positive experiences for young people, setting them up for lifelong participation in sport, and there’s lots of satisfaction when the projects go well.
How does Active Schools work, can you explain what roles are available?
Within our team, we have 3 main roles. We have 9 Active Schools Coordinators (ASCs) who primarily create a programme of extra-curricular physical activity for all school pupils. We have one Community Sport Hub Officer who works with community sport clubs and other organisations to develop collaboration projects, with a strong focus on inclusion. Both these roles require a sports related degree with project experience
We also have part time sport coaches who deliver sessions in various activities across the area who are required to have some National Governing Body qualifications and experience working with young people.
Do you offer work placements?
A lot of UHI Moray students in the sports department set up their placements via our ASCs, which benefits our team and the students. We can also be approached for work experience out with this.
Lastly, why should people study to gain a qualification within your industry?
It feels like Sport and Physical Activity is more prominent than ever for promoting mental wellbeing, as well as physical fitness and social connections. Now is a good time to get involved!
Want to share your story? Get in touch: marketing.moray@uhi.ac.uk