Alumni Spotlight - Nathan White
If you’re interested in a future in the sports industry, there’s no better place to learn than at UHI Perth. The Academy of Sport and Wellbeing (ASW) provides an outstanding learning environment on campus and is equipped with a multifunctional sports hall, gyms, strength and conditioning suite, fitness studio, and Climbing Centre. The natural landscape around us offers the perfect learning environment and our students get hands-on experience in one of the most beautiful settings in Scotland.
After graduating last year, Nathan has gone on to work in the local community. Find out how he is putting his experience at UHI Perth into practice 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
I am Nathan White, born and bred in Perth, Scotland. I am 21 years old, and I am currently working for The St Johnstone Community Trust as their Projects Assistant, as well as coaching for the St Johnstone Youth Academy.
What course did you study at UHI Perth, and in what year did you complete your studies?
I studied the HNC and HND Sports Coaching and Development course from 2020-2022.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
My sister studied an HNC before moving to another university, and she mentioned how the facilities were excellent and all of the lecturers were very welcoming and approachable – so that gave me a good incentive to study at UHI Perth.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I went to school at Perth Academy for six years, where I started coaching and helping my PE teacher take some matches for the school team - which gave me an insight into what coaching could be like, and I really enjoyed those experiences.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I played for Jeanfield Swifts for twelve years, from 5 to 17, and I love football. However, like I said above, I had never started coaching until the latter stages of my school career, and there was something about it I really enjoyed, so I thought I would give sports coaching a go. I am glad I did because without studying on the course, and the help of all lecturers, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
I loved coaching the primary school children that came along to the ASW and participated in our coaching sessions throughout the HND. My group taught the children hockey and volleyball, which they all enjoyed, and it also helped develop my knowledge and skills in practicing other sports and coming up with different practices and conditioned games.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
Every day was an experience and a learning curve for myself. I always went into the class with open eyes, ready to learn something new, or implement something I had previously been taught. Every classmate was approachable, and we always helped each other out, no matter the circumstances – i.e., little tips on a coaching session, or rewording a sentence in an assessment.
What knowledge, skills and experience did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving UHI Perth?
Communication has been the most important one – how to talk to people is essential in life and can help you achieve many things. Whenever we used to do group work or assessments, which resulted in talking to the rest of the class, this really improved my communication skills and confidence within myself, and it is something I do daily within my work with the Community Trust, and the Youth Academy.
The second, I would say, is stepping out of your comfort zone – sometimes you must be comfortable being uncomfortable. Putting yourself into situations where you are going to be tested and pushed to your maximum potential, is going to develop you as a person, and help you improve your overall skillset. An example of this – coaching hockey and volleyball is completely different to football, so I had to adapt and provide schoolchildren with high standard sessions in these sports, even though I had never done this before.
What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?
Every lecturer was different when teaching, and that is what made modules enjoyable. I knew that I could approach any lecturer, and ask them a question about some coursework, and they would help as best as they could, whilst challenging me at the same time.
Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
Unfortunately, I did not take part in any placement or work experience, as we were affected by the COVID pandemic. However, bringing different organisations, or school pupils into the ASW was fantastic. Iain Stewart brought in several speakers each week to chat to the class, giving an insight into different sports associations, and how the sports industry worked, which I really enjoyed.
What did you like about the campus?
The ASW is a brilliant facility for all students. When doing practical activities in the sports hall, we had access to all equipment, allowing myself and others to enhance our coaching skills, with all participants enjoying sessions in a variety of sports. All classrooms are extremely helpful for students, giving everyone the chance to learn, and get coursework completed. Finally, the Webster building was a great place to relax and drink coffee with classmates.
Were there any other achievements you gained, on your journey?
During my studies, I completed some SFA coaching badges, achieving the 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 in both the Youth and Adult pathway, and the Children’s pathway. Moreover, towards the latter stages of the HND, I started the UEFA C license and I have one phase left of that award which I hope to complete in the next two weeks.
What have you been up to since graduation? Are you currently employed?
I am employed with Saints in the Community, working throughout Perth and Kinross, with individuals of all ages – from children aged 3 years old, to adults in their 90s – who are all mixed ability groups. One project we do is Football Memories, allowing people with dementia to come along and talk about football, and their past experiences. Whereas on a Saturday morning, I could be coaching children that are in nursery, or Primary 1.
Every Thursday, I do a ‘Walk and Talk’ group where we walk different routes from McDiarmid Park and have refreshments after. Here is me with some of the participants.
I have also been coaching in the Youth Academy at St Johnstone since January 2022. Gaining experience by coaching at a higher level has allowed myself to develop and keep thinking of new ideas to help each player improve to the best of their ability. Moreover, learning from many coaches throughout the Academy, has brought my knowledge of the game forward, increasing my confidence when out on the grass.
Do you feel your studies have helped you with your career?
Definitely!! If I never completed the HNC, and HND at UHI Perth, I do not think I would be where I am today. Everything that was taught to me by lecturers, I have tried to take bits and pieces into my role, that can influence myself, and others.
What are your future career plans?
Within Saints in the Community, my contract has been extended, so I will keep improving in my role, and try to help as many people as I can, giving them opportunities to express themselves, and attend groups or events.
I am aiming to continue with my coaching badges, and keep developing as a coach, and a person – hoping to become an elite coach in the future, improving professional players, and coaching at the highest level.
Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I did enjoy studying at UHI Perth. The main highlight for me would be interacting with everybody, every day – fellow students, lecturers, and external organisations.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
No matter what you study at UHI Perth – take what you have learned into your next stage of your career, because everything you learn is relevant, and take each day at a time.
