Alumni Spotlight - Greg Cruickshank
“I made friends for life during my studies.”
After deciding he would like to expand his knowledge and gain a Sport and Fitness qualification, Greg came to study at UHI Perth. We had a chat with him to see if his time at Perth has helped his career opportunities.
Can you introduce yourself: your name, where you are from, etc?
Greg Cruickshank and I am from a small village called Blair Atholl.
What course did you study at UHI Perth, and in what year did you complete your studies?
I originally studied a NQ in Sport and Fitness in 2017 and I graduated in 2022 with 2:1 in BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I had been a previous student before when I was doing my apprenticeship in joinery.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
Working as joiner for my parents’ construction company.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I had some health issues which meant I couldn’t work for about three months. I had also stopped playing football a few years beforehand and had recently started doing coaching badges with the SFA. I felt I needed to get more qualifications and applied for the NQ in Sport and Fitness.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
The more practical side of the course was really enjoyable, and the lecturers are so helpful. Also, fellow students on the course - I made some really good friends during the course and it’s great that I still keep in touch with them.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
Wining sport student of the year is definitely one that stands out, I was really surprised and humbled when I was told that I had won it.
What knowledge, skills and experience did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving UHI Perth?
All of the courses I did - which were NQ Sport and Fitness, HNC and HND Sports Coaching and Development, 3rd and 4th year of the Sport and Fitness degree - really fine-tuned my coaching ability. I really feel my public speaking ability was greatly improved, also, leadership skills and I feel there was a huge shift in my mindset as well.
Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I was really fortunate to get a scholarship with St. Johnstone FC, working with their pro youth academy in the sport science department. Having this experience has added more to my coaching such as learning about manipulating pitch sizes in training to get certain physical, technical, and psychological benefits to football players. In my 4th year for my volunteering module, I was able to secure an internship with Ross County FC! Working in the performance analysis with their first team. this was a real eye opener and gave me crucial insight into how the elite level of Scottish football works.
What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?
The staff really made the course really enjoyable, and I loved learning form every single one of them as they taught using different methods! I also really enjoyed Daniel Yurdakol’s jokes, I thought they were genuinely hilarious!
What did you like about the campus? How did you find the sports facilities in the ASW?
I’ve always thought very highly of the campus, I think it’s a really nice place. The ASW is incredible, the gym facilities are really good, and I liked how well-spaced it all was. The sports hall is also really impressive and the storeroom where all the coaching equipment is held is a coach’s dream.
Were there any other achievements you gained, on your journey?
I gained my UEFA B coaching license in August 23, this was a huge achievement for me as I had been on it for a while, so I was really glad that I got the qualification.
What have you been up to since graduation? Are you currently employed?
I am currently the head coach of Jeanfield Swifts u18s and I really enjoy this role. I’ve also worked as a relief coach for Live Active. I’ve hopefully got a coaching job lined up soon.
Do you feel your studies have helped you with your career?
They definitely have, the networking that has come with my time at UHI Perth has been really invaluable, also the experience with my work placement at St. Johnstone and Ross County have really helped with opportunities.
What are your future career plans?
I would love to coach football abroad. I would also like to get onto the UEFA A license and get coaching at the highest level in the game.
Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
Yes! I really enjoyed it. The facilities were great, lecturers made everything engaging and enjoyable, and I made friends for life during my studies there.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
Do it! It was one of the most enjoyable times of my life and I’m really glad I studied there.
