Amie Gray

Performance Analysis Volunteer and Placement Student

Amie Gray

Amie has been a Performance Analysis Volunteer throughout the course of her Loughborough journey. Starting by gaining experience as a PA for Bedford Blues and to becoming a PA intern with England Rugby 7's.

Tell us a little about yourself (E.g. hobbies, interests and background):

Coming from a small (but very nice!) school with limited opportunities, Loughborough has always felt like a sport version of Disney Land to me. Before coming to uni, I played a lot of netball but was passionate about increasing the presence of female practitioners in male dominated sports, such as rugby and football. - how many female football managers can you name, compared to male?

How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Loughborough?

Within my first month at Loughborough, I volunteered as a Women in Sport Panelist for an event. Once I had settled into uni life and having gained a year of experience as a performance analyst at Bedford Blues, I undertook a role as a performance analysis volunteer with LSRFC in my second year.

During your years at Loughborough what did you get involved in through volunteering within sport?

As a result of this voluntary role, I became the first performance analysis intern with England Rugby 7s, helping them to prepare for the Commonwealth Games, World Series matches and the Rugby 7s World Cup. I am now undertaking a placement year as a performance analysis lead for LSRFC whilst continuing my work with England 7s.

What was your experience volunteering like?

As with any type of work in sport, there are big highs and lows, but the opportunity to experience these within a supportive team environment is indescribable. If I had to describe my experience in one word - fun!

How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?

The most beneficial thing, by far, about working with Loughborough Sport is the opportunity to absorb knowledge and experience from world class practitioners. I have learnt equal amounts from my mentors and colleagues as I have from my degree! 

What’s the best advice you could give to a Loughborough student looking to get involved in volunteering and gain the most out of their university experiences?

My advice to any student is always:
  • Be the first to put your hand up for any opportunity 
  • Understand the benefit of being a perpetual learner (and that making mistakes is a part of this!)

Finally, what do you enjoy most about volunteering?

My favourite thing about volunteering is learning from people with all types of experience, backgrounds and ambitions. It's something that a textbook just can't teach you. The free stash is of course a benefit too!

Feeling Inspired?

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