Roles undertaken within Loughborough Sport
Parafootball (disability football) coach
Tell us a little about yourself (E.g. hobbies, interests and background)
I am strongly motivated by disability sport, both in coaching and in research with athletes with disabilities. I did my undergraduate study in Adapted Physical Education in South Korea, gaining experience as a SEN PE teacher and disability football coach. I am now a master’s student and research buddy at the Centre for Para and Disability Sport Innovation at Loughborough University, supporting exercise physiology testing with para-athletes while continuing to build coaching experience.
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Loughborough?
My volunteering began when I started supporting para-athletes as a research buddy. Being regularly involved in disability sport environments motivated me to help with coaching sessions, which soon developed into wider volunteering roles in para-football.
During your years at Loughborough what have you got involved in through volunteering within sport?
I have volunteered across disability sport at Loughborough, from supporting para-athlete physiology testing as a research buddy to helping with coaching sessions and para-football activities. I also supported teams at international competitions including the Great Britain Deaf Football U23 team at the World Championship in Serbia and the Loughborough para-football team at the IFCPF World Championship.
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Loughborough?
Working closely with athletes with disabilities through research and coaching has allowed me to develop both practical skills and a deeper understanding of disability sport. I’ve had opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects while learning from experienced coaches and practitioners. Volunteering has also opened doors to international experiences, such as supporting teams at the World Championships, which has significantly enriched my personal and professional development.
How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?
My involvement with Loughborough Sport has helped me grow into a researcher who understands the realities of disability sport. Working closely with athletes with disabilities has shaped my research perspective and allowed me to refine my ideas for future PhD study. It has been an essential foundation for my personal and professional progression.
What’s the best advice you could give to a Loughborough student looking to get involved in volunteering & gain the most out of their university experiences?
Be proactive, get involved in real practice, and build relationships. Volunteering at Loughborough can become a foundation for both personal growth and shaping your future direction.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about volunteering?
What I enjoy most is getting to know each athlete beyond their sport, understanding their circumstances, their disabilities, and their feelings. I love the process of slowly becoming closer, building trust, and sharing genuine moments together.