Alumni

Angelos Eleftheriadis

Career Path: Academy Sports Scientist, Newcastle United FC
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

The reason that made me follow this career path was my love for sports and that I wanted to get into a profession that would never feel as "9-5" job. After playing professional football for a number of years, I decided to retain academic knowledge in Sports and Exercise relevant fields. That lead me to complete both my BSc (Applied Sports Science and Coaching) and MSc (Strength and Conditioning) degrees across 2016-2019 and 2019-2021, respectively. Across my BSc and MSc degrees, I aimed to attain as much applied experience as possible in relevant roles within sports clubs. Football being my greatest of passions, led me to seek opportunities in local clubs and Academies, in the elite and grassroots level. Within these 5 years of studies, I completed three placements in Sports Science and Strength & Conditioning roles, whilst I was working part-time as a Strength & Conditioning and football coach for local grassroots and non-league football clubs. These kind of experience allowed me to blend the knowledge I was accumulating through University with the daily nuances of the applied world and its demands. Eventually, whilst I was completing my MSc degree, the opportunity came and after applying for the Academy Sports Science role at Newcastle United FC Academy, I got to be given the role. A big part in this played apart from the experience I gathered throughout my studies, the network I managed to build whilst in placement at the club during my undergraduate degree.

What are you doing now?

For the past three years, I have been operating as an Academy Sports Scientist at NUFC. During the first two seasons in my role I was leading the physical development and support for the U9-U16 age groups, whereas since July 2023, I have been working with the Professional Development Phase of the Academy and more particularly with the U18 squad. Alongside my full-time work, I am in the final stage of attaining accreditation with BASES UK and I am seeking constantly opportunities to attend CPD around sports science and physical development.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

A big part in my decision for joining Northumbria played the reputation of the University's academic background, the fact that I could join Team Northumbria as a scholar-athlete and still enjoy playing football and the city itself.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Throughout both degrees I felt that there was always a blend of tutor-guided and self-guided learning. The variety in the types of learning with a strong theoretical and practical background played definitely a massive role to not just learn new subjects but to enjoy the process too.

How connected was your course with industry?

I would always highlight the amount of opportunities I was able to take during my BSc and MSc studies, that allowed me to get exposure into the "real-world" of the sports industry, create strong links with experienced practitioners and eventually have a basic level of knowledge that allowed me to be a strong candidate for a role at an elite club.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

The key things that I took from all my placements were: made silly mistakes early on, started understanding who I am as a new practitioner, understood that the communication skills and human relationships are skillsets that a practitioner should aim to develop from early on rather than just aiming to graduate with a First Class honours degree and that putting yourself out there and let prospective employers know who you are can all play a big role to get the opportunities that may arise in the future.

What was the best thing about your course?

For my BSc (Applied Sports Science with Coaching), I'd highlight the variety of courses that I attended as the Science and Coaching elements provided knowledge in a wide spectrum - i.e from anatomy and physiology all the way to how the psychology of a coach interact with the athletes, plus the opportunities for placements, internships etc. For my MSc (Strength and Conditioning), the fact that I was able to complete the degree in a part-time basis and got to work in relevant roles, allowed me blend the knowledge I was gaining via many highly-skilled tutors and their lecturing materials with the applied world of athletic development.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Attenuating the level of knowledge that is required as a essential tool for any given role in the sports industry, helped not only by strengthening my CV but also providing my excellent knowledge and critical thinking that helped me in the beginning of my career as a sports practitioner.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Understanding of exercise physiology, planning and reviewing training interventions and above all having a critical thinking towards my own practice and at evaluating the latest scientific literature.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

A balance of being a student and an athlete, the content of the modules I really liked and the connections I made with co-students and tutors.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

It shouldn't take anybody too much thought. A great city to live with a top University that one can learn and be given opportunities to achieve their professional goals.