Name: Fred Walter
Hometown: Truro
Course: BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Health Science
Next Steps: Football Coach and Gym Instructor at the College
My Story
Fred’s journey began at Truro College when he enrolled in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science. Alongside this, Fred joined the College’s Football Academy. His commitment to both his studies and football saw him progress from the second team to becoming a first-team regular, even earning a place in the Chelsea Foundation team. His time at the Academy laid the foundation for his continued success in Southern League Football outside of his studies.
Following his completion of the BTEC, Fred pursued Higher Education, staying in Cornwall to complete a Foundation Degree in Sports Rehabilitation before progressing to the BA (Hons) Applied Sport and Health Science at the University Centre Truro and Penwith. His decision to stay local was influenced by his football commitments, the small class sizes, and the ability to balance studies with part-time work.
Fred explained: “I chose to stay and study locally mainly because of my football. I couldn’t really leave because I was playing for clubs down here. The class sizes [meant] the detail that the lecturers were able to go into was incredible. Working in a small class environment was helpful, and I was able to work jobs alongside my degree because of the condensed timetable. I’ve always needed an income, so it was handy to be able to do a degree while working.”
He also credits the one-to-one support from his lecturers as a major factor in completing his degree, stating, “Ultimately, without that, I probably wouldn’t have a degree.”
After completing his degrees, Fred was offered a coaching role at the college, initially working with the Football Academy’s third and fourth teams before taking on a coaching position for the men’s first team and later the women’s programme. Now, he plays a key role in the Football Academy.
Beyond coaching, Fred also works as a gym instructor at the College’s Penwith campus, where he supports students with strength and conditioning training. His degree played a crucial part in securing this role, equipping him with the knowledge and skills needed to work in a gym environment and deliver effective training programmes.
Fred said: “I wouldn’t be a gym instructor or a Strength and Conditioning Coach down at Penwith without my degree, working in a gym environment.”
Fred strongly encourages students who struggle in larger learning environments to consider studying at University Centre Truro & Penwith. “The support that all the lecturers gave me, and still give me now, you wouldn’t get at a different university.”
Looking ahead, Fred hopes to become a key figure in the Football Academy, continuing to develop and enhance the programme: “Ultimately, I’d love to be one of the main coaches for the Football Academy, and I do really enjoy being a gym instructor here as well. I’d definitely love to stay.”
