Former school: Humphry Davy School
Course: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science
Academies: Football Academy
Next Steps: Hartpury University to study Sports Coaching and Performance.
Dylan pursued his passion for sport by enrolling in the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science course at Penwith College, while also participating in the Football Academy. Having known the coach, Matt James, for several years, Dylan felt right at home in this academy. Dylan appreciated the balance between his sport studies and his football training, saying it made his time at Penwith College even more fulfilling.
Before starting at College, Dylan attended several Open Events, which helped him feel confident in his choice.
He said: “It was great because I got to speak to all my lecturers, and they were really nice. It helps a lot when you come in and speak to someone face to face.”
From early on, Dylan knew he wanted a career related to sports. From attending the open events, he was able to make an informed choice and found that the Sport Diploma better suited his learning style, by offering a practical, hands-on approach.
Dylan thrived in the course, enjoying the variety of interesting topics that were covered. “We always looked at different parts of an athlete,” he explained. “We’ve done psychology, like how an athlete thinks before a game, nutrition for how they fuel themselves to perform at their best, and physiology, which is all about understanding muscles. All these modules come together to make up an athlete.”
Outside of his studies, Dylan found a passion for coaching. He works alongside coach Matt on Penwith Player Project, an inclusive football club that offers children from ages 7 – 15 the chance to learn new football skills. Dylan finds it rewarding in helping young people develop their skills in sport, saying, “There’s a great satisfaction from telling a player a certain way of doing something, them executing it, and getting better.” He is committed to encouraging participation in sports, believing that “it’s really important to get as many people as possible playing sport.”
Dylan especially valued the teaching style at Penwith College, where he could work independently and at his own pace. The course’s assessment structure, which was primarily coursework-based with only four exams, suited him perfectly. This flexibility allowed Dylan to balance his academic work with his coaching job, where he could continue gaining hands-on experience in the field. His hard work paid off, as he achieved high grades in his diploma, preparing him well for university and a future career in the sports industry.
Dylan is excited about a career in sport, with his experience in coaching being a key foundation. He hopes to continue working with young athletes, helping them improve and gain confidence, just as he has done throughout his time at Penwith College.
He said: “After my course I plan to go to Hartpury University to study Sports Coaching and Performance.”
