Call to women to sign up to new Sports Coaching and Performance Science degree

But Blackpool and The Fylde College is hoping to change that, when it comes to sports science.

Teaching staff are hoping two new degrees will attract more women to get involved in courses and an industry which has traditionally been male-dominated.

Marc Potter, curriculum manager, and former personal trainer, said: “We had a sports coaching degree and that was very much male-dominated, lots of aspiring football coaches. We changed it to sport coaching and exercise instructing and did get a lot of women who wanted to go into personal training.

“But in terms of following a degree, that’s not really necessary to become a personal trainer.

“We know performance analysis is a growing field in sport and have developed a new foundation and degree course titled – Sports Coaching and Performance Science.

“We’re hoping this continues to attract more females on to the course. Most sports performance analysts are male. Sports performance and the use of technology is a real growing area.

“We’ve also developed a new Physical Activity, Health and Nutrition degree programme, to encourage a more holistic approach to health and wellness. Traditionally, the three things were separate, it’s the first time they have been combined as one degree. With all the health problems there are in Blackpool, a holistic approach is needed. 

“The courses are for everyone from all backgrounds – from a baker who wants to use their cooking skills, to a taxi driver with a passion for coaching sport. But we are particularly keen to encourage women to sign up.”

Lecturer Nicole Booth, who has worked in sport and fitness for over 10 years, said she would love to see more women sign up: “Only 22 per cent of sports coaches are female. I think we are starting to move towards balancing that out, things are starting to change – with the popularity of women’s football and other sports.”