Students set to make a splash in research thanks to new agreement

Sports students who want to dive in to research can proceed swimmingly thanks to a new agreement signed between the University and Northampton Swimming Club.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formally commits the University and the club to a working partnership that will benefit sports degree students and local swimming talent.*

Students can provide informed, science based advice and support to develop swimmers, giving students on-the-job experience that will increase their employability.

The MoU also ensures that students will have a shot at ‘poolside’ research. Sam Blackett, currently studying for an MSc Sport (Sport Science) degree and a national level swimmer with Northampton Swimming Club, is one such student.

Sam said: “For my dissertation, I’m looking at the best ‘pre-set swimming protocol’ a swimmer needs to complete before they swim for real, to help reduce fatigue levels.

“I’m a swimmer myself so I know the value of scientific research to help me get a length ahead of my competitors. Having this MoU in place will help support future UON students who want to lend their expertise to fellow swimmers.”

Jacquie Marshall, Head Coach at Northampton Swimming Club, added: “At Northampton Swimming Club, our athletes are the epitome of sporting commitment and our coaching reflects their dedication.

“Having now officially set in place a mutually beneficial arrangement with our University partners, our swimmers’ commitment will be further enhanced by up-to-the-minute scientific insight and professional support.

“We are very excited about this new arrangement and are sure it will bring even greater results to the athletes at NSC as well as furthering the knowledge of all our coaches.”

Find out more about Sport degrees at the University.

Find out more about Northampton Swimming Club.

*Pictured from left to right:

Back row: Andy Sharp (Head Coach, NSC); Dr Tony Baross (Senior Lecturer in Sport Science); Jacquie Marshall (Director of Swimming, NSC); Zara Mullooly World Paraswimming Silver Medallist (S10) 50m Freestyle; Ed Mildred European Youth Olympic Champion and Dr Peter Jones Associate Dean Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology.

Front row: Maisie Summers-Newton World Paraswimming Champion (SM6) 200m and Individual Medley Eleanor Robinson MBE Paralympic Champion, Rio 2016 (S6) 50m Butterfly.