Rohan Williams

If you’d told me three years ago that I would end up working with international footballers at the national academy in Ghana as part of my course, I would never have believed you. As someone who loves sport, the amount of opportunities to play, coach, organise and improve my skills and knowledge, both within my course and outside of it, are mind-blowing.

I’ve been involved with Campus Sport since my first year.

I joined the football team as a player but soon started running sessions and refereeing matches. I got a job as a lifeguard in the Sports Centre and enjoyed it so much, I eventually applied for another job. So now, when I’m not training in the gym or the pool, you can find me working on reception.

Sport is a great way to meet people. I volunteer with the International Office, greeting new overseas students, helping them settle in and giving campus tours. I always encourage them to get involved in sports as you can’t help but talk to people and make friends. I also act as a Wellbeing Buddy, helping other students to use physical activity as a way of overcoming personal difficulties. I get to meet so many interesting people through these roles, and my Sport Centre job, people that I might never have spoken to if Edge Hill hadn’t made these opportunities available to me.

The highlight of my time at university came last year when I was chosen to do a four-week internship in Ghana with an organisation called Sporting Opportunities. I spent the summer working alongside qualified sports psychologists at the Ghanaian Football Academy, helping young players prepare for the African Cup of Nations. It was such an incredible experience to travel on my own and live and work in another country, especially one that’s so different from the UK. It really took me out of my comfort zone but I loved every minute of it and I’m so grateful I had that opportunity.