Students gain experience at world's largest youth football tournament

Yahoo

6 days ago

Students have shown their skills on an international stage.
A group of 47 students from Solent University in Southampton travelled to Sweden to support the world's largest youth football tournament, the Gothia Cup.
The group was made up of 36 sport and exercise therapy students and 11 student coaches from football studies, sport and exercise science, and sports coaching courses.
Dr Lynsey Northeast, course lead for sports and exercise therapy at Solent University, said: "We're now in our fourth year of providing this opportunity to our students, and it is always a great experience for our students who get to apply their skills in a real-world, fast-paced environment.
"Not only did they rise to the occasion with professionalism and confidence, but they also gained invaluable experience that will benefit them throughout their careers."
Held annually in Gothenburg, the Gothia Cup attracts more than 1,900 teams from 74 countries, providing a high-pressure setting for hands-on learning.
READ MORE: National scholarship leader recognised by Southampton university
Throughout the week-long event, students delivered pitch-side and clinical support to UK teams, managing real-time injuries and challenges while also putting their coaching into practice.
Ana Carolina Monteiro, one of the students who took part, said: "The Gothia Cup definitely took me out of my comfort zone, which is what you want at this stage in our professional path.
"It has helped me grow in confidence, as well as improving my networking, resilience, and much more.
"After this week I feel like I am capable of doing great things if I put fear to the side, and just put myself out there, which is something we've been told to do since the first day at uni."
Beyond their clinical duties, students explored Swedish culture and built connections with athletes and professionals from around the world.
The experience is part of Solent University's focus on experiential learning, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice on a global scale.
Solent's sports and exercise therapy course is accredited by The Society of Sports Therapists (SST) and includes industry placements with top UK sports teams, offering students practical experience before graduation.