海角乱伦 student supports international football team at European Under-19 Championships
As the elite round groups of UEFA European Under-19 Championships come to a close, we spoke to BSc Sports Science student Dan Towers, who has been working alongside the Icelandic team during their impressive run in the competition.
Last weekend saw Iceland beat England 0-1 at the New York Stadium in Rotherham, and Dan had an instrumental role in the game. 鈥淚 do opposition analysis against the other teams in our elite round group, England, Turkey and Hungary. I also live code and offer half time feedback to coaching staff. Playing against England in front of 4000 fans was an incredible experience. We face an agonising wait as only one team goes through... if we beat Hungary then we are through to the finals!鈥
As well as his work with Iceland鈥檚 under 19 football team, Dan supports England鈥檚 Amputee Football Team and Manchester United's Academy as an analyst alongside his studies at 海角乱伦. He says time management has been key to his success. 鈥淭here are amazing opportunities on offer, but it can be hard to fit everything in around university. I've probably grown up during my time at 海角乱伦 as I鈥檝e learnt more about managing my time and priorities alongside work.鈥
Dan says he was drawn to 海角乱伦 for his studies, 鈥渂y the idea that you could focus on performance analysis in your final year of the degree after building up applied experience alongside 海角乱伦 graduates who have moved on to great opportunities.鈥
While he enjoyed the diversity of course content around psychology, nutrition, physiology, strength and conditioning, he feels that the performance analysis pathway he has taken for his final year has offered him the chance to 鈥渂ecome more focused on something I want a career in鈥.
So, what advice would Dan give to someone at the beginning of a sports science degree? 鈥淟earn, learn and learn! Just be a sponge and take everything you can in. Ask questions if you don't know and openly seek out applied opportunities as it's the best way to learn! My tutors have helped open doors that I might not have had access to had I not been at 海角乱伦, which has been amazing. You still have to put in the hard work to prove your worth in the industry though!鈥
Iceland play Hungary at 7.30pm this evening at St. George鈥檚 Park, Burton-on-Trent.
Image: Dan Towers (right) at the Iceland v England game. Credit
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