I received my BA in Sport and the Community from Strathclyde University (Scottish School of Physical Education, Jordanhill College) in 1990. My dissertation was on The Use and Value of Speedball Training for Male Sprinters. On completion of my undergraduate degree, I had part time jobs as a fitness instructor and leisure management contracts assistant, writing and implementing compulsory competitive tendering bids for local authorities.

In 1991, I started my first full time job in sport as a Sport Development Officer with Glasgow City Council. My job involved a strategic approach to encouraging people across the city to take up sport and physical activity in key target areas such as young people, 50+, women, athletics, rugby and people with disabilities. In addition to this, I was involved with organising, promoting and implementing high-profile sports events such as the European Indoor Athletics Championships and the Glasgow International Marathon. I was also responsible for community-based seasonal sports programmes as well as leading developments on coach education, coaching policy, performance and excellence and health and fitness. In addition I have been involved in other major sporting events such as the Special Olympics and the FIFA World Cup on a voluntary basis.

In 1995, whilst working full-time in Glasgow, I studied for a Master of Philosophy Degree (MPhil) in Educational Studies (Physical Education and Exercise Studies) from Glasgow University, from which I graduated with Distinction. My thesis was A Case Study Evaluation and Analysis of a Single Local Authority Sport Development Strategy in Scotland. In the mid 1990’s, I started my career in teaching as a Lecturer in Sports Coaching, Sports Development and Leisure Management at Motherwell College of Further Education, where I was course leader and course tutor for the Higher National Diploma students.

In 1998, I took up the post of Senior Lecturer in Sport Development and Sport Management at Northumbria University in Newcastle, teaching on undergraduate sports courses. I then joined the University of Southampton in 2000 as a Lecturer in Sport Management and Sport Development and was given the responsibility for writing and validating a new undergraduate BA (Hons) degree in Sport Management and Leadership, which was successfully introduced to the University’s curriculum in 2001. I was subsequently made Programme Coordinator for the degree, a position I still occupy today.

Outside of work, I was actively involved in athletics both as an amateur and professional sprinter, winning numerous titles. I have also been involved as a sprint coach, and have coached athletes to national representative level since 1984. In addition to this, I currently enjoy skiing, golf, sailing, reading, music, travelling, cinema and theatre.

1. Managing and Developing Sport BA (Hons)

1. Sport Studies BSc (Hons)

Various sport national governing body awards.

Tutor for Sport England ‘Running Sport’ programme, Coach UK and the British Sports Trust.

Chair of 'Active Southampton' Strategic Planning Group for Sport (Voluntary)
Chair of the City of Southampton Sport and Physical Activity Strategic Task Group 2005 - 2006
External moderator for the validation review BA (Hons) Sport Development at Winchester College, 2002.

Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM)
Institute of Learning and Teaching (ILT)
European Association of Sport Management (EASM)
Sports Coach UK
Scottish Games Association