I currently work at Sheffield Hallam University as a senior lecturer in skill acquisition and performance analysis. My Fellowship aimed to explore and understand ways to provide children with positive experiences in sport and, in particular, how competition can be redesigned to offer experiences that are more fun and more engaging. Sport and physical activity can contribute to healthy, happy and longer lives, but all too often children have poor experiences, turning them away from an active lifestyle.

The purpose of the Fellowship was to find out about alternative and more positive ways for children to experience the competitive aspects of sport. Post-Fellowship, the findings supported the redesign of the rugby league competition format for children aged 6 to 11. The new game helped remove many barriers to participation and increased playing numbers.

On a personal level, the Fellowship enriched my development and provided me with new skills, setting me on a path of lifelong improvement.