Matt Lamin arrived at Loughborough College with a love of rugby - but left with a passion for sport science.
The 23-year-old now works for London Irish RFC as the club’s Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach, helping players optimise their performance through a carefully designed programme of exercise.
He originally enrolled at Loughborough College in 2013 to take a practical course which would enable him to play sport while studying.
But after acing his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport Coaching with a triple distinction, Matt’s new-found love of performance science led him to study for a degree in Strength and Conditioning Science at St Mary’s University in Twickenham.
After graduating, Matt interned at various high-performance teams before landing his job with London Irish – all thanks to his time at Loughborough.
Matt said: “The learning I went through at college was the first time I developed a real passion for human science and its practical application to performance. This was the start of a real journey for me.
“My qualification was essential, not only for allowing me the opportunity to go on to study at university, which was not something I had even considered prior to starting, but also for allowing me the opportunity to coach in various capacities and find other aspects of sport I could excel in outside of being an athlete.”
Matt said the college course and tutors not only prepare students for further study, but they also lead people to follow a different destiny.
“Sport can provide so many opportunities and the industry is far bigger than athletes and coaches, so be open to exploring different paths in the sports sector,” Matt said.
“The experience at Loughborough allows students to do this, giving an insight and knowledge to empower students to follow whatever path they choose.
“The support I had at Loughborough was second to none. I had challenges during my time, both academically and personally, but I always had the support of the tutors around me who genuinely want to see you succeed.”
Matt said prospective students will unlock their true potential with a course at Loughborough.
He added: “The biggest thing I got from my time was the support to see my potential as a coach and I didn't need to settle for a role I was comfortable in. If an individual is willing to put in the hard work, time and effort required, there is no doubt Loughborough College would support them in achieving their potential.”