Northern Ireland soccer star Aimee Neal is completing her studies at South West College (SWC), studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science alongside her football career as she advances towards her dream of playing soccer professionally. She has found the Level 3 course has put her on the right path to career success.

Aimee from Fivemiletown began playing football at a young age and fell in love with the sport. She has since achieved success on the grass and is currently playing senior level for Sion Swifts Ladies and the Northern Ireland U19s. Whilst playing professionally is her primary goal, she is eager to develop her education and came to the SWC, Erne campus to pursue her professional sporting career ambitions. She said:

"I always wanted to go down a sporting route, and after achieving 8 GCSEs at Fivemiletown College, I left school and came to SWC. I felt it would be more beneficial for my career as it offered outstanding sporting facilities and courses that aligned with my interests and goals.”

Aimee Neal
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science

Aimee’s dream is to go professional in football, but she is also studying to create her own business in sports recovery and has found the BTEC is helping her acquire the knowledge and expertise needed to advance both on and off the field.

She said: “I enjoy the course very much and have learnt so much since coming to the College. The tutors are first class, and I wouldn't be able to get the grades I have if it wasn't for the tutors being there to help whenever I needed them.

During my time, I have enjoyed learning more about sports recovery and the science behind elite sports performance. I have also acquired a wide range of knowledge in health and fitness, nutrition, sports coaching, strength and conditioning, sports injuries and more, which has really supported my career ambitions and improved my overall performance.”

Having recently got called up to train with the Northern Ireland Senior Women and with the world at her feet. Aimee advises others in a similar situation to pursue education. She would recommend studying Sport and Exercise courses locally at the College as they are designed to support athletes and those with a natural interest.

As for the future, Aimee said: "My full focus would be football, and if it doesn't work out, then I will have my qualifications, which is vital in the long run. Upon completion, I plan to progress to the foundation degree at the College or even go for a scholarship to play football in America."

For those interested in a career within the ever changing Sport and Exercise Sector,  SWC offer a wide range of flexible courses from Level 2 to BSc Hons degree in areas such as sport and exercise, strength and conditioning, personal and group training as well as gym instructing.  

For further information follow South West College on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or to apply, please see below.

Sport and Exercise

L2 Apprenticeship in Active Leisure Learning and Wellbeing

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Apprenticeships Sport and Exercise Level 2 Full-Time

New for 2023/24 Some people often prefer learning “On the job”. This qualification is aimed at employees that work with staff and customers in a sport and activity environment, as well as those who use and maintain equipment and facilities, including caravan parks. It is a work-based Active leisure, learning and well-being qualification that assesses the competence and knowledge that is ...

View L2 Apprenticeship in Active Leisure Learning and Wellbeing

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (RQF)

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Sport and Exercise Level 3 Full-Time

If you are hoping to pursue a career in the sport or health industry, physical education or are interested in how the body works, then sports science and its related disciplines could prove to be the perfect programme for you. All students are expected to participate in a range of theory and practical activities during their time on the course. Students will be given the opportunity to g...

View Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (RQF)

Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Sport and Exercise Level 2 Part-Time

The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to be able to plan, deliver and supervise safe and effective exercise programmes within a gym or health club environment. Skills Focus funding available towards course fees for eligible employers to up skill staff or for self-employed students. Please ask for further details. This course is delivered as a ...

View Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing

Active IQ Level 2 Award in Instructing Circuit Sessions

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Sport and Exercise Level 2 Part-Time

The aim of this qualification is The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to be able to plan, deliver and supervise safe and effective group training sessions. Skills Focus funding available towards course fees for eligible employers to up skill staff or for self-employed students. Please ask for further details. This course is delivered a...

View Active IQ Level 2 Award in Instructing Circuit Sessions

Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Sport and Exercise Level 3 Part-Time

The aim of this qualification is to recognise the skills, knowledge and competence required for an individual to work unsupervised as a personal trainer. This includes being able to offer one-to-one training, baseline assessment, nutritional advice and progressive programming which is specific to the individual needs of a client. Skills Focus funding available towards course fees for eligible e...

View Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training

BTEC Level 3 Dual Pathway in Sport and Exercise Science & Applied Science

Omagh Further Education Sport and Exercise Applied Science, Science Level 3 Full-Time

A Dual Qualification, combining two qualifications Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (equivalent to 2 A-Levels) and Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science (equivalent to 1 A-Level), which provides a well-rounded education in both sport and exercise science and applied science, equipping students with a diverse skill set an...

View BTEC Level 3 Dual Pathway in Sport and Exercise Science & Applied Science

Active IQ Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (blended delivery)

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Higher Education Sport and Exercise Level 4 Part-Time

This NEW Blended delivery course aims to provide students with the background knowledge and practical skills to be able to plan, deliver and review strength and conditioning programmes that work towards athletes achieving their performance goals. This course is suitable for those currently working in the fitness industry in roles such as personal trainers, sports coaches and strength and condit...

View Active IQ Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (blended delivery)

Foundation Degree in Sport and Exercise (Validated by The Open University)

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Higher Education Sport and Exercise Level 5 Full-Time Part-Time

The Foundation Degree Sport and Exercise course will focus on developing knowledge of the field (content) whilst providing students with opportunities to apply their learning in practical contexts (experience) and enhancing their learning through problem solving approaches (challenging and authentic tasks). The learning approaches will take into account the diverse backgrounds ...

View Foundation Degree in Sport and Exercise (Validated by The Open University)

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Top-up) Validated by The Open University

Omagh Higher Education Sport and Exercise Level 6 Full-Time

The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Top-up) course will focus on developing knowledge of the field (content), whilst providing students with opportunities to apply their learning in practical contexts (experience) and enhancing their learning through problem solving approaches (challenging and authentic tasks). South West College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organi...

View BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Top-up) Validated by The Open University

Sport and Exercise