School leaver Robbie Mc kenna is on track to achieve a BSc Hons Degree in Sport and Exercise Science at South West College. Robbie praised his local College for providing a real alternative to university, allowing him to study to a degree level while pursuing his sporting aspirations.
On the pitch, local hero Robbie represents Fermanagh at both minor and u20 level and plays for club Coa O’Dwyers and soccer for Enniskillen Town. Robbie also recently captained our College Gaelic Team to sporting success, winning their first-ever All Ireland Division 3 League.
Sporting talent Robbie completed his GCSEs at St Michael’s College Enniskillen and chose South West College as his next step as he had a keen interest in sport and wanted to complete his degree whilst staying at home to play football.
Following the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, Robbie progressed to a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Sport and Exercise Science at South West College Enniskillen and is currently in the final year of his degree in Sport and Exercise Science in Omagh. He has found this pathway to be the best undergraduate route to achieve his sporting ambitions on and off the field.
Speaking about his educational pathway from Level 3 to 6, he said:
“Through my course I also qualified as a Handball coach, Level 1 GAA coach, Grassroots soccer coach and completed my first aid and safeguarding courses. In addition, the College facilitated me taking time off to complete my Level 2 swim instructors’ course in Manchester.
Robbie added: My time at SWC has been great. The lecturers are like friends and are always there to help. The excellent tuition I have received throughout my time at the College has helped me achieve distinctions so far and will hopefully help me achieve the desired degree.
I made some of the best memories of my life at the College, specifically winning the Division 3 CUFL Cup with the soccer team and winning the Division 3 All Ireland league with the Gaelic team and getting to the Semi-final of the Corn Na Mac Leinn Cup in Waterford where we lost to a late goal against New York that went on to win the tournament; however, I still made memories that will last forever. I also enjoyed playing many other sports at the College, including volleyball, Olympic handball & futsal.
The College provided me with excellent career guidance, and from the start of my journey as a Level 3 student, I understood the opportunities available to me when I complete my course. Last year I gained five months’ work experience in a primary school as part of my degree course. Next year I am going on to do a PGCE, and with the help of my tutors, I will have the grades necessary to be accepted at top universities.”
Whatever your sporting ambitions, there is sure to be a course for you. Whether you are a school leaver or a mature learner, South West College 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 more information or to apply, see below.