Scholarship Leads To British Cycling Role
19 November 2012
Buxton graduate Justin Knox, who has secured a job at British Cycling
The programme at Buxton has been fantastic as my lecturers have lots of experience in their professional areas and some great contacts. The course also gave me the knowledge and confidence to apply for this coveted scholarship, and the job, and now I'm delighted to be part of British Cycling.
”Justin Knox
A talented sports coaching graduate is nurturing cycling talent in Devon, Somerset and Cornwall after securing a role with British Cycling.
Justin Knox, 37, from Matlock, Derbyshire, who graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) Sports Development and Sports Coaching degree from the University of Derby Buxton on Saturday (November 17), secured the role after completing British Cycling's Scholarship programme for 2011/12.
As a British Cycling 'Go Ride Coach', Justin will work to develop the skills of young talented cyclists and school children throughout the South West.
He said: "Throughout my scholarship I worked alongside British Cycling's performance staff, who coach some of the UK's top cyclists. This was a fantastic experience, especially during an Olympic year and with the added success at the Tour de France.
"I'm really excited about putting my knowledge and recent experience into developing cycling talent in the South West after securing my dream job."
A keen mountain biker since the age of 11, it wasn't until Justin was 34 that he decided to turn his favourite hobby and expertise, gained through mountain biking around the Peak District, into a career as a cycling coach. To do this he enrolled on a Sports Development and Sports Coaching degree programme at the University of Derby Buxton, and began coaching for Matlock Cycling Club in his spare time.
Justin continued: "The programme at Buxton has been fantastic as my lecturers have lots of experience in their professional areas and some great contacts. The course also gave me the knowledge and confidence to apply for this coveted scholarship, and the job, and now I'm delighted to be part of British Cycling."
Lee Rylands, Lecturer in Sports Coaching and Development at the University of Derby Buxton, added: "This is a fantastic and unique opportunity for Justin. The academic theory he has learned from his studies coupled with this real life experience working with some of the best coaches in the world have landed him this fantastic role.
"Justin is proof that if you have passion for your sport and commitment to learn, you can achieve great things. I'm sure he will pass this on to all of the cyclists he'll go on to coach."
For more information about Sports Development and Sports Coaching programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www.derby.ac.uk/udb
