Follow Your Passion To Kickstart Your Career: From Essex to Team GB

For many students, university isn't just about academics; it's about discovering opportunities you’re passionate about that can clear the path to a future career. Starting as a Sports Therapy student at the University of Essex, coupled with a good dose of dedication and hard work, led to exciting, real-world experiences in sports, supporting the Great Britain Women’s Para Volley Team. This story highlights the value of being career-ready and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. From taking control time management and communication to staying organised amidst a busy schedule, this student’s experience prepared him for the world of high-performance sport.

Introducing… Ben Osborne

Having the chance to support and represent the Great British national team in a sport I have a long-standing passion for is an opportunity I will always be grateful for. When I began my Sports Therapy study at Essex four years ago, I didn’t think I would be given the chance to support my country in its sitting volleyball endeavours on an international stage.

Passion to Profession

Being a scholarship athlete in the University’s volleyball programme has had its challenges; time keeping, organisation, and communication. Developing these skills for the last four years has helped me transition from my adolescent naivety into an independent adult.

Now in my final year of my MSc in Physiotherapy I see just how much I have grown in my sporting accomplishments and my approach to things. Having to organise myself and better manage my time has helped me gain opportunities like this one - supporting the Great Britain Women's Sitting Volleyball team as a Sports Therapist at the Para Volley Europe Silver Nations League in Prague.

Real-World Experience

I supported the female GB sitting volleyball team as their Sports Therapist, over three action-packed days of competition and five matches. Over the first day, the ladies started out the blocks with a 3-2 win over Croatia and a 3-0 win over Czechia. Following a tougher second day, we suffered agonising losses, including a 3-2 to France and a 3-0 loss to the Netherlands. Despite the team narrowly missing out on a bronze medal to the home nation, the sights are set on LA 2028.

Having the opportunity to gain more experience within the world of Physiotherapy whilst working in a sport I am passionate about is a privilege.

A Career Kickstart

Reflecting on my journey so far, I think I have found a career I can enjoy for a very long time, which is a rare thing to say! If I hadn’t studied at Essex, and begun my journey in Sports Therapy, I wouldn't be as fortunate with the opportunities I’ve had so far.

We’re thankful and proud of Ben’s journey, pursuing something in such a fulfilling way that has set him up for a career he knows he’ll enjoy for years to come. Get excited and be inspired.

Discover how our Performance Sport programme at Essex can support your overall development.

Follow our student athletes’ journey on Instagram @uniessexperform

Sports scholarships and bursaries

We are committed to supporting and developing high performance athletes. Find out whether you could be eligible for a sports scholarship or bursary, plus a range of additional benefits too when you join the University of Essex.