Sam Whitehead
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Fulham Football Club
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
I completed my MSc at St Mary’s University in Twickenham. During this time I worked as an intern Strength and Conditioning Coach at Locker 27 Athletic Development and Fulham FC.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
During my BSc at Exeter, I enjoyed the practical nature of both the Physiology and Strength and Conditioning Modules. This interest led me to gain coaching experience, which I found fulfilling.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I did a lot of sport in my time in Exeter. I joined the football and Jiu Jitsu clubs. Outside of this, I ran and went to the gym.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
I enjoyed the labs and practicals the most as they allowed me to put into practice the content from lectures, and I learn best by doing. I also loved Sam Vine’s Psychology lectures. His lecturing style kept everybody engaged, using lots of examples.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
Meeting so many like-minded students on my course and in the football club.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Exeter has a great reputation for Sport Science and is a lovely city to be in. The university also allowed me to combine Sport Science with Spanish, so I could continue learning the language.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
The gym-based practicals with Oliver Whitton and lectures from Matt Campbell. Conversations with these two have been extremely helpful with navigating the field of strength and conditioning.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Gain experience. It doesn’t matter at what level. Semi-pro, youth, elite… any coaching experience will help you to get future roles.
What are your plans for the future?
I aim to progress within Fulham FC, to work with the older age groups. One day I would love to do consultancy work.
