worcesternews.co.uk

University lecturer invited to Chelsea FC after inspiring school pupil

Jessica Fassnidge, a lecturer in sport and exercise science at the University of Worcester, was nominated for a mentoring experience by a school pupil after her talk at a Worcester high school.

The experience was organised by Chelsea sponsor Three, as part of their We See You Network, which supports women in football.

Fassnidge, who also plays for Worcester City Women FC, said: "It’s incredible to think you can go and do something which is a normal part of your role, speaking in a school, and then one of the young people actually went away and made a nomination for me."

She added: "The pupil asked me about female players, and I’ve since learned that she has decided she wants to come to the university to study sports therapy; it’s wonderful to see how we can inspire passion in young people."

During her weekend at Chelsea, Fassnidge watched a Chelsea Women’s game, attended a live podcast recording event, and spent time at the club's training ground meeting players and coaching staff.

Ms Fassnidge said: "I got to train with some of the coaches, play on the pitches, do loads of drills and hear from lots of people at the club like the medical team, the nutritionist and former players."

She added: "The whole experience was amazing.

"I got to network with people, and it was just so nice to be surrounded by people in the women’s game who are super passionate about it like I am."

Lerverne Barber, head of the School of Sport and Exercise Science at the university, said: "Jessica is an inspiring educator and is fully deserving of such a wonderful experience which will also help her own personal and professional development."

She added: "Lecturers from across the university routinely work in schools in the region to educate and inspire young people, and it’s moments like this that we can really see the impact they have on young people.

"Jessica is a new academic appointment for the School of Sport and Exercise Science, and she has already made a significant impact in the short time that she has been with us."

Read full news in source page