Gary Adey
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Development 2005
Position: Manager at Easington School Sport Partnership
Gary Adey's professional path in the sports education sector is truly inspiring. Graduating in 2005, Gary wasted no time diving into his passion. Starting as a Community Sports Coach at Darlington Borough Council shortly after graduation, he dedicated six years to various roles before pursuing a PGCE in Primary School teaching.
Transitioning to Easington School Sport Partnership (SSP) as a Specialist PE Teacher, Gary honed his skills for five years before seizing the opportunity to apply for the manager position at SSP. Now, nearly three years into this role, Gary continues to thrive and excel, showcasing his dedication and expertise in the field.
Before coming to the University of Sunderland Gary had been studying at the Sunderland College. He had previously done GCSE PE and continued this into A Level PE.
He said: “I decided to study at the University of Sunderland at the last minute. I wanted to stay close to home and initially didn’t think the university offered courses that interested me, such as Sport/PE. However, I was accepted with an unconditional offer after submitting my UCAS application.”
He continued: “I enjoyed most aspects of the course I studied, but my main interest was coaching. I had completed coaching awards in cricket, basketball, and other sports during my time at the university, and I was volunteering at my local cricket club – Hetton Lyons. In the final year of the course, we had to write a business plan, and I based mine around the cricket club junior section. Later, I put it into practice, and it is something that has gone from strength to strength.”
Gary advises prospective students to enroll in a course that will truly engage them. He suggested: “Fully immerse yourself in the programme and seize as many opportunities as possible to gain experience in your area of interest.”
He continued: “Studying Sport and Exercise Development has helped me in meeting deadlines and testing myself in new environments. I have so many positive experiences from my time at university, including working with great lecturers and meeting new people.”
Gary concluded: “Some of the best days of my time in education were at the University of Sunderland. I enjoyed my school days, struggled a little at college, but really enjoyed university. It was a big opportunity for me to grow professionally and personally. I worked hard but I owe a lot to the people who helped me grow. People like John O’Leary, Bill Sheldon, they were so supportive and knowledgeable.”