Introducing our latest coaching addition..... Samuel Packham!!

 

We conducted an interview with Samuel to find out more about himself and how he managed to get into coaching. We are really pleased that he has joined Lions Sports Academy and cannot wait to work closely with him in the foreseeable future.

 

Full name: Samuel Packham

 

I’ve been coaching on and off for 7 years (because I was studying for my degree). I started

my coaching journey in college when I was offered the opportunity to do my gym instructor

level 1 and 2 course. I originally only did the course to learn how to use the equipment and to

give me ideas in the gym as I was new to using it. After doing the course, I really enjoyed it

and realised I had a skill of engaging with people and how to perform the exercises .This

resulted into a fitness instructor job role a few years later.

 

I started my fitness instructor role in 2011 and I was also coaching football to children in the

same sports centre as I was a FA level 1 qualified coach. I was a fitness instructor for 1 year

and wanted to progress myself further so started the level 3 personal training course. One

year after becoming a fully qualified personal trainer I wanted to increase my knowledge

further and decided to go to University to studying Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at

Brunel University.

 

During my time at University I was fortunate to gain experience in two football clubs doing

two season spells at Fulham Football Club and Brentford Football Club as an intern. At

Brentford I was a part time strength and conditioning coach intern and did this throughout my

first year studying. My spell at Fulham was during my third year when I did a placement year

and I was a full time sport scientist intern. I also gained the FA level 2 coaching award in

football whilst at university as the course was using Brunel’s facilities. After gaining the level

2 coaching qualification, this led to a coaching role with the University’s fifth team in my

final year at University.

 

I heard through a friend that it is a good company to work for but the main attraction to work

for Lions was that it is a different sport I will be coaching. Throughout my coaching career, I

have only coached football athletes or the general public. The opportunity to gain experience

in coaching Rugby athletes was a chance I couldn’t resist. I want to gain as much experience

in coaching as many sports as possible.

 

 Fitness Instructor – Level 1

 Fitness Instructor – Level 2

 Personal Training – Level 3

 FA Coach – Level 1

 FA Coach – Level 2

 Sport, Health and Exercise Science (Human Performance) – 2.1

 Currently working towards the UKSCA Accreditation.

 

To gain as much experience in coaching multiple sports, in the build up to become a Head of

Strength and Conditioning at an elite sports club.

 

I like all sports to be honest but my main sport in football, I play at semi pro level. I also go

to the gym regularly. I like to learn new things so I’m currently teaching myself German and

how to play the keyboard.

Trapped on a desert island, 3 things to take what are they?

A compass, machete and a strike fire starter – survival before luxury. I’m a big fan of Bear

Grylls.