Wakefield College sports lecturer, John Heaton has been called up to support the England Ladies Student Rugby Team after being appointed as their Strength and Conditioning Coach for training sessions and upcoming international fixtures.
John, who teaches on the College’s sports massage courses, has a wealth of experience in strength and conditioning in rugby league having worked with the likes of the Batley Bulldogs, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.
John explained: “When I was asked last year to get involved with Wakefield Trinity Ladies Super League team as their Strength and Conditioning Coach, I saw it as an opportunity to return to rugby after a few years out. My time part-time role links perfectly with my role as Sports Tutor at Wakefield College. I was quite flattered then after only one year working in women’s rugby to be asked to work for the England Students Rugby League team to help them prepare for upcoming international games.”
As part of his new role, John recently attended a training session at Sheffield Hallam University, where he had the first opportunity to work with ladies. John added: “The student rugby league programme, which covers both Colleges and Universities, has developed some top players over the years. Seeing ladies from all over the north training together and me being a part of it was quite a humbling experience.”
Commenting on how his experience will benefit Wakefield College students, John said: “As a sports tutor with many years of industry experience in sport and fitness, this experience is adding to my skill set and knowledge allowing me to pass this on to our students who can also benefit too.”