Say YES and throw yourself into everything you can. We have some excellent opportunities that pass many students by because they are tentative or have a negative approach.
Ross Cope, Sport Lecturer, TLC Coach and Volleyball Coach
I have been here at NSCG for around 19 years now, starting as a part-time lecturer in UPS and Sport. I briefly secured a full-time post covering a maternity leave in UPS before then moving across to a permanent role in Sport and Sport Science. I now teach across both Sport and UPS while taking on different roles including a TLC and volleyball coach.
I’ve always loved seeing people develop, grow and achieve in a coaching capacity so when I tried teaching, I loved it and found something that I really enjoy. Working with young adults can be challenging but there is never a dull moment and is fully rewarding.
The academy of sport at NSCG is great. The opportunities, skills and experiences the students gain is outstanding. I remember when sport at the college was simply a small enrichment add on, and to see it grow, develop and be successful is amazing.
For many years I coached both on the football and volleyball academy but once the volleyball programme started to grow that took over and I dropped the football. This was a tough decision but the potential success that was demonstrated within the volleyball academy and link with Newcastle Staffs Volleyball Club was too much of a pull.
I really got into volleyball when I was at college and played for the college, it helped I played with some really good players.
As the amount of people playing volleyball in the UK is somewhat lower than that of other sports, you often get to know people from all over the country and we all really get on well.
FIVB the global governing body for Volleyball estimate that around 800 million play volleyball globally with about 350 million playing regularly. Compare that to football where FIFA found around 265 million active footballers worldwide. (thesporting.blog, 2025)
There is no one person that inspires me but I draw on inspiration from sporting people overcoming adversity and sports people who are at the top of their field and have been for years. Ant Viggars is brilliant to work alongside.
I always have and always will look up to my parents for supporting me throughout everything in my life.
There have been many great successes and the year that the volleyball academy won 5 National titles would have to be up there but, I love it when students are gaining experiences that they wouldn’t normally gain and enjoy.
There is never a dull moment. We are carnage busy all the time and students will always surprise you with a comment, action or even better a combination of the two.
Our reputation, derived from our staff and students.
Experiences that students will never forget.
Say YES and throw yourself into everything you can. We have some excellent opportunities that pass many students by because they are tentative or have a negative approach.
