Coby Keith

Focusing on the subject he enjoyed the most at school couldn’t have worked out better for Coby Keith. The former Aberdeen Grammar pupil has been involved in sport from a young age and now has an HND Sports Coaching & Development under his belt, been able to take advantage of NESCol’s Degree Link programme with RGU, has a part-time job working in the industry and the kudos of being nominated for two awards thanks to his work ethic at College.  

Coby, a keen sprinter and member of Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club, first connected with NESCol when he studied on a School-College course, the Exercise & Fitness Leadership NPA, during his sixth year at school.

He said, “Sport has always been the subject I enjoyed the most so the opportunity to attend Aberdeen City Campus in my final year was such a bonus. When it was time to leave school, applying for the HND was an easy decision and can truly say I’ve enjoyed every minute.

It was great to be able to give my whole attention and effort to the subject and I had an amazing two years at the College. The staff are superb, they have a fitness suite and games hall onsite and we also got to spend time at Aberdeen Sports Village. There are excellent volunteering opportunities during the course and it’s so useful to be able to apply your newly learned knowledge in a real-life setting. “

In the second year of his HND, Coby won a NESCol Time to Shine Award. The awards were established in 2020 as a way to recognise those from within the NESCol community who have had a positive impact on the lives of others.

Coby was nominated by the sports lecturing team who said in their submission, “Coby had 100% college attendance and a great attitude towards learning. He took his knowledge back to his local community by supporting and working at a variety of initiatives including an athletics club at Scotstown Primary School; a disability athletic club for both young children and adults aged 50+; his local athletics club, AAAC; and coaching at Skene Square with Active Schools. His passion for sport and coaching made him a very worthy winner.”

Coby was also nominated at the prestigious Aberdeen Sports Awards in 2024 for Young Community Coach/Volunteer of the Year, a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for sport.  

Successful completion of his HND allowed Coby to enter directly into the third year of a BSC (Hons) Sports Coaching at RGU which he started in September. In addition, he is working part-time for Aberdeen Sports Village in a coaching role.

After completing his studies, Coby hopes to use his qualifications and experience to find employment in a sports development role.