Charley Henderson

Charley Henderson graduated from NESCol with an HND in Fitness, Health & Exercise and, through opportunities gained during her studies, has secured part-time employment as a Massage Therapist with Peterhead Football Club and a place in the third year of a BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science degree.

Charley joined NESCol after completing S4 at Northfield Academy. Initially, she had hoped to pursue a career in children’s nursing, but when she did not achieve the grades required, she decided to follow her passion for football and fitness instead. She accepted a place on the SCQF Level 5/6 Sport Coaching, Fitness & Exercise course and enjoyed the experience so much that she progressed to the HND the following year.

Placement opportunity at Peterhead Football Club turns into permanent role

The HND Fitness, Health & Exercise covers a broad range of subjects, including sports science, exercise instruction and fitness leadership, while also giving students the opportunity to complete a PDA in Personal Training. During the second year, students are required to undertake a work placement, and Charley successfully secured her own placement with Peterhead Football Club.

“I was fortunate to work alongside the sports science and medical teams at the club,” said Charley. “I supported the players with strength and conditioning programmes, putting into practice many of the skills I developed during my time at College. Alongside my HND, I also completed a massage course and gained valuable experience learning from the club’s physiotherapist, Donal Gallagher.”

“I loved the experience. I’m quite a shy person, but my time at NESCol definitely improved my confidence and gave me the belief that I’m capable of achieving anything I put my mind to. Working with professional athletes was a fantastic opportunity, and at the end of my placement, I was thrilled when the club offered me a job.”

Charley (first left in middle row) with the Peterhead F.C. squad and staff.

Balancing study, work and playing football

Charley now works for the club on Wednesdays and Saturdays, travelling to Dundee for training sessions and between Peterhead and Glasgow for matches. Alongside her club role, she also plays for Huntly F.C. Women’s team, training twice a week and competing at weekends.

In addition to balancing work with Peterhead F.C., playing football and studying at university, Charley also works part-time as a Team Leader at Superdrug, making for a very busy schedule.

A positive College experience

Now studying at Robert Gordon University, Charley looks back happily on her time at NESCol and the role it played in preparing her for the next stage of her education.

“The class sizes are much smaller at NESCol, and the lecturers are lovely,” she said. “They’re approachable, supportive and always available to talk things through.

“The facilities at City Campus are great, and you can use the gym when you don’t have classes. Overall, it’s a really positive and uplifting environment that makes it easy to make friends. In fact, I met my best friend Aimee on the HND, and she’s now studying at RGU too.”

Future goals

Looking ahead, Charley plans to continue working with Peterhead F.C., developing her skills, gaining valuable experience and building professional connections. She hopes to complete her degree before progressing to postgraduate study in physiotherapy.

“I’m absolutely delighted with where I am today,” she said. “At 19, I’m working with I’m working with a professional football club, I have an HND under my belt and a degree in my sights.

“I think my College experience shows that everything happens for a reason. If you don’t get the grades you hoped for, or your career path changes, that’s okay. NESCol has given me brilliant opportunities, and I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without it.”

Charley receiving her HND from Principal and Chief Executive of NESCol, Neil Cowie.

Study sport and fitness at NESCol