So, I decided to start a little series where I interview a collection of ‘interesting people’, as I want to try and make as many connections and networks with people as possible, finding out as much information about people as I can and keeping a record of it. I recently bought myself a microphone to start working on some voice podcasts with friends and mutuals that I have made via social media (as I know that a camera in-front of someone’s face could be a little nerve wracking or awkward; and that a ‘voice only’ option would make people feel more comfortable for people to cope with. The first proper interview that I have done was with Ollie Judd – VP Sport at Nottingham Trent University (NTU). This interview was done as part of one of my media projects where we have been filming as many different sports clubs as possible, promoting sports here at NTU. In the interview I ask Ollie several questions, and have a written version of the dialogue can be read below:
Brandon: Good Afternoon, we are actually in one of the training rooms right now, and I am actually here this afternoon with the VP sport himself. Would you like to introduce yourself and what you do?
Ollie: So, hello everyone I am Ollie Judd, the VP sport of the students union. Just a quick overview of what I get upto on a day to day basis. I actually push quitea lot of campaigns such as mental health campaigns or volunteering. I sit on the varsity strategic board, and that’s going to be happening next year, so I’ll have to do a lot of planning behind that as well as the sports ball, some of the club committee training, I’ll have to sit on the sports management team and just push sport here at NTU as much as I can.
Brandon: Ok. Well, leading onto my next question then; what made you join a sports club?
Ollie: I have always played sport and coming to this University, I saw a new opportunity to get involved, make new friends and build a community. I also saw opportunities within the sports club themselves, such as the volunteering opportunities, allowing floodgates to open when you join a sports club as there are so many different angles and approaches you can take.
Brandon: So, what made you apply for the role of VP?
Ollie: So, there were two main reasons why I applied for the role. The first one being for personal development and what I wanted to achieve over the next 5-10 year, chair a lot of meetings, help with the BUCS advising boards and personally wanted to develop as I knew it would look good on my CV. The second reason is because I had such a great time here at University, and wanted to give something back.
Brandon: Why do you think new students should get involved with a sports club?
Ollie: There are three main reasons I wanted to get involved with a sport club. The first one is that it ois a good way to make new friends and meet people all around the world, as we are such a multi-cultural University now. The second reason was because there are opportunitie to join a committee, where you are able to become a marketing officer or treasurer; giving you more experience in more organisations and more responsibility. The final benefit is that it’s a lot better for your mental health. There have been lots of statistics on television and in the news about how it can benefit both your physical and mental wellbeing by doing something off curricular.
Brandon: Why do you think sports clubs are important for University culture?
Ollie: They are important as there is that mix of multi-cultural and international students here at University, with a different variety of cultures between a lot of different sports clubs. For example: something like volleyball is different to something like sub aqua, and that’s different to rock climbing and things like that. It kind of gives you an opportunity to meet and explore new cultures, make new friends and sticking with those students who have common interests. If you’re part of the tennis team for example, you can build a community and be involved with more opportunities outside of the sports club as well as inside the sports club.
Brandon: Alright! And last question then before I finish up this interview. What would you say to someone who is unsure of whether they should join a sports club or not?
Ollie: I would say you should try something new and get yourself stuck right in as there are a wide variety of different sports clubs to try. When students initially come, it’s a bit overwhelming/daunting with a lot of things thrown at you during freshers for example, but even if you’re not interested in performance sports, BUCS teams or winning medals. There are also ‘Play For Fun’ sessions which are just participation sports where you can just turn up and play with your friends. You could also go into the Sports Volunteering and get involved with some team challenges.
My biggest advice is to start asking questions and if you are interested in joining a particular sports club, find the committee details on the NTSU website or directly message one of the committee on Facebook and get those initial questions asked because it will make it a lot easier for you to approach these people in real life, and I guarantee that you will have a brilliant time if you do get involved with sport here at NTU.
Brandon: Well, thank you very much for taking part in this interview today.
Ollie: Thank you.
Brandon: Thanks for watching! That’s all. Snap.
Video interview with Ollie:
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