Ronan Kavanagh

I would like to apply for a position at Fitness Pro Travel. My name is Ronan Kavanagh I am a recent graduate of the University of Limerick Ireland, where I studied Sport and Exercise Science. This is a four year honours BSc degree programme designed to provide an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and methods of science applied to sport and exercise. With respect to our degree programme, the first year of the course is a foundation one in which a sound understanding of mathematics, physics, human anatomy & kinesiology,physiology and psychology is gained leading to an introduction to each of the major core disciplines of exercise physiology, biomechanics and psychology. A deeper more detailed study of these core areas takes place in second, third and fourth years. Throughout the programme there is an emphasis on applying science to sport and exercise. To this end in the first two years we get practical experience of selected sports along with training methods related to strength and conditioning. In the third and fourth years we are required to conduct research projects which involve applying scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. During my third year I spent three and a half months working with Cardiff City FC as an assistant performance analyst to Enda Barron. This was an amazing experience that helped me understand how a professional football club is run, as well as developing my computer skills using performance analysis software ProZone and Focus. I was given a series of different responsibilities during my placement, these varied from live coding of games, to opposition scouting, to performance analysis for the 1st team and the academy. This often had to be done under pressure and within a tight time schedule. I was also able to attend training sessions, and was also given to opportunity to shadow the goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson. This involved working with 2 international goalkeepers in David Marshall, and Peter Enkleman. Marshall has played in the latter stages of the Uefa Champions League, including a penalty save from Ronaldinho against FC Barcelona. Enkleman, had vast premier league experience with Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers. During my time at Cardiff I learned how to act and behave in a professional sporting set up, and learned about the different roles each person had to play in order for the club to be successful. In addition to this experience, I also spent the summer of 2009 coaching soccer in Texas with Challenger Sports, this was a great experience, where I got to do a lot of hands on coaching and was given a lot of opportunities to to meet new people and experience the way of Life in Texas, which I throughly enjoyed and loved the state as a whole, working on camps, in Frisco, Denton, Del Rio and Orange to name but a few. Although I do not currently have a visa, I believe from previous experience that one can be easily obtained. I feel that this experience showcases my adaptability, and my interest in all aspects of sport and the science related to sport. It is for this reason that I feel I would be very well suited to Fitness Pro Travel.