Award winning student

Ben Wills with the Olympic torch

Congratulations to Ben Wills (BSc Sport Coaching) who recently won the Student Volunteer of the Year award at the first ever Solent Employability and Enterprise Excellence awards. In his application, Ben outlined his personal development throughout the degree. “When I began my degree at Solent I was interviewed and subsequently set up a career plan with my course leader, together with being given interviews with three representatives from the rugby industry. I have since been given amazing opportunities to go on courses, volunteer and develop myself within the sport. I currently coach about 18 hours a week across a range of different programmes. During my first year I was provided with a volunteer placement at a London Irish School of Rugby which was fantastic in gaining exposure to an elite set up. I was also used by Hampshire at several coaching sessions and festivals throughout the county, working within a variety of situations and groups such as the Romsey Rugby Club women’s initiative.” 

Ben coaching at Twickenham

Matt Johnson, Course Leader for the BSc Sport Coaching comments “As Ben's Course leader, I am thrilled that Ben won. He has worked so hard over the last two years and thoroughly deserves this title. He has demonstrated tireless commitment to developing his CV and making a difference through rugby. I have absolute confidence that he will leave Solent as a very knowledgeable and skilled coach capable of making a difference in whichever environment he decides to work in."

His employers were equally positive in their praise for Ben. Gavin Williams, RFU Coaching & Playing Development Officer added, “Ben has distinguished himself through a combination of hard-work, commitment and passion for volunteering. He is a great role model for both the young people he coaches and for his peers within the University.” 

Ivan Torpey, Hampshire Regional Rugby Development Officer comments, “since arriving at Solent University Ben has made a very positive impact to the development of rugby in Hampshire.  Supporting our RFU Community Rugby Coach, Ben was instrumental in introducing the game of Tag Rugby to three new local Junior schools in Shirley.  This programme culminated with thirty children playing Tag rugby at Twickenham in a ‘Curtain raiser’ ahead of the England v New Zealand autumn International. Tim Allen, Hampshire Rugby Director added to these sentiments by claiming “Ben has undertaken all the jobs we have thrown at him in Hampshire Rugby with his usual calm efficiency and dedication and has excelled in all the roles.” 

Congratulations to Ben on this outstanding achievement.