GB basketball coach has joined sports staff at Writtle University College.

Mark Williams, coach to the Great Britain basketball senior squads will be sharing his expertise and giving students access to GB basketball training camps where they can gain insight into national team coaching.

He will be teaching modules on Writtle’s Sport & Exercise Performance degree and Diploma of Higher Education, as well as the Foundation Degrees in Cycling Performance, Aerial Performance and the newly-launched Sports Science with Outdoor Activity.

He said: “In addition to providing academic skills and theoretical principles, it is imperative that students are provided with applied knowledge and understanding, as well as other pertinent industry-based skills.

“By forming links with industry and being able to expose students to environments and scenarios they will likely face in the field, it will better prepare them for their careers upon completion of their studies, as well as enriching their experience while studying at Writtle.

“It is my intention to provide opportunities for students to gain work-based learning experiences alongside their education.”

Mark was Head of Strength and Conditioning for Great Britain Basketball Senior Men’s and Women’s.

He currently works alongside the squads’ national team medical and coaching staff, monitoring the individual training of players. He designs individualised strength and conditioning programmes in accordance with the needs of the player and their respective club schedules.

He also contributes towards the rehabilitation programming and return to play of injured players.

A former strength and conditioning coach and consultant to Southend United Football Club with a background in playing rugby for Southend RFC’s first team, Mark has an MSc in Strength and Conditioning, a PGCE and a Sports Science degree.

Students will benefit from Mark’s experience of teaching and coaching elite athletes, his expertise in strength and conditioning as well as his industry links