Omar Green

Sport PhD

After applying to several PhDs and not being successful, Omar nearly gave up on the idea of pursing postgraduate research. When he saw the opportunity to conduct a fully funded PhD studentship in his area of interest at BCU, he decided to try a final time. He is now researching his passion, cricket, and works with the team at BCU to achieve his goals and make a true impact in the sport.

Thesis Title: A coach’s perspective of what is talent in cricket? 

After completing my master’s degree, I applied for a couple of PhDs but unfortunately didn’t make the cut - so I thought it wasn’t for me anymore. I embarked on my sports coaching and teaching career with a PGCE. During this course, I did a module where I got to write a mini proposal on an area of physical education that we felt needed development. This re-sparked my interest in doing a PhD, as I found an area I was particularly interested in pursuing research. Doing a self-funded PhD was not an option for me, so I thought I’d continue to focus on my teaching.  

A funded PhD studentship advert came out at BCU – initially, I was hesitant to apply as I was worried about getting rejected again. However, I was really interested as the PhD was in a sport that I love, and the associated partners were organisations I respected. I decided to apply and see what happened, as a last chance for me.   

Thankfully, BCU provided me with this exciting opportunity to conduct a PhD in an area I’m passionate about. BCU has shown they are willing to invest in a wide range of sports and cultural PhDs, and I believe the team here will support me to achieve my goals. 

I chose to pursue a PhD because I want to make a real impact in cricket, and for people in my community. It will develop both my coaching and my knowledge, and how to make sport a more inclusive space to be. I chose this area of research because it reflects who I am. I love sports, coaching, and learning in general, and I want sports and education to be a more inclusive space.  

I have been made to feel really welcome so far in my PhD at BCU, fitting in well with my fellow PhD cohort and all staff are really open to chat about my research. I have regular meetings with my supervisor and PhD group twice a week, and I’ve been given details of all support and people to speak to if I need to. I love how I have access to a wide range of information, from books to people, and excellent industry network connections. 

In the future, I want to work within an elite performance setting as a Talent Pathway manager or coach. I want my research to show how coaches can create inclusive environments and have a greater understanding of how selection processes can be fairer.  

To anyone considering completing a PhD, I would say to apply and to come and join the supportive BCU team. You will have experts who will guide you through the process and your studies, your research knowledge will greatly improve, and you will become a better person overall, both academically and professionally.  

To me, ‘IAMBCU’ means growth and opportunity. BCU has taught me that we can all achieve through enough hard work and dedication.