Patrick Bauer visited Preston College last week to provide Preston Centre of Sporting Excellence learners with a real-life insight into rehabilitation from injury, which they are currently studying as part of their Diploma in Sport programme.
The Centre of Sporting Excellence programme is an official partnership between Preston College and Preston North End Community and Education Trust, offering high-quality, technical education programmes at levels one to three.
Young people enrolled on the programme study multiple sporting disciplines and represent both PNECET and Preston College in national football leagues, while also having access to unique work experience opportunities and experiences from both organisations.
One such opportunity saw Bauer make a visit last week to tie in with learners’ current module on rehabilitation from injuries.
Bauer opened up about his experience of recovering from the setback he endured last season, and the mental and physical impact that had on him, while answering learners’ questions on the topic.
Post-16 Curriculum Lead Zach Clark said: “Patrick Bauer taking the time out to come to Preston College has been a really valuable experience for our learners.
“With learners currently looking at rehabilitation from injury as part of their studies, Pat being able to speak about his own experience of his recovery from last season in particular has given the learners a real-life example of a long rehabilitation process.
“It’s something they can now relate to and look back on to support them with their learning.
“We’re really appreciate of the fact that Pat has turned the tough experience he had last season into a positive by giving our learners an experience I am sure they will cherish for a long time.”
Pat also felt it was important to share his experience with the learners.
He said: “I really enjoyed coming here to Preston College, it was really good to speak to the students about the setback I had last year with my injury.
“It was really good to share my experiences with them. I think it’s important to speak to them because they haven’t experienced it before, but it hopefully can help them if they get any setbacks in their life to get back on their feet.
“It’s really good to do stuff for the community and hopefully we can do much more in the future.”
For more information about the Centre of Sporting Excellence programme, please email graeme@pne.com or visit pne.com/newstudent to complete an online expression form.