International Day of Women in Science: Amy and Lauren

Hear from four women who work across our Football Development Sports centre based at Staplewood Training Ground to talk about their aspirations, motivations and roles at Southampton Football Club.

In the final part, find out more about Performance Psychologist Amy Spencer and the Sports Science Placement Student Lauren Horner as they discuss working for a Premier League football club

Don’t forget to take a look at our careers page to find all the latest vacancies here.

Tell us about your role and your journey into science?

I've been at the club now for ten seasons and throughout that time I've worked with various age groups, all the way through to the first team. I did a BTEC in Sport when I was at college and within that I had a placement year and I really wanted to go into sports. As part of my university journey, I studied Applied Sport Psychology and did that for a year where I completed an internship for placement as an Applied Sport Psychologist, working with a professional footballer for six months - that really sparked my interest in psychology.

What does a normal day look like for you?

It can vary on a daily basis! I usually start off with the match day team meetings and see what’s on for the day. I have a lot of one to one meetings with players, and then will also do some training observations and work with injured players. I speak to a lot of other staff members too such as Player Care and the Medical teams.

What’s achievement you are particularly proud of?

I was fortunate enough to be part of the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics. I was walking out finishing my part of the opening ceremony, I was walking through the athlete parade, where you had all the world's best competing athletes walking into the stadium. I was walking past with Chariots of Fire playing on in my ears and I just thought this is the most iconic thing and that that really reassured me that sport is definitely the place for me to be. I couldn't think of being anywhere else and that just highlighted that this was right at the start of my career.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would say to enjoy yourself and not think about things to much. I think as kids, and especially in society today, where we get brought up where we have to think about everything and we're worrying about all these different things, but its important to have fun.

Tell us about your background and your journey into science?

I'm here on my placement year from Loughborough University where I’m studying Maths and Sport Science as a joint honours degree. My role is as a Sport Science Placement Student - I work within the Under 18 program. I think my journey into sport probably started in primary school. I always used to just get involved with everything. When it came to this role, I was at the end of my second year and placement years are a part of my course. I applied for this role and was hesitant at first, not knowing if I’d be getting stuck in or filling up drink bottles. Once I had the interview I knew it was for me, everyone was so open and wanted me to be as involved with the day to day as possible.

What’s an achievement that you are particularly proud of?

There was a time a few months ago where the team were a little light on the ground due to Covid-19, and I had the opportunity to lead a session with the Under-18s. I was really involved in the conversations in the morning meetings and decision making for that session. For my development it was quite big as it put me on the spot and out of my comfort zone. It was nice to have the sense of achievement afterwards and I got some positive feedback as well.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself to ask more questions, that’s what really helped me get to where I am now - the more you ask the more you find out.