Ryan started his EEG journey as a student on the Extended Diploma Sports and Exercise Science L3 course in 2011, and then Business Subsidiary Diploma in 2013. He then progressed to university. When completing his PGCE, he undertook a placement back at West Suffolk College. He loved it so much that he stayed. Ryan is pleased to be giving back to the College and its students the knowledge and support he once received from it. He recalls the amazing support from lecturers and his classmates, as well as the opportunities provided by the Sports Academy and Team Bury. Ryan is now Programme Lead (Working in Sport and Yr1 Coaching and Performance) and Sports Lecturer.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
My journey with Eastern Education Group began as a student at West Suffolk College, where I completed the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (2011–2013), followed by the Business in Sport Subsidiary Diploma (2013–2014). I initially joined Eastern Education Group because of its strong reputation for delivering high-quality sport courses and the opportunity to study in a supportive, professional environment. The Sports and Exercise Science Extended Diploma at West Suffolk College stood out to me due to its practical approach, excellent facilities, and experienced staff who had real-world industry knowledge.
After leaving West Suffolk College as a student, I went on to study Sports Development and Management at Edge Hill University. As fate would have it, my PGCE (Professional Graduate Certificate in Education) at the University of Suffolk’s teaching placement brought me back to West Suffolk College (2017–2018), and, after completing my training, I was offered a full-time position – a moment that felt like coming full circle.
Following successful completion of my PGCE, I was offered a full-time role and have been working as a Sports Lecturer since 2018. I stayed as a staff member after completing my degree and PGCE because I wanted to give back to the same organisation that helped shape my own journey. The chance to teach, inspire, and support future learners in an environment that I respected and trusted made it a natural decision to continue my career with the Group.
My experience spans both student and staff perspectives, and I remain proud to be part of the College’s continuing journey. My journey with the College not only laid the foundations of my career, but also inspired me to give back to the very environment that helped shape me. I now have the privilege of supporting the next generation of learners in the same way that I was supported.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
As a student, one of my proudest memories was the opportunity to represent the Sports Academy on a national level – a moment that filled me with pride and truly showcased the level of talent and support nurtured at the College.
I have many great memories of Team Bury FC, and I’m incredibly proud to have been part of it. The strong pathway between the football academy at West Suffolk College, Team Bury, and Bury Town FC, gave me the opportunity to progress from youth football into the men’s game. Competing at that level required me to adapt quickly, learning from experienced players, coping with the physical demands, and understanding the professionalism expected within senior football. Those years helped shape me both on and off the pitch. The support from coaches, the competitive environment, and the friendships formed played a major role in developing my confidence and resilience. That experience had a real influence on the direction of my career and helped guide me into the role that I am proud to be in today.
Equally rewarding was the chance to study a diverse and enriching range of units across both sport and business, which broadened my understanding and prepared me for future pathways. The blend of academic challenge and real-world application made every lesson meaningful.
Beyond the curriculum, it was the lecturers who believed in us. During my time studying, I was supported by an excellent team of staff including Richard Wilkins, Ross Wilding, Michael Steward, Lee Mandley, Claire Fasey, Mary Steeden, Kerry Treharne and many others within the department who all contributed to my development. I also look back fondly on the teammates who became friends, and an environment that encouraged growth that made my time here unforgettable. I studied alongside a fantastic group of peers such as Joseph Yaxley, Liam Wales, Jack Taylor, Ross Bailey, Johnny Conroy, Calum Finch, James Walters, Alex Gathercole, Mason Thorogood, Ricardo Ripa and many more who made the experience memorable, both academically and socially.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
For 100 years, West Suffolk College has been more than a place of learning; its been a catalyst for aspiration, a home for ambition, and a beacon of opportunity. From its early beginnings to the modern, dynamic institution it is today, the College has continually adapted to the needs of its students, its staff, and the world beyond its doors.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Make the most of your time, ask questions, take risks, and embrace the chance to learn not just about your subject, but about yourself. Success isn’t just measured in grades, but in growth, resilience, and the positive impact you have on others. Build relationships, use the support available, and remember that every challenge is a chance to develop.
You have the unique opportunity to shape futures. Inspire through authenticity, empathy, and consistency. Support your students and each other, lead with integrity, and never underestimate the value of a kind word or a patient explanation. You are not just educators or professionals – you are role models.
