A BRADFORD sports coaching lecturer has spoken of his “great sense of pride” at being honoured with a national award for his excellence in teaching, scholarship and research.

Sam Messam, who lectures at Bradford College University Centre, has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship (NTF) by the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Mr Messam, a former professional basketball player and coach at Bradford Dragons and Basketball England, is the first academic from Bradford College to earn the accolade.

He is also one of only a handful of academics from the college sector to receive the coveted award.

“The award is a tremendous achievement, personally” said Mr Messam, who was among 55 professionals to be made a fellow this year, but the only one not from a university or specialist college.

“I am immensely proud of the achievement. To be given this kind of recognition, alongside such an illustrious group of HE professionals, from some of the largest universities in the UK, gives me a great sense of pride.”

He said the NTF award added “further credibility and weight” to his teaching practice. “My approach to teaching and pastoral care has always been student-centred and, along with many other colleagues, I seek to enable student growth through exploration and reflection.

“The subject of sports coaching affords students the opportunity to develop their coaching identity, to express themselves, often through technology, and within a safe and motivational climate of learning.

“Students not only obtain graduate qualifications, but also improve their inter-personal, personal and occupational skills in readiness for a career in coaching and teaching.

“The award and many of the opportunities that have been open to me at Bradford College, as well as the broader recognition associated with the NTF, are all a result of the support, friendship and direction of the Dean of Scholarship and Research, Dr Graham Stevens, whose academic leadership continues to encourage not just myself, but all staff from across the institution.”

Richard Thomas, Provost of Bradford College University Centre, said: “We are delighted by the award of the NTF, which justly recognises Sam’s excellent practice as a teacher in higher education.”