Mr Mark Napieralla

Lecturer in the portfolio of Sport Management

I am currently a lecturer part time at the University combining this role with my role as Active Young People Co-ordinator for Neath Port Talbot and national tutor for Sport Wales. As AYP Co-ordinator I currently manage a team of staff that implement sports development plans across the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot working with a variety of partners including the 55 primary schools, 9 secondary schools, Swansea City and Ospreys Community trusts, many community based organisations such as communities first, youth service and charities such as Street Games. We are also involved in a number of specific projects to increase sports participation, a big one right now is the Coca Cola Parklives Scheme.

As a national trainer for Sport wales I plan, implement and deliver a range of courses for aspiring physical literacy in the community tutors and provide a series of mentoring sessions to ensure the quality of delivery across Wales.

I have lectured at the University on the sports management degree my topic areas include sports development, advanced sports coaching and mentoring, research projects and operational management for leisure events, tourism and sport. I’ve delivered at various levels to local, regional and international students at HNC, HND, BA and BSc.

I have worked in a number of different areas within the leisure and sports industry these include leisure facility management, physical education teacher in a secondary school,  community development, personal training, GP Referral, Health tutor, sports development officer, professional football coach. I gathered range of different experience in leisure and fitness facilities and coaching whilst learning my trade. 

The general teaching council for Wales, Football association. 

Current teaching timetable includes Advanced sports coaching
Mentoring
Sports development

These include sports participation and the factors that affect participation rates, the drop out in female participation in sport. Effective mentoring and the importance of strong relationships that can build leading to positive learning environments. Currently working with Sport Wales to look at data on sports participation in schools and communities across Wales. I have an interest in leadership and management and I am currently involved in an academic piece of work in this area.

I have acquired a vast amount of experience in education, coaching, teaching, sports development and tutoring to groups. This enables me to bring to life my lectures by using relevant up to date practical examples and by creating real life projects and experiences for students.

Partnership working is essential in development work. My approaches to partnership working have been used as examples of best practice nationally. Organising a partnership to deliver a project in a deprived area gained recognition as best practice nationally from Sport Wales.

As AYP Co-ordinator I manage a team of staff, I have developed many skills from my experience in management and although you are always learning in this area I feel I have acquired many leadership skills from this experience.

I have had over 20 years’ experience in coaching, teaching, tutoring or lecturing. I like to bring to life my sessions by planning engaging tasks and activities often practically even inside the lecture room. I know that if you have a group that is enjoying and engaged teaching and learning outcomes are easy to achieve.