Ross Mattinson is our ‘Alumnus of the Month’ for September.
Ross left WHS in 2017, after which, he went onto study at Carlisle College for three years, successfully completing Level 2 and Level 3 Sports courses. Ross then took two Community Football Coaching courses over three years at the University of South Wales, whilst studying at Carlisle United. He said, “I had amazing support at university, as my lecturers would structure things in a step-by-step manner, which helped me to understand and complete my work, and gain a First-Class degree.”
Ross’s university experience helped his confidence grow and in the space of three years, he went from not leaving his parents’ side to speaking in front of large groups. He explained, “University helped me to learn to mix with the right people and enjoy being with them, which motivated me to enjoy independence and increased my confidence to go out and do stuff that I enjoy.”
Ross’s career has taken some unexpected changes. In May 2022, his autism councillor, Geoff, advised him to start volunteering at Carlisle Youth Zone. “He wanted me to know more sports than just football, and I cannot tell you how well that has paid off, as all of the staff there understood my autism and let me do my job.”
Ross’s hard work at CYZ led to him being appointed a Youth Activity Worker there in November 2023. Here, Ross gained support which helped him to understand his autism better and allowed him to give public talks about his own autism experiences. Ross has also become an EDI Autism Rep at Carlisle United FC and CYZ, allowing him to listen to other people in the same boat as himself, and implement different ways they can access those facilities. He continued to enjoy refereeing throughout this time too.
Ross has many great memories of school. He said, “The Learning Provision and PE departments always allowed me to be involved in sport in different ways, and I really appreciate it all.”
Ross has advice for our current students: “Have a team around you who will always listen and give you support and ideas. Listen to them first before yourself, as they will guide you in the right direction.”
