Ben Houston

Sports Performance Practice

Donegal – Letterkenny

Can you tell us your name, job title, and the course you studied at ATU?

My name is Ben Houston. I am a Physical Training Instructor in the Irish Defence Forces, a Performance Coach and the founder of Precision Performance, a sports performance and athletic development business. I’m also Head of Performance within the Sligo Rovers Academy, providing athletic development support across U14 to U20 male and female teams. I graduated with an MSc in Sports Performance Practice from ATU Letterkenny.

Can you share your career path to date?

I enlisted in the Defence Forces in October 2003 and initially served 6 years in Dublin completing various courses and overseas deployments before transferring to Finner Camp Co. Donegal in 2009. Having progressed through the rank structure, my career in physical training began studying the NCEF in University of Limerick, Strength and Conditioning with Setanta College and Leadership and Management in Carlow IT. Over the years, I have worked with senior male, female and academy players in various sports, developing evidence-based physical preparation programmes. My MSc at ATU provided the framework to refine my coaching philosophy and elevate the standard of performance support I offer through Precision Performance and Sligo Rovers Academy.

What does your current role involve?

I oversee the physical preparation of academy players, designing and delivering gym-based, on-pitch, and return-to-play programmes. My work includes monitoring athlete development, implementing data-driven training systems, and collaborating with coaches to enhance player performance and reduce injury risk. Through Precision Performance, I also provide one-to-one and small group coaching for athletes aiming to reach the next level in their sport.

What motivated you to start studying?

I wanted to advance my knowledge and formalise my practical experience in strength and conditioning. I wanted to understand the science behind performance, improve the evidence base of my coaching, and align with professional accreditation standards. The MSc was a natural next step in my personal and professional development.

Why did you choose this course at ATU?

ATU’s MSc in Sports Performance Practice stood out for its practical focus, expert lecturers, and flexible structure. The blend of applied modules from performance analysis to physiology and data analytics aligned perfectly with the multidisciplinary demands of my coaching role.

How did you find the process of studying in a flexible manner? What elements did you find helpful? Were there elements you found challenging?

The flexible learning structure was a major advantage. Online delivery allowed me to balance study with family life, work and coaching commitments, while still engaging in high-quality academic discussion and applied learning. The main challenge was time management during busy periods, but the support from my family and lecturers made it manageable.

How did you balance work and study?

It was challenging at times but if I missed live lectures through work commitments, then the recorded classes were always available after and my fellow students and lecturers were always a great help too.

In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Were there elements of the course that were particularly relevant to your current employer?

Yes, both Precision Performance and Sligo Rovers Academy benefitted directly. Modules such as Sports Nutrition,Performance Analysis, Strength & Conditioning, and Data Analytics had immediate relevance. I was able to implement new testing, monitoring, and periodisation strategies in real time with our academy teams.

What advice would you have for anyone considering studying a flexible learning programme?

Back yourself and commit to the process. The flexibility allows you to learn at your own pace while in full-time employment. Stay organised, engage with your fellow classmates and lecturers, and treat each module as an opportunity to enhance your professional toolkit.

In what way has studying with ATU benefitted your career?

It has significantly enhanced my credibility and knowledge as a performance coach, deepened my understanding of athlete development, and opened new professional opportunities. The MSc also supported my progression toward advanced professional accreditation in sports science.

Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career?

Yes — it strengthened my professional network and improved my ability to critically evaluate training methods. It also has enabled me to continue contributing to athlete development within Irish football through more structured, evidence-based systems.

Did you find that the elements you were studying had practical relevance in your day-to-day role?

Absolutely. Every module had direct application — from designing gym-based programmes and tracking performance metrics to integrating nutrition and recovery strategies. The course bridged the gap between research and applied coaching perfectly.