Richard Lynch

Richard Lynch, who graduates this morning (Thursday 21 July) with a degree in neuroscience, kept busy during his final year at Sussex, juggling his studies with captaincy of the University football team and helping local youngsters to improve their football skills.

Richard, 22, decided that the University football club needed to get more involved in the local community, so he and team-mates Greg Salmon, Luke Ralph and Alex Payani set up an after-school football programme for talented pupils at the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy in Brighton.

The students offered coaching in advanced technical skills and techniques in a 10-week course with help from Project V, the Students' Union's volunteering service.

Richard, who rounded off an eventful final year at Sussex when he was named the Students' Union's Sportsman of the Year in May, says: "I really enjoyed working with the kids as it gave us the chance to pass on our football knowledge and, judging by the feedback we received about the sessions, the children enjoyed it just as much.

"Michaela from Project V and myself also organised a football fun day to raise awareness and money for the Justin campaign, which fights homophobia in football. I've found being involved in these volunteering schemes an extremely rewarding experience."

Richard is now considering a career in science and possibly moving into the field of journalism.

You can watch the graduation ceremonies live on the Sussex website.