Benjamin Vendoze, 33, Sports Coach and Manager of two L'Orange Bleue gyms (Tarbes-Pau)

After a dual STAPS-Education and Motricity and Sports Management degree at UPPA (Tarbes), followed by a Master’s in Physical and Mental Preparation, Benjamin Vendoze completed his studies with a Vocational Diploma in Fitness and Strength Gymnastics (BP AGFF), which opened the door to sports coaching.

What prompted you to take the STAPS (Sports Science and Technology) course after your Baccalaureate? 

Like lots of high school students, I had no clear vision for a specific profession. A friend, who knew how much I loved sport, mentioned the STAPS course in Tarbes. I was part of a roller-hockey team that played at national level, so the prospect of studying in Tarbes and at the same time being able to continue training with my club encouraged me to find out more about the subject, which I knew nothing about. I enrolled for a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Motricity, initially with the idea of later taking the CAPEPS (Physical and Sports Education Teaching Certificate). In my third year, I did a work placement in a secondary school and found the relationship with teenagers difficult. The experience made me switch to Sports Management, which gave me the basics in financial and administrative management. When it came to choosing a Master’s, I once again asked myself what I wanted to do. In the meantime, I had discovered rugby and I was increasingly interested in sports coaching. I applied for the Master’s in Physical and Mental Preparation and, in parallel, did a Degree in Sports Training to give myself the best chance of success.

What memories do you have of your time on the Tarbes campus? 

A great atmosphere! I often had the feeling that each class was a team. STAPS is a bit of a world in its own right. The lecturers are very friendly and approachable, always ready to listen. They’ve got an eye for talent but also any problems. And then there was the sport, or rather sports, because STAPS students discover a wide range of disciplines as part of the course. Not to mention the intellectual challenge, from anatomy classes to physiology, management, languages, mental optimisation and communication tools… At one point, on the advice of one of my lecturers, I even considered doing a PhD. 

How did your Master’s in Physical and Mental Preparation help you on the job market? 

At the end of my Master’s, one of the STAPS teaching staff put me in contact with Montois Stadium in Mont-de-Marsan, which was looking for a Physical Preparation Coach for the Espoirs team. Not only was it an interesting challenge but the club offered to fund training for me on a Vocational Diploma in Fitness and Strength Gymnastics (BP AGFF). I stayed there for 15 months then sent out CVs to different clubs… In 2018, I had another opportunity, to become a sports coach in a gym, L’Orange Bleue in Tarbes. I hesitated a bit because it took me away from top-level sport, but as it turns out, I’m thriving in this job. Today, I have a wider range of responsibilities. I’m still a coach but I’m also a Gym Manager. I divide my time between two gyms, one in Tarbes and one in Pau. 

What words do you spontaneously associate with UPPA? 

Perseverance and conviviality 

What advice would you give to a young person starting a course at UPPA?

I’d recommend finding out all you can about the subject before embarking on a given path. You don't just do sports during your STAPS studies, contrary to what many people think. It’s a demanding university course that requires a well-rounded, athletic and intellectually agile profile. I’d also say refine your career plans and build up a network, which is very useful when entering working life. 

Want to know more about the STAPS degree? 

STAPS degree