Newry man Yousef Almahamed (23) has overcome significant challenges in his early life to achieve a major milestone, graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science from Southern Regional College (SRC). His achievement was further recognised at SRC’s graduation ceremony on Friday 28 August 2026, where Yousef was presented with the Student of the Year Award within the College’s Faculty of Professional Services.
Yousef has spent the past ten years living in Newry along with his family. Having sought refuge from conflict torn Syria, Yousef and his parents have found a new life and opportunities in Northern Ireland.
Upon relocating to Northern Ireland, Yousef learnt English language with the help of retired Sister of Mercy Annie Jo Heduan and YouTube videos. He has gone on to gain GSCEs, a BTEC, the equivalent to three A-levels in Sport and Exercise Science, a foundation degree and now an honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science with SRC. However, this Newry man is not finished yet, with plans to start a Masters in Sports Coaching and Performance this September.
While learning English as a speaker of another language, attending school and College, and undertaking exams in an unfamiliar language is not for the faint hearted, Yousef has approached every challenge with determination. Setting goals and smashing them. Yousef said, “You have to set your own goals and get on with the actual work.”
Sports have always been Yousef’s main interest; however, he is keen to point out that his degree is all encompassing. Giving him an in-depth knowledge in physiology, psychology, nutrition and coaching which he hopes will one day lead him to a career coaching or training top football teams or even returning to education as a lecturer.
Regardless of where Yousef’s career takes him, his most dedicated supporters will always be his mum and dad. They have supported him throughout his educational journey and have proudly watched him cross the stage at SRC’s graduation ceremony to receive his degree certificate alongside Mercy Annie Jo Heduan, who first taught Yousef English, and whom has since become a close family friend.
SRC Student of the Year Yousef Almahamed alongside his biggest supporters, brother Mohammad, dad Abdulrazaq and Sister of Mercy Annie Jo Heduan.
Pictured (L-R): Mohammad Al Mahamed, Yousef Al Mahamed, Abdulrazaq Almahamed, Retired Sister of Mercy Annie Jo Heduan
Yousef Al Mahamed pictured beside SRC Sports and Exercise staff Mark Copeland and Stephen Ferris.