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Theatre and the performing arts are exciting area of practice for Sports Therapists. Thanks to companies such as Production Physiotherapy, more opportunities are opening for Sports Therapists to work alongside performers and production teams. SST members may have noticed some of these roles being advertised recently. One of the people helping to create these opportunities is Barry Sigrist, co-director of Production Physiotherapy. From professional football and Formula One to film sets and London’s West End, Barry’s career is inspirational. Barry graduated in Sports Therapy in 2008 with one clear ambition which was to work in professional football. After gaining experience in private practice and lower-level sport, he began working at Watford, initially giving his time for free before progressing into a first-team role. “I was lucky with some of the timing, but I think I put myself in a position to be there. I worked a lot of hours getting my hands on people and gaining experience.” That experience eventually led to roles at Watford and West Ham, but an unexpected opportunity was about to take Barry’s career in a completely different direction. From football to film “I fell into film. I wasn’t looking for it.” While Jupiter Ascending was filming at Leavesden, the production needed somebody to support its lead actor. A former colleague recommended Barry, opening the door to film work and demonstrating something he believes has been important throughout his career: how you work with and treat people matters. Further opportunities followed, alongside rehabilitation and conditioning work in Harley Street. It was there that Barry met physiotherapist Sophie Lane. Sophie brought extensive musical theatre experience, while Barry brought experience from professional sport and film. Recognising that the performing arts could benefit from approaches already established within high-performance sport, they established Production Physiotherapy. Today, based in the heart of London’s West End, their team supports performers across theatre, film and television. Treating performers as athletes, or as Production Physiotherapy calls them “performing athletes” For Barry, one of the biggest misconceptions is that theatre sits outside the high-performance environment. “These performers are performing at a really high level physically. Their livelihood depends on it, and they can be performing eight times a week with very little recovery.” Touring can increase those demands further, with performers potentially spending their only day without a show travelling to the next venue. This means the role goes far beyond treating injuries. Barry and the team consider rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, load management and education alongside wider performance factors. His previous work in motorsport, including Formula One, has also influenced this approach. “It gave me a much bigger understanding of how you can affect performance through things like sleep. We now apply that knowledge to hundreds of performers across the productions we look after.” Life behind the curtain A typical day can be intense. Barry may have a four-hour production block involving eight back-to-back appointments. Alongside assessment and treatment come clinical notes, rehabilitation planning, and conversations with the production about whether a performer can perform. There is also a significant educational role, with Barry delivering sessions to casts on areas including injury prevention, wellbeing and sleep optimisation. Returning a performer to the stage also requires the same clinical reasoning used when returning an athlete to sport. “It isn’t zero to 100. You have to understand loading and what you can modify to get that person on stage safely.” Advice for Sports Therapists For Sports Therapists interested in working in theatre or other high-performance environments, Barry’s advice is straightforward: “Get experience. Get your hands on people.” Therapists need confidence in assessing and triaging new injuries, rehabilitation, loading and decision-making. Communication is equally important. “You can be the best therapist in the world, but if you don’t understand the environment and you can’t communicate with people, you’ll fall flat.” Barry also emphasises the importance of being part of the wider team, something he learned during his years in football. “I was happy to do the dirty work so that sessions ran smoothly. It was always about the team first.” Creating your own opportunities Looking back, Barry is proud of the variety of his career, but he is also keen that people recognise the work behind those opportunities. “People see that you worked on a movie, but they don’t see the hours you gave away to gain the experience to get there.” There is a consistent thread running through Barry’s journey: gaining experience, continuing to learn, building relationships and being prepared when opportunities arise. As Barry puts it: “I was fortunate with some of the timing, but I worked hard to be ready for it.” Find out more about Production Physiotherapy here ➡️

The Society of Sports Therapists (The SST), in partnership with Transplant Sport UK, is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2027 World Transplant Games Travelling Scholarship Award. Congratulations to Chloe Smith, Mike Westall and Fern Edgar, who will join the experienced Transplant Sport Therapy Team in supporting athletes at the World Transplant Games in Leuven, Belgium, next summer. Following an exceptionally strong response to the call for applications and a series of outstanding interviews, the selection panel made the decision to award scholarships to two Student Members alongside one Graduate Member. Alison Bloxham, Lead Therapist for Transplant Sport said: “The quality of applications and the standard of candidates throughout the interview process made this a particularly difficult decision. The successful applicants demonstrated enthusiasm for Sports Therapy, a commitment to professional development and a genuine interest in supporting transplant athletes.” Meet the scholarship recipients Chloe Smith | Graduate Member Chloe is a graduate Sports Therapist working full-time in football at Hednesford Town Football Club Academy and part-time with Sporting Khalsa Women FC. Having previously volunteered at the British Transplant Games, Chloe brings both relevant experience and a personal connection to Transplant Sport. Her father received a life-saving organ transplant, making the opportunity to support people who have been given a second chance at life particularly meaningful to her. Chloe is passionate about using her skills and experience to give back and support athletes through their sporting journeys. Mike Westall | Student Member Mike is retraining as a Sports Therapist following 23 years of military service, including 11 years as a nurse. He is currently completing an MSci and working towards establishing a practice that brings together rehabilitation and performance. His long-term ambitions include working with athletes, everyday people and older adults, as well as contributing to professional sports medical teams. His interests include rugby, sports rehabilitation, return-to-play and strength and conditioning for older adults and people with metabolic health needs. The scholarship will provide Mike with an opportunity to build on his existing experience while developing his practice within an international sporting environment. Fern Edgar | Student Member Fern is a Level 6 Student Sports Therapist at Buckinghamshire New University. Her primary placement experience has been in men’s rugby across Berkshire, where she has gained experience of a wide variety of musculoskeletal (MSK) issues. Alongside her studies, Fern works as a children’s sports coach, competes in rugby for Henley Hawks Women and plays volleyball for her university. Fern is excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the Therapy Team at the 2027 World Transplant Games through the Travelling Scholarship Award. Looking ahead to Leuven 2027 The scholarship recipients will join the Transplant Sport Therapy Team at the World Transplant Games, taking place in Leuven, Belgium, from 1–8 August 2027. They will travel directly from the British Transplant Games, which take place in Birmingham from 29 July to 1 August 2027. Working alongside experienced therapists, Chloe, Mike and Fern will have the opportunity to contribute to the assessment and treatment of injuries, provide sports massage and recovery support, and help athletes prepare for and participate in competition. The Games celebrate the achievements of transplant recipients, showcase the life-changing impact of organ transplantation and raise awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation. For the scholarship recipients, the experience will offer valuable professional development in an international multi-sport environment, as well as the opportunity to contribute to a cause that has a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. Simon Bowen, SST CEO said: “The SST looks forward to supporting Chloe, Mike and Fern on their journey towards Leuven and sharing more about their experiences in the lead-up to the Games. Our sincere thanks to Sheila Leddington Wright and Alison Bloxham from Transplant Sport UK, alongside Thomas Hames for their support. Their contribution, alongside the expertise and commitment of everyone involved, helped make the process such a positive and valuable experience.” 💚Find out more about organ donation

The Society of Sports Therapists (SST) celebrated 30 years of Sports Therapy education on Friday 16 October at London Metropolitan University (formerly The University Of North London), where the first BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy degree was introduced in 1996. Friday’s event brought together SST Directors, Fellows, university staff and alumni for a special day of celebration, reflection and recognition of just how far Sports Therapy education and the profession have developed over the past three decades. From a Vision to a Profession The celebrations provided an opportunity to reflect on the vision of Professor Graham N. Smith, whose determination to establish Sports Therapy as a recognised, academically grounded profession helped lay the foundations for the education and professional opportunities available today. In 1996, that vision became a reality when the first BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy degree welcomed its students at what was then the University of North London. It marked a defining moment for the profession, establishing a dedicated undergraduate pathway for those wishing to pursue a career in Sports Therapy. What began with just one undergraduate degree has grown into a thriving network of 36 universities delivering 43 BSc, MSci, and MSc Sports Therapy programmes. This remarkable growth reflects not only the increasing recognition of Sports Therapy but also the commitment of universities, educators, clinicians and the SST to developing and maintaining professional standards. Over the past 30 years, Sports Therapy graduates have gone on to establish careers across an increasingly diverse range of settings, including professional and grassroots sport, private practice, education, research, Ministry of Defence, and the NHS. A day of celebration and reflection It was particularly fitting that the anniversary celebrations took place at London Metropolitan University, where the journey began three decades ago. The event opened with a warm welcome from Professor Elizabeth Opara, Dean of the School of Human Sciences, who welcomed guests to the university and the relationship with The Society of Sports Therapists. Vice Chairman of the SST, Keith Waldon then reflected on the early days of Sports Therapy education, sharing insights into the vision behind the first degree programme. The celebrations continued with a presentation from Dr Kate Cady, an alumna of the very first BSc Sports Therapy cohort (1996–1999). Drawing on her experiences as a student, clinician, educator and researcher, Kate reflected on her own professional journey and how the opportunities available to sports therapists have evolved over the past three decades. Her presentation highlighted the breadth of roles now undertaken by graduate sports therapists and the importance of continuing to develop the profession through education, research, clinical practice and professional collaboration. The event concluded with closing remarks from SST CEO Simon Bowen, recognising the achievements of the past 30 years and the importance of continuing to build on the foundations established by those who helped shape the profession. Celebrating the people Behind the Progress Whilst the growth from one degree programme to 43 programmes across 36 universities is an achievement worth celebrating, the occasion was also about recognising the people who have contributed to that journey. From the first university staff and students in 1996, to the educators, researchers, clinicians and graduates who have followed, each has played a part in shaping sports Therapy into the profession it is today. Looking Ahead to the Next 30 Years The anniversary was not simply an opportunity to look back, but also to consider the future of Sports Therapy. As the profession continues to evolve, education, research, professional standards, and collaboration will remain central to its development. The expansion of accredited degree programmes and the increasingly diverse careers pursued by graduates demonstrate just how far the profession has come since 1996. What began as one university degree has developed into a profession supported by a growing academic community and generations of graduate sports therapists. The SST would like to extend its sincere thanks to London Metropolitan University for hosting the celebrations, to everyone who contributed to the event and to all those who joined us to mark this historic milestone. Here’s to 30 years of Sports Therapy education, and to the next chapter in the profession’s development!

Digital technologies are becoming an increasingly familiar part of healthcare delivery. From exercise prescription software and patient communication tools to remote monitoring and app-based rehabilitation programmes, many Graduate Sports Therapists are already integrating digital solutions into the way they support their patients. The recent publication of NICE HealthTech Guidance HTG783, focusing on digital platforms to support preparation before and rehabilitation after primary elective hip or knee replacement surgery, provides an interesting insight into how digital rehabilitation is being viewed within healthcare pathways. While the guidance is specific to orthopaedic surgery, many of the themes and considerations will resonate with Sports Therapists working across private practice, musculoskeletal rehabilitation and exercise-based healthcare. More Than Just Technology It would be easy to view this guidance simply as an evaluation of a series of digital platforms. However, the more interesting message is what it tells us about the direction of travel for rehabilitation services. NICE recognises that digital platforms may help support pre-operative preparation and post-operative rehabilitation by providing exercise programmes, educational content, symptom monitoring, progress tracking and communication pathways between patients and healthcare professionals. At the same time, NICE highlights the importance of ensuring that technology is used appropriately and that patients continue to have access to face-to-face care when clinically required. For members of The SST, this reflects a principle that many already apply in practice: technology can enhance rehabilitation, but it does not replace clinical reasoning, professional judgement or person-centred care. The Growth of Hybrid Rehabilitation Many Graduate Sports Therapists are already delivering some form of hybrid care model. A patient may have an initial face-to-face assessment, receive a digitally delivered exercise programme, complete remote check-ins between appointments and return for in-person reviews when required. For some patients this approach can improve accessibility, convenience and engagement while maintaining clinical oversight. The NICE guidance reflects growing acceptance of this type of model within healthcare systems. Importantly, it acknowledges that digital platforms can support self-management and improve access to rehabilitation resources while helping patients stay engaged with their recovery journey. This should not be surprising to our members, many of whom have been using digital exercise prescription and patient management tools for years. What is noteworthy is the increasing recognition of these approaches within national healthcare guidance. Technology Should Support, Not Replace, Care One of the strongest messages within the guidance is that digital platforms should not simply be viewed as a replacement for rehabilitation professionals. NICE repeatedly highlights the importance of patient selection, clinical oversight and escalation pathways. It also notes that some individuals may require face-to-face support throughout their rehabilitation and that digital approaches may not be suitable for everyone. This is particularly relevant for Graduate Sports Therapists working in private practice. Technology can help deliver exercise programmes, monitor adherence and facilitate communication, but it cannot replace a clinician’s ability to assess movement quality, adapt treatment plans, build therapeutic relationships and respond to the individual needs of each patient. The challenge for rehabilitation professionals is not whether to embrace technology, but how to use it in a way that enhances outcomes without compromising the quality of care. Adherence Remains the Key Challenge Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the guidance is NICE’s emphasis on patient engagement and adherence. The guidance identifies engagement, adherence and long-term use as important areas where further evidence is required. In reality, this reflects one of the biggest challenges faced by rehabilitation professionals every day. A sophisticated platform is only as effective as the patient’s willingness and ability to engage with it. For members, this serves as an important reminder that successful rehabilitation depends on more than simply providing exercises. Education, motivation, communication and behaviour change remain fundamental components of effective practice. Digital tools may support these processes, but they cannot replace them. Considering Accessibility and Inclusion The guidance also highlights important considerations around accessibility and equality. Not all patients have the same level of digital literacy, confidence or access to technology. NICE recognises that additional support may be required for individuals with learning disabilities, sensory impairments, limited digital skills, language barriers or other factors that may affect their ability to engage with digital platforms. As Sports Therapists continue to adopt digital solutions, it is essential that accessibility remains at the forefront of service design. Digital innovation can improve access for many individuals, but only when it is implemented thoughtfully and inclusively. What Can Graduate Sports Therapists Take From This? While HTG783 focuses specifically on hip and knee replacement pathways, the broader messages extend well beyond orthopaedics. The guidance signals growing recognition of: Digitally supported rehabilitation. Hybrid models of care. Remote monitoring and patient engagement. The importance of self-management. The continuing need for clinical oversight and professional judgement. For Sports Therapists, the key takeaway is not which platforms have been evaluated, but what this says about the future of rehabilitation. Technology is increasingly becoming part of everyday clinical practice. The most effective rehabilitation professionals are unlikely to be those who choose between digital or face-to-face care. Rather, they will be those who successfully combine both to deliver safe, effective and person-centred rehabilitation. As the profession continues to evolve, the challenge remains the same as it always has: using the tools available to support better patient outcomes while ensuring that clinical expertise remains at the heart of care.

The SST University Forum brought together representatives from across our accredited higher education network for a day of collaboration and shared ambition for the future of sports therapy education. 🎓 With colleagues representing 47 SST accredited programmes, the Forum provided an opportunity to celebrate the collective strength of SST accreditation while providing a platform to discuss significant developments, share updates and new policies, and explore the future direction of both education and professional practice. What stood out most was the atmosphere. 🤝 The conversations extended far beyond formal presentations, reflecting a growing sense of connection, trust and shared purpose across our university network. Three years ago, we set out to rebuild and reinvigorate the Forum as a place where educators could genuinely influence, challenge and shape the work of their professional body. Seeing colleagues actively engaged, contributing ideas and helping drive future developments was a powerful reminder of what partnership can achieve. Thank you to all who joined us. The future of sports therapy education is being shaped through collaboration, and we are proud to be leading those conversations. 🌱 Dr Kate Williams FSST said: “Three years ago we restarted the Forum. This year, it felt less like an event and more like a community. The enthusiasm of our accredited university partners was infectious. The conversations were challenging, constructive and ambitious, exactly as they should be. For us, the value of the Forum is simple: we listen, we respond, and we act. It helps ensure that we’re not just representing universities, educators and students, but actively advocating for them and delivering meaningful change. Looking around the room yesterday, there was a genuine sense of momentum and shared purpose. That’s what happens when a professional body and its educational partners come together, not just to discuss the future of the profession, but to build it.”

World First Aid Day When training becomes reality: Sara Gray’s story Graduate Sports Therapists train for medical emergencies hoping they will never have to put that training into practice. For The Society of Sports Therapists (SST) member Sara Gray, that changed on 10 January 2023, when a steward suffered a cardiac arrest at the football training ground where she was working. At the time, Sara was a Senior Academy Sports Therapist. She should have finished work around half an hour earlier but was still completing her notes when a message came over the radio. “One of the stewards has collapsed.” For Sara, the word collapsed immediately triggered a response. “The minute I heard the word ‘collapsed’, I shot up from my seat and said, ‘We’ve got to go.’” Sara and another therapist headed to the scene. Before they had even arrived, Sara was already allocating roles and preparing for the possibility of a cardiac arrest. When they reached the steward, the situation was serious. There was blood in his airway and he was unresponsive. The team immediately began emergency care. Seven shocks were delivered before the steward was transferred to the ambulance, where return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. The best outcome happened, and he survived. “I had just gone into training mode… It was completely emotionless, methodical, keep doing this, listen to the rhythm, you do this, you do that.” Although the situation was chaotic, the team had something important to fall back on which was training and preparation. The club had a well-established Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Trauma equipment and an automated external defibrillator (AED) were already pitch-side, staff could communicate by radio and people understood their roles. The coaches also had first-aid training, allowing them to provide CPR and follow instructions while Sara and her colleague concentrated on more advanced emergency care. An EAP needs to be practised The experience also changed how Sara approached emergency planning. Although the outcome was positive, the response wasn’t perfect. The team subsequently sat down and reviewed what had happened. “What happened that we weren’t prepared for? What were we prepared for? What could we do better?” They identified practical issues they had not fully anticipated. It was January, the casualty was wearing several layers of clothing, and it was pouring with rain. They also needed to consider privacy, crowd control and how other players should be moved away from a serious incident. These lessons were incorporated into future emergency planning. For Sara, this demonstrates why an EAP should never simply be a document that sits in a folder. It needs to be practised in the environment in which it may actually be used. First aid is not just a pitch-side skill Around six weeks later, the steward returned to work. Sara remembers something he told her: “This could have happened to me at the stable on my own and I wouldn’t be standing here talking to you today. It was only because it happened here, you and the team were around to help, that I’m alive today.” The steward hadn’t been exercising when he collapsed. He had simply been standing at the training ground.  A medical emergency can occur on a pitch, but it can equally happen in a clinic, gym, changing room, team bus or waiting room and this is why it is important to plan our EAP’s to cover all these possible situations. Why this matters for Graduate Sports Therapists Sara believes the emergency and trauma education embedded within her Sports Therapy degree provided an important foundation for the additional emergency-care qualifications she subsequently completed. For her, understanding why something is being done is as important as learning what to do. “When we teach it over the course of the degree… we get to really explore the ‘here’s why you’re doing things’ and you understand the underlying pathology.” This is why emergency care is an important competency for Graduate Sports Therapists. Graduation, however, is not the end of that training. Skills need to be refreshed and practised, supported by appropriate governing-body and recognised emergency-care training throughout a therapist’s career.   What happens afterwards matters too Sara also speaks openly about something that can receive less attention which is the impact on the person who responds. Immediately afterwards, she was running on adrenaline. “I was absolutely buzzing… it was a real, ‘This is a showcase of why we do what we do.’” Two days later, her feelings were very different. “I hit a massive low… I felt so sad and I think the heaviness of the situation and the reality of how it could have gone weighed in on me.” Talking to colleagues helped Sara process what had happened. Looking back, she recognises that she probably needed more time and support than she initially allowed herself. It is an important reminder that support and debriefing following a serious incident should include the wellbeing of those who responded, not just a review of the clinical management.   How can The Society of Sports Therapists support members? The SST requires members first aid training to maintain membership. The SST also helps to provide guidance around EAPs (Check out the world cup section on Exertional health illness and the EAP templates) and encourage members to regularly practise emergency scenarios in their own working environments. As a member focussed organisation, we are always here if you would like to chat through an experience, so please do not hesitate to reach out. When asked what advice she would give another Sports Therapist preparing for an emergency, Sara’s answer was simple: “Know your equipment. Know your role.” For World First Aid Day, it is a message worth remembering.   About Sara Gray Sara Gray Williams is a Graduate Sports Therapist and registered member of The Society of Sports Therapists. She currently teaches on the Sport and Exercise Therapy degree programme at the University of South Wales, alongside working within the medical provision for the Wales Women’s National Football Team and in private practice. Sara has a varied background across grassroots and elite sport, having previously worked within Welsh league football and international futsal before progressing into elite development football with an EFL Championship club. She has also completed both Intermediate and Advanced Trauma qualifications, further developing her knowledge and practical skills in the assessment and management of pre-hospital emergency care.   Photo credits: Images of Sara Gray provided courtesy of the Football Association of Wales (FAW). Photography by Ashley Crowden/FAW. Image 1: Wales Women’s training session, The Vale Resort, Cardiff, 27 November 2024. Image 2: Wales Women’s training session, Sportanlagen Güttingersreuti, Weinfelden, Switzerland, 30 June 2025.

Sheffield played host this August to the largest British Transplant Games in history — a record‑breaking celebration of life, determination and the extraordinary impact of organ donation. Among over 1,200 transplant recipients and living donors competing across the city, SST Members and Students were out in force, forming a vital part of the Transplant Sport Therapy Team. Forty‑six therapists volunteered this year, creating a multidisciplinary powerhouse of Sports Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and students from all disciplines. Spread across athletics, cycling, table tennis, squash and tennis, the Therapy Team were impossible to miss in their fluorescent green shirts — a reassuring beacon for athletes pushing their limits. For Jonathan Bull, a York St John graduate now working with York City FC Men’s U.18s, answering the call for volunteers proved transformative: “This has been so rewarding. It’s so different from my experiences to date — working with inspirational athletes — and I’ve learned a lot.” All therapists attended Mastering Therapy Skills for Transplant Athlete Success, a seminar delivered by SST Member Dr Michelle Evans. The session equipped volunteers with essential insight into supporting athletes who have undergone organ or stem cell transplantation — knowledge that proved invaluable throughout the Games. Lead Therapist Alison Bloxham, who championed the multidisciplinary “Therapy Team” model some years ago, reflected on the strength of the group: “The team is a great example of different professions working together for a common cause. They volunteer their time and expertise, and we just couldn’t do this without them.” This spirit of collaboration was reflected in the recognition given to Physiotherapist Philippa Bromley, who received the Outstanding Contribution to Therapy, British Transplant Games 2026, for her dedication and service. SST CEO Simon Bowen, who attended the Games, praised the commitment shown across the Therapy Team: “We are delighted to continue our work with the Transplant Sport Therapy Team. It’s been fantastic to see our Members and Students here, to chat with them, and to watch how much they benefit from this experience. We hope that many more will sign up going forward, especially for both the 2027 British and World Transplant Games.” As ever, the Games were a powerful reminder of the resilience, humility and joy of those living with organ and stem cell transplants. But they also highlight a stark reality: the UK’s organ transplant waiting list has reached record levels, now exceeding 8,000 people according to NHS Blood and Transplant. 💚 Find out more about organ donation Interested in joining the Therapy Team at the World Transplant Games 2027? Find out more about the SST Travelling Scholarship and how to apply here. Applications close 1st September 2026.

The European Transplant Games 2026 brought more than 1,000 athletes from 24 countries to Arnhem for a week celebrating life, resilience and the power of organ donation. At the centre of Team GB’s support were SST Honorary Member Sheila Leddington Wright and Graduate SST Member Abby Coleman, whose work proved vital to athlete performance and wellbeing throughout the Games. Sheila, a highly experienced therapist within Transplant Sport and former Associate Professor in Sports Therapy at Coventry University, led the therapy provision. She was supported by Abby, who studied at Edge Hill University and now works in private practice at Lomax Physio, alongside her role as Junior Pathway Therapist at Huddersfield Giants. She joined Sheila as part of a small, dedicated support team. Abby’s growing involvement in the Transplant community earned her the SST Outstanding Contribution to Therapy Award in 2024 and ultimately the invitation to join the European Games support team. Together they travelled to Arnhem with their own equipment and supplies and established a therapy base at the Valkenhuizen Sports Centre, supporting athletes across the range of sports including badminton, table tennis, swimming, athletics, pétanque and darts. With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees and the final two days of competition cancelled due to extreme heat, their combined expertise became even more important. Working as a pair proved invaluable. Their complementary skill sets allowed them to share treatments, combine clinical reasoning, and deliver targeted interventions. Sheila explained: “Most issues were chronic niggles—functional problems athletes had carried for some time—rather than acute injuries, and we were able to help athletes understand and manage those concerns. Despite the extreme heat, no heat‑related medical emergencies occurred.” Abby described her role as providing comprehensive Sports Therapy support: “This involved assessing musculoskeletal concerns, helping with recovery, providing pre‑ and post‑event treatment, and advising athletes on reducing the risk of injury so they could continue to perform at their best after the Games.” Sheila praised Abby’s professionalism, “Abby was absolutely outstanding. She was so adaptable and the athletes totally loved her.” Their impact was felt across the team. Badminton athlete Vince Mayne, who completed a remarkable “triple crown” of British, World and now European titles, all gained within a twelve -month period, credited the therapists with keeping him and his teammates ready to compete, helping them perform at their best. 🎥 Listen to Vince Mayne talk about what it means to have a second chance at life. The Games reinforced the essential role SST Sports Therapists play in supporting transplant athletes — helping them perform, recover and celebrate the second chance that sport represents.   💚 Find out more about organ donation Every donor has the potential to save and improve lives. In just two minutes, you can record your organ donation decision and help give others a second chance. 🔗 Learn more and register your decision

The Society of Sports Therapists is delighted to continue its partnership with Therapy Show 2026, taking place on 25–26 November 2026 at the NEC Birmingham. As one of the UK’s leading events for therapy professionals, Therapy Show brings together clinicians from across the sector for two days of evidence-informed education, practical learning and professional networking. This year’s programme has been redesigned around the skills clinicians use every day, with sessions covering clinical reasoning, assessment and differential diagnosis, musculoskeletal practice, rehabilitation, movement and performance. Delegates will also have the opportunity to experience hands-on learning in the Applied Practice Arena, attend business and leadership sessions, explore content focused on women’s health and specialist populations, and discover the latest products, services and innovations from leading exhibitors. As part of this year’s collaboration, The Society of Sports Therapists is proud to sponsor the Therapy Show Networking Lounge – a dedicated space where delegates can take a break between sessions, reconnect with colleagues, meet new contacts and continue conversations throughout the event. Exclusive Member Discount Members of The Society of Sports Therapists are entitled to an exclusive 15% discount on the best available ticket price. To access the promotional code and booking information, please visit the SSTExtra area within the Members’ Area of the website. The Society looks forward to supporting another successful Therapy Show and welcoming members and the wider therapy community to the NEC Birmingham this November. Event Details 📍 NEC Birmingham 📅 25–26 November 2026 For further information about Therapy Show 2026 and to book your place, please visit the official Therapy Show website.

A conversation with graduate Sports Therapist, referee and researcher Hannah Gardner Now that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, much of the conversation will centre around the players, tactics and tournament favourites. Yet, behind every major competition the match officials are another group of elite performers who’s contribution often goes unnoticed. We spoke to Hannah Gardner, a graduate Sports Therapist, practising Sports Therapist and elite football referee. Her journey demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available to Sports Therapy graduates and the value of combining research with applied practice.   The career journey Could you take us through your career journey and some of the key experiences that have shaped who you are today? ” Sports Therapy seemed like an opportunity to understand injuries and how to support athletes returning to performance. I almost fell into it, and the doors it has opened have been incredible. I wouldn’t change it.” What were the most valuable lessons you took from your Sports Therapy degree? “One of the biggest things I learnt was to consider the holistic picture. Every athlete and patient has their own story. As sports therapists, we’re one small part of a much bigger puzzle.”   From student to researcher After completing her undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, Hannah progressed directly into a Master of Research (MRes), continuing to explore her growing interest in match officials. ” I was very fortunate to continue working with Timothy Horn throughout my BSc and MRes, he was absolutely fantastic across the whole journey.  With the addition of Professor Matt Greig to my team for my masters, the support from both Tim and Matt really helped to shape the direction of my research”   The forgotten athletes Your MRes focused on elite match officials. What inspired that area of research? “My undergraduate dissertation touched on match officials, and the MRes gave me the opportunity to explore it further as we looked at the athletic profiling of elite match officials. It’s an area that simply doesn’t receive the same level of attention as player research.” What did your research reveal? “It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for players cannot automatically be applied to referees. Match officials have different needs, different demands, and require support that is specific to them.” “Referees get injured too. We need to think about their preparation, recovery and injury prevention in the same way we would for other participants in sport.”   Combining research and practice You’ve balanced research with clinical work. Why is that important to you? “I still love being hands-on. Working face-to-face with athletes, supporting them through rehabilitation and return to performance, is something I never want to lose.” “For me, research strengthens applied practice. We can produce excellent research academically, but if it isn’t useful in the real world, then we have to ask ourselves what purpose it serves.”   Advice for the next generation “Don’t be afraid to try things. If it doesn’t work out, you’ve still learnt something valuable.” If you could offer one piece of advice to your first-year self? “Be a sponge. Take on as much knowledge, advice and experience as you can.”   More than one career path What are you most proud of in your career so far? “Supporting my first athlete all the way from injury to return to performance as a qualified Sports Therapist was a huge moment.” “Academically, successfully defending my master’s thesis was something I’m incredibly proud of.”   Looking to the future Hannah is currently undertaking a PhD through a collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO). As the football world celebrates the stars of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Hannah’s story reminds us that elite performance extends far beyond the players on the pitch and Sports Therapists have an important role to play in supporting every member of the team behind the team. For those considering what comes next, keep an eye out on part 2 which focusses on Hannah’s PhD research. For now, her advice is simple: be curious, embrace opportunity and, above all, be a sponge. You never know where your Sports Therapy degree might take you.   Members can sign in to access our World Cup Resource Hub for more.