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!
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