The Society was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Dr Brian Bointon after a short illness. While Dr Bointon was never a Member of The Society of Sports Therapists, he has probably been one of the most influential individuals in the Society’s academic and professional development and status.
In 1995 as the Head of Health and Human Sciences at the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University) he agreed to and supported the development of the first ever Sports Therapy degree programme to be accredited by The Society of Sports Therapists. The decision to do this was not only brave but extremely foresightful, especially as there was no such programme at that time. Along with support from other colleagues at the University, including Dr Mike Roberts and Dr Chris Woodward, he allowed Society Officers the opportunity to put together an academic programme that was desperately needed, not only for the Society but for the profession of Sports Therapy.
So, from the validation of that first degree and its inception in 1996, the Society now collaborates with 30 higher education institutions and accredits 38 academic Sports Therapy programmes. Would that have happened had Dr Bointon not agreed to the first programme, we doubt it. Whatever, The Society of Sports Therapists will always be grateful to him.
The Society sends condolences and best wishes to Dr Bointon’s family. He will always be missed and remembered with great affection and gratitude.