An exciting collaboration between the Division of Physiotherapy and Notts County FC has given UoN Physiotherapy students the opportunity to work with their Football Academy teams. Student volunteers are assisting Academy Head Physio, Tom Jenkins, and two others, in undertaking musculoskeletal screening, and treating and managing injuries during twice weekly training sessions at South Nottingham Academy. They are also providing pitch-side first aid cover for games for the Academy teams of boys ranging from 12 to 18 years.
Second year student, Phil Lock, said “Working with Notts County has been a great experience, it has given me an insight into physiotherapy in football which I wouldn’t get on the course. I would recommend it to anyone who has a sporting interest or just looking for some more experience”. Shannon Smalling, also a second year student, has been working with Notts County since the start of the season. She echoes Phil’s comments “Working at Notts County and being part of the team has been a great opportunity. I am thoroughly enjoying it particularly screening the players”.
The collaboration, coordinated by Tom and physiotherapy lecturer, Jackie Hollowell, has been running for two months. Tom has nothing but praise for the students; “having the guys help out has been great for us and we appreciate them giving up their time”.
Approximately 14 physio students are working on a rota basis and are being given the opportunity to devise musculoskeletal screening and rehabilitation programmes themselves under Tom’s supervision.
The collaboration is part of a wider programme to provide students with experience outside of their normal NHS placements, volunteering in the community at sports events. It is planned to continue this mutually beneficial collaboration into next season with the development of an Advantage Award module.
Posted on Tuesday 11th March 2014