Ipswich student Charlotte Byde practises sports therapy skills on top players at Valencia Basket Club
Charlotte Byde (right) with fellow sports therapy students Katie Cousins (left) and Rebecca Gwilliam (centre). Picture: UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER - Credit: Archant
A 23-year-old woman from Ipswich got an insight into sports therapy at an elite level with a placement at a top basketball club in Spain.
Charlotte Byde, a sports therapy student at the University of Worcester, spent time working with the players, under supervision, behind the scenes at Valencia Basket Club, which plays in the Liga ACB and Euroleague.
This was possible thanks to a partnership agreement between the university, which owns the Worcester Wolves basketball side, and the current Spanish champions.
Her experience on placement, alongside fellow sports therapy learners Katie Cousins and Rebecca Gwilliam, ranged from rehabilitation classes to training preparation, as well as a day in clinic, a game day and a tour of the facilities.
“The training preparation sessions allowed us to learn their techniques of taping and mobilisations,” Charlotte said.
“It was amazing to see how differently things were done at Valencia Basket – for example, taping at the ankle utilised tape we’d not seen before, applied in such an organised path that it was hard to recreate at first.
The therapists were very patient with us, explaining everything fully to ensure we understood each point and allowed us to practise on each other and film their techniques.
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“The game day was incredible. With courtside seats we were able to watch the players we had helped treat in action.
“I wish to continue studying abroad in the future and would recommend it to everybody wanting to build upon their knowledge and broaden their experience within the sports therapy field.”
This was the first time sports therapy students had such an opportunity with Valencia Basket, but the university hopes to offer the visit to others in the future.
Dr Darren Cooper, course leader for sports therapy, said: “It’s great that through this partnership we are able to offer our students the chance to do such unique work experience abroad at such a high profile club.
“Our students had a rare opportunity to see how professional teams operate behind the scenes and it is this kind of real-life experience that will help prepare them to enter the sports therapy industry and also give them greater insight if they wish to pursue a career in elite sport.”
Students can still apply to the University of Worcester through clearing by calling 01905 855111.
