Steven Polley

polley-stevenMSc Exercise and Sports Medicine (Football) 
(graduated 2017)

"The Msc in Exercise and Sports Medicine (football) significantly improved my clinical reasoning skills in relation to sports injury assessment and rehabilitation..."

Why did you choose to study at the University of Birmingham?

I was attracted by the MSc Exercise Sports Medicine course and its relevance to Football – no other University in the county supported such a course. Furthermore, I am from Birmingham and live locally highlighting the University’s convenience.

What made your course at Birmingham stand out for you?

The MSc Exercise and Sports Medicine course had a particular focus on Football, including football specific injury assessment and rehabilitation modules. I had been working full time in football for 2 years and wanted to further develop my clinical knowledge and practice in this area. The course had an option to perform on a part-time basis, allowing me to complete modules in combination with my full time employment.

How did you find the level of support you have from your lecturers?

The course lectures and clinical lead were supportive and approachable at all times via email and organised face-face appointments. They were happy to answer questions, no matter how trivial, and were always welcoming.

What are you doing now, and how did your time at Birmingham help you in your current role?

I am currently Lead Academy Physiotherapist at Aston Villa Football club, primarily responsible for the physiotherapy provision for the U23 squad. The Msc in Exercise and Sports Medicine (football) significantly improved my clinical reasoning skills in relation to sports injury assessment and rehabilitation, subsequently enhancing my competence as a practitioner working in professional football.

What do you hope to go on to do in the future?

I hope to continue progressing my career in Professional Football, expanding on the clinical reasoning skills I have developed and using advanced evidence based practice to rehabilitate injured players where possible.

Any tips or words of wisdom that you would like to pass on to other students thinking of coming to study here?

Utilise the student portal, especially the University’s excellent online library service which has access to a wide variety of medical research databases.