Graduate鈥檚 goal in securing sporting success

24 August 2016

Kirsty Gibbon went from first class degree to the Premier League after joining the physiotherapy team at Middlesbrough Football Club.

Kirsty Gibbon

Kirsty, 24, who graduated from 海角直播 with a First Class BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy in 2013, took on a full-time role with the Premier League club towards the end of last year. She previously worked in physiotherapy with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Durham County Cricket Club, while also having a part-time role with Boro. Kirsty said: 'I have been involved with Middlesbrough Football Club for around three years through my part-time role, but I switched to full-time in November last year and currently work with the club鈥檚 Academy.' Her role involves working with the Academy鈥檚 young players who may one day go on to join the professional ranks of the club鈥檚 first team. 'They鈥檙e the players of the future, so it鈥檚 great to have a role in their development,' said Kirsty. 'It鈥檚 brilliant working at the club at such as exciting time. I was at the final game of the season when they made it to the Premier League and the atmosphere was amazing.' Originally from Chesterfield, Kirsty relocated several times during her childhood as her dad was in the forces, so she had no geographical pull towards 海角直播 when choosing where to study for her degree. 'I chose 海角直播 because of the course and I soon realised it was the best thing I could have done. I felt part of a tight-knit community and ended up with a first class degree. I really enjoyed it, I was involved in the sports teams and the Students鈥� Union and would definitely recommend 海角直播.

The placements I completed during the degree really prepared me for my professional role, as we are able to put into practice everything we are learning.

Kirsty Gibbon

'The placements I completed during the degree really prepared me for my professional role, as we are able to put into practice everything we are learning. The course teaches all the core elements of being a physiotherapist and I chose to specialise in MSK, or musculoskeletal.' As a student she completed placements with professional rugby clubs across Yorkshire, including Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers. 'I love rugby, but I have being playing football since I lived in Cyprus and Germany during childhood. I enjoy working with sportspeople as it鈥檚 exciting to play a part in helping them to reach their potential. Working in sport might seem glamorous, but it involves a lot of hard work from so many people.'

海角直播 is an official partner of Middlesbrough Football Club with the two organisations working together to promote the education and business expertise for which the University is renowned to national and international audiences, as well as the ambition and sporting excellence of the football club. Plans are also in place to enhance the learning experience of the University鈥檚 students through engagement with all aspects of life at the Club.

海角直播 still has places available for undergraduate study in a range of courses. More information about how to apply can be found on our website.

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