FAW Medical Services Manager highlights importance of education to Sports Injury Rehab students

The importance of education and preparation in emergency situations relating to sports injuries have been highlighted to students during a talk delivered by the Medical Services Manager for the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

Sports Injury Rehabilitation degree students at Prifysgol Wrecsam/Wrexham University enjoyed an insightful question and answer session with Sean Connelly, Medical Services Manager and Lead Physiotherapist for the FAW, as part of Welcome Week.

Answering a range of questions from Level 4, 5 and 6 degree students, Sean was asked about serious sporting injuries, concussion and cardiac arrest.

He emphasised the importance of students and professionals continuously building upon their knowledge and skills through educational opportunities and continued professional development.

“Education, preparation and continued professional development is key, as well as the continued education [of players] on injury prevention – it ensures that sports injury professionals are as ready as they possibly can be, should the worst happen,” he said.

“I’d encourage all students and professionals to take up every opportunity that’s thrown their way to develop themselves and build upon their knowledge base. As nice as it is to have your area of speciality, it’s incredibly important to have an understanding of other areas too – you just don’t know when you might need it.”

As well as the question and answer session, students also heard from Andy Medcraft, Wrexham University’s Organisational Development and Diversity Advisor, about current issues within equality, diversity and inclusion; and had the opportunity to network with placement providers, including Namix, Natural Balance Physiotherapy & Sports Injury, Sarah Bayliss GSR Ltd, Jason Oswell Physiotherapy, The New Saints FC, Wrexham Rugby Union Football Club and The Nantwich Clinic.

Sophie Curtis, a first-year Sports Injury Rehabilitation degree student, said she found the session “engaging and extremely valuable”.

She said: “It was brilliant to not only have the chance to network and potentially find out what placement opportunities will be available to us during our studies but it was also great to hear from Sean and get an insight into his role. His insights were really interesting. It was a great session.”

Kristian Weaver, Sports Injury Rehabilitation Lecturer, added: “A huge thank you to Sean and Andy, as well as all the placement providers for sharing their tips, experiences and knowledge with our students. What a brilliant way to kick-start the new academic year.”