Meet Libby Hetherington, Instructor Demonstrator Assessor in Sports Therapy at Middlesbrough College
Libby is a powerful example of where studying a sports course can take you, having started her journey right here at Middlesbrough College as a Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science student!
Today, Libby stands on the other side of the classroom as an Instructor Demonstrator Assessor in Sports Therapy, building a rewarding career in the very place where it all began.
We caught up with Libby to learn more about her journey from student to staff member, and what advice she would give to anyone considering studying a sports course at Middlesbrough College.
Libby said: “I studied the Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Extended Diploma, and from start to finish it was brilliant. We covered a wide range of subjects, from anatomy and fitness testing to sport injury, sport massage, psychology and more.
“No matter what subject we studied, the staff would always relate it back to your chosen sporting sector, helping you understand how it would apply in the real world.
“When I first joined the College as a student, I was quite reserved and shy, but they gave me so much confidence and really brought me out of my shell.”
When asked how she discovered her passion for sports therapy, Libby said:
“I first started exploring different careers in sport when I was studying at the College. I always knew I wanted to work in an injury-focused role, but the more I learned about anatomy and sports injury, the more I realised that sports therapy was exactly where I saw myself.”
Today, Libby leads the Sports Therapy Clinic at Middlesbrough College, which is open to the public, staff and students. It offers invaluable, real-world experience for Sports Therapy students, giving them the opportunity to work with genuine clients in a professional environment.
“The Sports Therapy Clinic is brilliant for students – it allows them to apply their skills on real clients and in a professional environment, which is the best way to learn.
“We also have fantastic connections with external clients, which means our students don’t just gain experience in the clinic – they have opportunities to work in other environments too.”
For Libby, hands-on experience is at the heart of everything both the Sports Therapy Clinic and Sport and Exercise Science course offer:
“Our students don’t just learn in the classroom – they’re out in real sporting environments, gaining invaluable practical experience.
“They support Middlesbrough College’s Sports Academies, providing pitch-side cover at training sessions and matches. If a player gets injured, our students run on, carry out an assessment, and manage the injury appropriately. Where needed, they’ll bring the player back into the clinic for further assessment and treatment.
“We’ve also supported events such as the MFC annual charity football event hosted at Middlesbrough College, giving students even more hands-on experience. It’s these real-world experiences that truly prepare them for a career in sport.”
When speaking about the sports department in general, Libby said:
“The facilities here are fantastic, and we make sure they’re accessible for everyone. We’re also always staying up to date with the latest sports therapy techniques to make sure our students are fully prepared for real careers in the industry.
“We even have specialist opportunities like an upcoming cupping course, and our curriculum covers everything from soft tissue therapy and sport rehabilitation to advanced trauma management, pitch-side first aid, spinal mobilisation and more.”
For anyone considering studying a sports course at Middlesbrough College, Libby’s advice is simple: go for it.
“Absolutely go for it. Whether you want to be a coach, sports scientist, or go into clinical work, studying a sports course at Middlesbrough College will open you up to a world of career paths and experiences.
“We ensure every student leaves with the skills, knowledge and confidence to walk straight into a clinic or professional role within the sports industry!”
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