The Sports Therapy Route into Professional Football

Since graduating from the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation programme in 2024/25, Euan has continued to develop an impressive career in professional football. Having spent several years working with Dunfermline Athletic FC, he now plays an important role within the first-team medical department. Euan reflects on his journey, the opportunities that shaped his career, and how he got to where he is today 👇

Coming towards the end of my high school experience, I had fractured my foot during a football match, and the process of my rehabilitation sparked a real interest into the subject. I explored the profession, the options and opportunities available to me and decided that I would apply to the HNC Soft Tissue Therapy at UHI Perth. My end goal when starting my studies was to work in full-time professional football. Goal achieved!

Starting in the summer of 2021, the nature of the course structure worked well by building a foundation of knowledge in the first two years - through modules such as Anatomy, Biomechanics, Sports Massage and Taping. This was then built on with more advanced subjects and methods such as Neurorehabilitation, Vertebral mobilisations and Electrotherapy.

Towards the end of my second year of studying, I secured a placement at Dunfermline Athletic Football Club, shadowing the club physio. From this point, I understood the countless benefits of learning on the job. For anyone studying or considering studying this degree, I can’t express how important it was for me, to be able to experience the professional sports environment as early as possible.

In addition, the student clinic at UHI Perth proved extremely valuable as it helped me gain instant experience of real-life issues with a varied range of conditions that helped me apply knowledge from the classroom and into my Dunfermline Athletic placement.

Typically, I was on campus three days per week, then at the club for two days. The club agreed to put me through my SFA first aid course which allowed me to start working pitch-side at Academy level on the weekends. After the summer of 2023, I began working games at u12s level all the way up to u18s. This allowed me to gain worthy first-hand experience of the football pitch-side environment. As the 2023/24 season progressed, I was handed more opportunities within the first team, such as independently creating rehabilitation programmes and leading gym sessions. The Academy would play against other football teams around Scotland including Dundee United, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and St. Johnstone. This was a great way to meet other therapists and create a network in football.

Once I gained experience from working youth and reserve matches, I began to work the first team games. The main responsibilities of our pre-match duties included carrying out soft tissue massage, applying strappings and performing joint mobilisations (these were covered during various classes on the course). During the game I would be on call with a radio, feeding back to the coaching staff while the club physio and doctor are on the pitch treating any injuries. After the match, players with any issues will come to us for injury assessments.

As of this season, I have secured my FIFA Sport Promote medical certification which qualifies me to be on pitch at Scottish Championship level and above. Due to staffing situations at the club in the past few months, I was the only full-time member of staff in the medical department. This spell taught me a great amount about the aspects of the job beyond first team pitch side cover and gym-based rehab. From organising imaging scans and specialist consultations, to keeping track of and ordering stock, it was a real challenge, and I am grateful for it as I feel it has largely improved my skillset.

During the second half of the 2025/26 season, the club made a return to the Scottish Cup final, the first time since 2007. On this run to the final, we defeated three Premiership sides including rivals Falkirk. This run set up a final against Celtic in a sold-out Hampden Park. I feel extremely privileged to experience this special day so early into my time in professional football. For it to be my boyhood club that I work for, competing in the final against Celtic made it even more exciting. Going into the game as underdogs, we unfortunately lost 3-1 in the match. This, however, is something that I’ll never forget and will always be grateful that football has given me an opportunity as big as a National Cup Final.

Celebrating winning at Hampden Park vs Falkirk Scottish Cup Semi Final (back row fifth from right)

Looking back, my journey so far has been both challenging and rewarding, and it has only strengthened my passion for sports therapy and rehabilitation. I’m excited to continue developing my skills and to see where this path takes me within the world of professional football.

Dr Daniel Biggs, UHI Perth Sport Therapy Degree Programme Leader, says:

““It’s great to see Euan and our sports therapy alumni achieving unique life experiences that are impactful to others around them. Euan spent the full four-years on the programme entering at HNC Soft Tissue Therapy, completing each year and graduating with honours four years later, BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation. Now Euan is supporting top athletes’ performance and community engagement with his work”.”