Herts physio students get hands-on real-world experience supporting 5000 athletes at London’s Turf Games

The four students formed part of the ‘recovery hub’ providing rapid injury assessment, recovery assistance, plus taping and sports massages.

The event, which features a wide variety of physical disciplines in team formats, was held in London at the Grasshopper Rugby Club, earlier this month, with the recovery hub provided and managed by FivePhysio, an Essex and Hertfordshire based practice itself set-up by former graduates from the University.

The University, which is ranked fourth across the UK for its physiotherapy course, regularly supports major events such as the London Marathon, by providing its highly regarded students as volunteers for experience that also benefits the community.

Third-year students Freddie King and Toni Green from Romford, joined Rebekah Jameson Ryan from Harrow, and Kiara Chien from Hong Kong who all took part in the Turf Games hub.

Freddie King aged 21, a third-year physiotherapy student from Romford, who will graduate in September with a first-class honours degree, said:

“I’ve had the benefit of a five-week physio-practice placement and have also helped at other sporting events. You work constantly all day and learn off the other physios while you are doing it.

“It’s great for my CV and the kind of athletes we were supporting at the Turf games were gym fit, big athletes, who have a keen interest and understanding of their own bodies so they are very inquisitive.

“What Herts has given me is a great balance between placements and exams so I am hoping to find a job where I can really develop everything I’ve learned.”

Another third-year first-class honours student, 21-year-old Antonia (Toni) Green, also from Romford, agreed, saying:

“For those interested in working with athletes in the future it’s a great way to gain some experience in this area. You have a chance to ask questions to those who work with athletes every day and also get to have a great time doing it!

“I’ve done a few similar events with FivePhysio and have enjoyed them all. It’s always great to get involved and learn from professionals.

“The course at Herts has been a really positive experience. As much as it’s difficult and really pushes you to your limits, I’ve learnt so much in a professional sense and have grown a lot as a person too through my experience related to the course.”

After she graduates in September Toni is looking for a job where she can use her skills work on improving her clinical practice, building on the skills and experience she has already gained.

Herts graduates Dan Nunn and Kane Read set up, own and run FivePhysio having graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2011.

Says Kane, “Its brilliant to be able to give something back to the University by helping to develop some of the emerging student talent.”

Their team of physios and students exceeded its own expectations at the event by hosting almost 420 appointments between them.

“We specialise in sports injuries and back pain, and have many professional athletes (crossfit, boxing, MMA and golf) who we look after, so this event is the perfect gig for us. We hugely appreciated the support of Herts’ students to help us meet demand!”

FivePhysio now has 16 full time physios of which six are Herts graduates.

The University’s Physiotherapy Professional Lead, Jayne Bartholomew, said:

“Since launching our undergraduate physiotherapy degree in 1993, we’ve proudly graduated around 1,800 highly skilled physiotherapists.

“Our focus has always been on giving students as much real-world experience as possible, helping them build the practical and interpersonal skills they need to thrive in their careers.

“That’s why partnerships with alumni like the team at FivePhysio are so valuable. They’ve not only built impressive careers but also give back by mentoring and supporting our students in real clinical environments, enhancing their learning and confidence beyond the classroom.”

The University of Hertfordshire has just opened its Clearing pages for the 2025–2026 academic year, giving prospective students the perfect opportunity to explore a wide range of healthcare and physiotherapy programmes.

Apply online through Clearing or speak directly with the University’s Clearing advisors on the hotline: 0330 404 0058.