Daniel Merry

Meet Daniel, a clinician, mentor, and rising talent in elite football physio. His journey took shape at Herts, where expert teaching, hands-on placements, and lasting connections laid the groundwork for a standout career at West Ham United.

How Herts helped shape his career

Daniel is currently the Lead YDP/FP (Youth Development Phase and Foundation Phase Physiotherapist) at West Ham United, where he oversees the medical provision for the club’s schoolboy age groups. He works primarily with the U15 and U16 squads, providing expert care and injury management for young athletes. ‘This role requires me to implement effective and appropriate rehab for injuries in these phases, management strategies for growth-related injuries, and communicating regularly with the multi-disciplinary team, consisting of coaches, psychologists, analysts, and doctors.’

His Sports Therapy degree at Herts gave him the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to thrive in elite football environments. A pivotal moment in his journey came during his sandwich placement year. ‘As part of my Sports Therapy degree, I completed a sandwich year, which was a year-long placement with Queens Park Rangers. Here I spent time across the first team and academy, and it introduced me to the standards and expectations of working in elite football.’

Additionally, Daniel completed an internship at FSCR, a private rehabilitation provider for footballers. ‘This helped me develop my planning and coaching during rehab and build on the theory provided to me at Herts.’

During his final year, he further strengthened his clinical skills and independence through mandatory placement hours. ‘The mandatory placement hours during the final year furthered my confidence in assessment and rehab delivery. Herts did a great job of providing the foundations to take into the real world.’

Life at Herts

Daniel’s interest in rehabilitation and performance began early, and Herts stood out as the ideal place to pursue it. ‘When leaving sixth form and looking at which university would be appropriate for my next step, I left open day at Herts with the best impression of the set-up, structure, and staff.’

His time at Herts brought academic insight and personal growth, as well as lifelong friendships. ‘Living off campus with friends created lifelong memories; day-to-day practical lessons; the celebrations post exams were always brilliant.’

His advice for students

Now working at the highest level of youth football, Daniel regularly returns to Herts to speak to current students. His advice is both practical and encouraging: ‘All of your lecturers want to see you do well and know to pass on, utilise them when and where you can to maximise you’re learning.

Take advantage of all placement opportunities, the real-life experiences and learning will serve you so well post-graduation. Network in the communities you have an interest in potentially working in to help open some doors for you ahead of looking for post-grad employment.’