Former student Cameron delivers sports therapy webinar

Sunderland College alumni made a virtual return to campus to deliver a webinar to Sport and Exercise Sciences students.

Cameron Lane, who owns his own sports therapy business as well as working with Sunderland AFC Ladies and the club’s official charity Foundation of Light, gave an insight into the industry as part of the students’ Virtual Work Experience Programme.

Among the topics discussed during the webinar were the qualifications and skills needed to become a sports therapist or other career option such as becoming a physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, physiologist, chiropractor or osteopath. Cameron also spoke about his time with the Chinese Taipei national team and Swedish side Ytterhogdals IK, the challenges he has faced in his career and how he overcame them.

“During the talk, I explained the role of a sports therapist and what qualifications would be needed to progress to each level,” said Cameron, who has recently gained an MSc in Sport and Exercise Therapy from Leeds Beckett University. “I also discussed my own career path and explained some alternative career options that the students may like to pursue in their own careers.

“The students were engaged throughout and asked a lot of questions that showed a genuine interest in pursuing this career path.”

Sunderland College’s diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences provides students with an industry recognised qualification, and the basic knowledge and skills necessary to work as a sports therapist. The course also prepares offers progression onto sports therapy or another higher education award in a related field.

Students gain “hands on” experience within the sport and exercise rehabilitation sector, working with employers such as Great North Run, Sunderland AFC, Sports Leaders UK, Houghton Rugby Club, South Shields FC and Everyone Active.

In addition, students will learn in the college’s state-of-the-art Sports Academy, which includes a sports science lab, sports massage and therapy clinic, with industry-standard equipment and machines.

Callum Johnson, Skills Development Coach, said: “We’d like to thank Cameron for taking time to speak to our students. His insight into sports therapy was extremely useful, especially discussing his experiences, insights and the skills he has gained throughout his sports therapy career. Cameron also identified the qualifications needed which helped support our students in mapping out their career plans.”

Student, Keira Jackson, added: “Cameron’s webinar was very effective and helpful. He explained different pathways into other sports jobs which we can consider for the future.

“I was set on being a physiotherapist however, after listening to Cameron, I have been able to give myself more options.”