Ben Mortlock

Why Teesside University?

It was one of the few universities that offered a sports therapy degree, and of the six options I had, Teesside was my favourite. I really liked it after visiting an open day – there seemed to be a good atmosphere and I liked the central campus.

Tell us about your course

My course was great – the course content was brilliant. I enjoyed all the hands-on modules – and on this course most of my classes were hands-on! The classroom environment was great due to the like-minded and friendly students and I spent a lot of time with my classmates outside of the course.

The quality of teaching was also really good. Having tutors who had worked in professional football as a big help as they had first-hand experience of what to expect and how to act as well as excellent theoretical knowledge of sports injuries.

I loved learning about practical anatomy and pathology and how manual therapy can help improve pain.

Did you complete any placements or work experience while you were here?

Yes I did – in the summer after my first year I went back to my hometown club, Grimsby Town Football Club. It was a great experience and the chance to put everything I had learned into practice. I think the work placement module was the most important module of my course – it gave me real insight about what I needed to do.

Did you stay in University accommodation?

I did and I thought it was great. The lads I met in my halls were my best friends throughout uni. We were right on the University campus which is in the town centre.

What was your social life like?

I had a really good social life while at university. I spent a lot of time at the Students’ Union and the pubs around the campus. I played for two sports clubs regularly, futsal and football, and tried out with others.

I also really liked the surrounding areas and we’d visit places like Saltburn when we had a car!

What did you do next?

After graduating from Teesside I completed my master’s at Sheffield Hallam University and I’ve worked in professional football ever since. Initially I went straight into Grimsby Town and was the academy sports therapist, before taking roles at Barnet, Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Hull Tigers. I now work for the Football Association and British Athletics as a consultant massage therapist, as well as having my own clinic. I work with the England men's senior first team and I will be going to the World Cup in June 2018.