University of Bolton students Elaine Buckley and Aaron Smale have joined forces to treat the aches, pains and injuries of the town's future footballers.
The pair, in the final year of their Sports Rehabilitation degree at the University, are on work placements at Bolton Wanderers' youth academy.
The learning process for them has been steep, each having to adapt and put into practice the skills learnt at the University. But neither has let the task daunt them, instead using it as motivation. Elaine said: 'Everyday can be tough and you need to work hard. But that's what I want, you only get out of it what you put in and I love it here. No day is the same. You can be dealing with anything from nine to 19 year olds, juniors to professionals, so you have to keep focused.'
Aaron believes the knowledge he has learnt on the degree has prepared him for the challenges of the placement. He said: 'The skills I've been working on at University have given me a solid foundation to work from. Combining that with the new things I'm learning here everyday and the attitudes of the players and staff around me, this has really, really helped me.'
Both students agree their tutors have also had a helping hand in their success. Elaine said: 'The tutors cannot do enough for you. But you also have to put the work in. They can be tough, but it is a tough love.' Aaron agrees the tutors demand hard work, but believes the benefits are definitely worth it. He added: 'They expect a lot, but they give a lot back, both as professionals and people.'
Matthew Fox is head physiotherapist at the Academy. He has been impressed with the pair's knowledge and enthusiasm. He said: 'Since arriving, Aaron and Elaine have done very well. Their enthusiasm and willingness to help out is great. Their basic knowledge is very good and they are also very eager to learn. They've had no fears about getting stuck in with the players and the players themselves have always given me positive feedback about them.'
Programme Leader of the Sports Rehabilitation degree, Anna Fitzpatrick, has been instrumental in building the relationships with relevant industry figures. She said: 'I think the placements are very important. It massively boosts their employability and gives them excellent industry experience.'
Picture: From left to right - Aaron Smale; Jaime Miller, Physio; Elaine Buckley; Matt Fox - Head Physio; Anna Fitzpartrick.