Head physio shares England's preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup
England physiotherapist Gary Lewin shared exclusive insight into the England football team’s preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, with sports scientists and physiotherapists of the future at Southampton Solent University.
Gary gave a guest lecture to Solent University students studying degrees in health and fitness, personal training, football studies, sports studies and sport science and sport coaching and development. With just nine weeks to go to the start of the competition, he set out how the team’s preparations are developing ahead of the June kick-off in Brazil.
As well as exclusive photography and anecdotes of the England squad on and off the pitch during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, he shared some interesting statistics with the students about just what happens behind the scenes in the planning and execution of a major tournament for the England team.
Talking after the lecture Gary said, “Working in professional football is highly pressurised. With everything happening live on TV, every decision we make as a physio team is scrutinised by experts from across the globe; but I wouldn’t change it for the world! These students have very exciting careers ahead of them after graduation and I look forward to working with some of them in the future.”
Gary was first-team physio at Arsenal for 22 years, until he became the full-time Head of Physiotherapy to the England Senior Men's Football Team in August 2008.
He has been credited with saving limbs and even lives during his career. Gary was first onto the pitch and possibly saved Chelsea captain John Terry’s life when he swallowed his tongue was after being hit in the face by Abou Diaby’s foot during a corner in the Arsenal penalty area.
Ex-English football manager Lawrie McMenemy MBE, who is also President of the University’s Centre for Football Research which takes his name, was also present at the guest lecture and participated in the authoritative Q&A with the students.
“Our excellent industry contacts enable us to offer opportunities to hear from experts like Gary and to learn about England’s preparations from a man who has been at the heart of the team for more than two decades,” says Dr. Richard Elliott, Associate Professor and Director of the University’s centre for football research.
Richard added, “Being at the forefront of the academic study of football, many of our graduates are going on to excellent careers in Premier League clubs.”
If you see yourself working with elite athletes, it’s not too late to apply for one of our specialist sports courses. Visit www.solent.ac.uk/courses to find out more.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9079 or press.office@solent.ac.uk
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students. It has been awarded ‘Gold approval’ by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
About The Lawrie McMenemy Centre for Football Research
The Lawrie McMenemy Centre for Football Research (LMCFR) is a multi-disciplinary football education, research and consultancy centre which provides expert support for the football industry, students and the media in a number of areas. The centre is founded on Southampton Solent University's position as a leading provider of football-related academic study in the United Kingdom.
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