We are proud to celebrate the remarkable success of one of our graduates, Robin Williams, who has achieved his long-standing goal of working within Premier League football. Robin’s story is one of determination, resilience and the power of high-quality training to change lives.
A Bold Career Change
After more than 37 years in the legal industry, Robin made the courageous decision to retrain as a soft tissue therapist and pitch-side first aid responder. Fuelled by a passion for sport and a desire to support the wellbeing of athletes, he enrolled on the BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Soft Tissue Therapy with the School of Natural Therapies in London.
Reflecting on this career change, Robin explains:
“It is without doubt the best career move I could have made. I love what I do and being able to make a positive impact on people’s lives is the icing on the cake.”
Combining Skill Sets on the Football Pitch
Robin now supports both professional footballers and competitive runners, combining advanced soft tissue therapy with emergency trauma response. His role covers pre-match preparation and post-match recovery, ensuring athletes can perform at their best while reducing injury risk.
Alongside hands-on therapy, Robin holds a suite of FA medical qualifications, including the Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) and advanced training in concussion, sudden cardiac arrest, safeguarding and trauma management.
The Hard-Earned Breakthrough
Breaking into the elite level of football is no small feat. Robin’s determination, coupled with support letters from our team and guidance from tutors including Trevor, Joseph and colleagues, eventually opened the door.
In his own words:
“Just wanted to share this good news with you. I got there at last achieving this hard-earned qualification. Thanks again for all the help and guidance you and the crew provided to me which has helped in getting me to where I am today.”
An Example for Future Therapists
Robin’s achievement illustrates what is possible for therapists who are committed to professional development. From grassroots clubs such as Leigh Ramblers FC and Basildon United FC through to the Premier League, his pathway demonstrates how qualifications like the Level 5 Diploma can unlock new career opportunities.
For those considering a career in sport, the CPD and short massage courses we offer can complement core diplomas and provide targeted skills such as myofascial release, kinesiology taping and injury rehabilitation.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Robin’s success reinforces our belief that investing in education benefits not just the therapist, but the wider sporting community. He is now a valued professional in the footballing world, proving that with the right training and determination, it is never too late to pursue your dream career.
If you are inspired by Robin’s journey and would like to discuss your own career pathway, visit our massage courses page or contact us directly to find out how we can support your goals.
