Libby Maguire

Worksop Health Hub by Libby Maguire (own company) Head of Medical, Worksop Town FC

My placement at Harworth Colliery helped to define my career path and validated my love for working in football.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity and my best memories

Leeds Trinity has a great reputation for fusing academic knowledge with practical experience, which is why I chose it. I also thought that the campus's encouraging, tight-knit community was a great place to develop both professionally and personally. 

Being the cheerleading captain for two years is one of my favourite memories. Leading a team and applying what I learned in the course to create the cheerleading squad's performance and training standards was an incredible experience. It made it possible for me to integrate leadership and teamwork with my academic knowledge, which was immensely fulfilling.

Valuable placements

I spent two seasons working with the first team at Harworth Colliery FC, which was my primary placement. I learned so much about injury management, pitch side care, and athlete rehabilitation in a real football setting thanks to this experience.

I also volunteered with rugby clubs for a while, which improved my knowledge and abilities even more. But my placement at Harworth Colliery helped to define my career path and validated my love for working in football. I learned how to manage stress, interact with players and coaches in an effective manner, and create a professional, practical approach to therapy and recovery from these experiences.

What I enjoyed most about my course

What I liked best about the course was its practical components. It was immensely beneficial to be able to apply theoretical knowledge to actual situations. The modules were interesting and pertinent, and I liked how they helped me get ready for the demands of working in the sports industry.

I also liked the relationships I formed with my peers and lecturers. I was better able to comprehend the real-world applications of the material we were studying because of the lecturers' extensive industry experience. The group activities and cooperative projects reflected teamwork in real life, which I now experience on a daily basis at work.

Leaving University with new skills

My career has benefited greatly from the broad skill set Leeds Trinity gave me, which includes:

• Injury evaluation and rehabilitation planning: developing and carrying out specialized treatment regimens. Techniques used in soft tissue therapy include sports massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release
• Teamwork and leadership: These were fostered by my group projects on the course and my position as cheerleading captain
• Communication abilities: Establishing connections with coaches, athletes, and clients
• Adaptability: Acclimating to the fast-paced, uncertain nature of athletics

My career since graduation

My career has been varied and rewarding since I graduated. I currently manage every facet of player rehabilitation and medical care at Worksop Town FC, a Northern Premier League (Step 3) team, as the Head of Medical.

Starting my own company, Worksop Health Hub by Libby Maguire, in collaboration with the football team, is one of my greatest accomplishments. This has made it possible for me to combine my love of rehabilitation and therapy with my business acumen. In addition, I assist clients with various therapy needs at Manor House Fitness, where I work two days a week.

Highlights include expanding my business, assisting players in returning to sports following serious injuries, and being trusted to head the medical staff at a competitive football team. 

My advice to students would be:

• Participate in extracurricular activities: They are excellent for fostering teamwork and leadership abilities
• Take full advantage of placements: They are your chance to network with professionals in the field and obtain practical experience
• Remain flexible: Since each athlete or client is different, it's critical to have a flexible approach
• Take initiative: Look for chances to volunteer, learn, or observe experts in your field
• Continue learning: Since the field is always changing, keep abreast of the most recent findings and methods

Sports therapy is a great career choice if you love solving problems and have a strong desire to help people. Leeds Trinity is an excellent place to lay the groundwork for a fulfilling and prosperous career.