Ben Nixon

  • Academy Physiotherapist
  • Oct 15, 2019
Full time Multi-Sport

Personal Summary

I am a self-motivated and proactive individual focused upon building a career within the Physiotherapy profession. Both my passion and expertise lie within sports injury rehabilitation after working in professional football for five seasons.

University of Salford (2014 – 2018)
Currently in 2nd year of MSc degree in Sports Injury Rehabilitation

Keele University (2008-2011)
2:1 BSc Physiotherapy

City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College (2005-2008)
Double Distinction in BTEC Sports Performance & Excellence
A2 & AS Physical Education - AA

Clayton Hall Business & Language College (2000-2005)
12 GCSE’s A*-C (Including English, Maths & Science)

FA Awards
FA Level 2 Coaching Badge
FA Safeguarding Children
FA Advanced Resuscitation and Emergency Aid Qualified (AREA) – Dec 2015

CURRENT ROLE

Port Vale Football Club - Head of Academy Sports Science & Medicine (Sept 2015 –- Present)
Clinically I am responsible for the day to day management of both the Development and U18 squads. I provide assistance to the Head Physiotherapist for the treatment and rehabilitation of First Team players during the week and assist with pitch-side cover during First Team home games. I am responsible for the management of the Academy Sports Science & Medical Department; this involves fulfilling the requirements set by the EPPP. Key components of the role include managing the team of part-time Physiotherapists who cover the Academy medical clinics, delivering in-service training to all Sports Science and Medical staff. I am also responsible for ensuring appropriate staffing levels for medical cover of Academy games.

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE

Stoke City Football Club – Academy Physiotherapist (Dec 2014 - July 2015)
During my time with Stoke City I was responsible for the medical management and rehabilitation of all U21 and U18 players. This included initial injury assessment, in addition to the design and implementation of individualised rehabilitation strategies. I worked closely with the Sports Science and Strength & Conditioning Department to ensure that players were both medically fit and physically robust upon return to play. An integral part of my role was to develop and implement musculoskeletal screening to gauge injury risk and design injury prevention programmes based on the results. Furthermore, I was tasked with providing pitch-side first aid cover during training sessions and U21, U18 and Academy games.

Crewe Alexandra Football Club - Senior Academy Physiotherapist (July 2012 – Dec 2014)
Whilst in this role I assisted with the day to day management of First Team, U21 and U18 injuries. I was medically responsible for the management and rehabilitation of U9-U16 players. Furthermore, I designed and implemented the movement and posture screening for all Academy players as required by the EPPP for a category 2 club. The role included reporting of injury progress and selection availability to the Academy Manager; as well as pitch-side first aid cover for U21, U18 and Academy matches.

Crewe Alexandra Football Club - Academy Physiotherapist (Oct 2011– July 2013)
I was provided with the opportunity to establish myself within the football industry at Crewe Alexandra. During the first season I was responsible for the medical management of U9-U12 Academy players and assisted the Head Academy Physiotherapist with all other Academy players. This role included game cover for U18 and Academy matches.

Port Vale Football Club – Youth Team Scholarship (June 2005-June 2007)
After completing my school education, I was offered the chance to play football on a full-time basis as a scholar for Port Vale. Despite not being offered a professional contract, it was an insightful experience into the inner workings of the professional game and the day to day role of a football physiotherapist. This is where my initial interest in the physiotherapy profession was derived.

Keele University – Clinical Educators Course (April 2014-Present)
I have completed a course to become a clinical educator of university students. At Crewe Alexandra I regularly mentored and assessed students’ performance whilst they were on clinical placement.
Other courses include:
- FMS Level 1 Certification
- ACL Reconstruction Management
- The Athletic Shoulder
- Manipulation & Mobilisation
- Football Medical Association Conference 2014 & 2015
- Biomechanical Implications of Leg Length Inequality
- Manual Handling Training
- Delivery of in-service training for emergency aid and CPD at Port Vale FC
- Active participation for in-service training at Stoke City & Crewe Alexandra FC

ABOUT MYSELF

I am passionate about all sports, especially football. I maintain an active lifestyle and keep fit by participating in a variety of sports and working out regularly. I appreciate the demands of working in elite sport so I feel it is important to keep a well balanced lifestyle. I enjoy spending my spare time with family and friends.
Available upon request