American Football champs call on invaluable UCB therapists for Finland tour

Not one, but two, UCB sports therapists have been called up to support a five-time national championship-winning women’s American Football team at a new tournament in Finland.

Kerensa Scott, a third year Sports Therapy student who works with Nuneaton RFC and the British Police, and Callum Davidson, who earned a first class degree in Sports Therapy this year and is a talented American footballer in his own right, are accompanying the Birmingham Lions, based at the University of Birmingham, to the inaugural 11-a-side Diamond Bowl.

Pups Kaur from Versatile Therapists, who is part of the Lions’ physiotherapist and sports therapist crew, said: “The assistance we have received from Callum and Kerensa in the lead up to the tournament, in their preparation and treatment of players, has been invaluable.

“The BSc Sports Therapy course offered at UCB clearly delivers an excellent understanding of the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries that may develop during a variety of different sporting activities.

“As such, Callum and Kerensa have demonstrated both a sound understanding and strong skill set in carrying out sports therapy techniques such as injury assessment, taping, stretching, mobilising and soft tissue manipulation.

“Participating in the Diamond Bowl is a fantastic opportunity at this early stage in their careers and we have no doubt that they will continue to display outstanding work both on and off the field over the course of the team’s trip to Helsinki.”

Kerensa, who has worked with the South African Super Rugby team, the Natal Sharks, British Army Rugby League and the Second Battalion Princess of Wales Royal Regiment RFC, said: “This is an excellent opportunity that’s been presented to me by the Lions and UCB, one which will enable me to widen my sporting experience, learn more about American Football and learn more from senior therapists.

“The icing on the cake is getting to travel to a new country and broaden my network.”

Callum, a quarterback for the Sandwell Steelers who is a Graduate Teaching Assistant at UCB and also works for Sutton Coldfield Rugby, said: “I have seen the other side of things as a player, so I understand and can relate to the athletic mentality and demands of American Football. It will be a long few days, very tiring, very physically and mentally demanding for everyone involved, but that’s part of the job and I cannot wait.

“It is a great honour to be a part of such a historic event. I have been associated with the Lions for a number of years now, but this opportunity most definitely ranks amongst my favourites as a member of the #Pride.”

Elaine Limond, UCB’s Assistant Dean of the School of Sport and Creative Services, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both Callum and Kerensa, both of whom will gain invaluable tournament and international experience in a professional environment with the Birmingham Lions. 

“Placements like this give students and graduates an added edge in a competitive job market and we are proud to support a wide range of sports throughout Birmingham and the UK. Everyone at UCB wishes Callum, Kerensa and the Lions all the best for this inaugural competition.”

Considering a pathway in sports therapy? Take a look at UCB’s Sports Therapy degree course, accredited by the University of Birmingham and the Society of Sports Therapists.