Ex-pro footballer to graduate as physiotherapist from PFA funded programme
Tom Wilkinson, an ex-professional footballer
and the first Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) funded
student to complete a BHSc Physiotherapy degree at York St John
University, will graduate this week with a 2:1 honours degree from
the University.
Tom, aged 25, is the first York St John
student to receive full funding from the PFA after the University
successfully rolled out the scheme with the PFA three years ago.
York St John University is one of only a handful of universities
which receives funding from the PFA. The PFA fund five ex
professional or academy players every year through their studies at
York St John in a bid to help them accomplish an alternate career
as a physiotherapist.
Tom’s professional football career began at
Lincoln City football club in 2006, but was cut short prematurely
due to a persistent knee injury. After receiving physiotherapy
himself as a result of his injury, Tom looked to pursue a career
within the profession. He received guidance on achieving this from
Pat Lally, Director of Education within the PFA Education Team, who
set up the agreement with York St John University.
Reflecting on his experience at York St John,
Tom said:
“I have had the time of my life at York St
John University. As a small close-knit community students get
plenty of support for both practical and written work. Placements
are varied to ensure each student gains the essential skills in the
key areas of physiotherapy.”
He added:
“I hope to get back into football at some
point, but in the meantime I am enjoying my career as a
physiotherapist in hospital.”
Jill Wickham, Continuing Professional
Development Coordinator at York St John said:
“The PFA partnership adds diversity to the
undergraduate population. Although from a football background the
students are encouraged to see physiotherapy as a wide and varied
profession. Tom discovered his interest to be with people receiving
treatment in the acute hospital setting and achieved this
goal.”
Tom now lives back in his hometown of Lincoln
and is a physiotherapist at Lincoln county hospital for the United
Lincolnshire hospitals NHS trust.
For further information please contact Amy Hall, PR
& Communications Officer on T: 01904 876466 or E: a.hall@yorksj.ac.uk