How did you get into sport?
This is the “How did you get into sport?” podcast where we explore the ins and outs of working in high performance sport.
These are conversations with leaders in the industry about their journey and most importantly how they got to where they are. Working in professional sport is one of the most sought after yet highly competitive industries with limited professional organisations offering opportunities to work at the highest level of their respective sports.
This podcast was created on the back of countless conversations with a diverse range of experienced professionals overly frustrated yet still highly motivated to work in their dream role and asking the question “How did you get to work in professional sport and what did you have to do to get there?” Host Luis Resa is a Sports Physiotherapist who has worked in various elite professional organisation both in Australia and internationally.
In each episode, Luis has deep conversations with Sports Physiotherapist, S&C coaches, Head coaches, High Performance Managers and other leaders in the field of elite sport to discuss what it takes to excel in the world of sport as well as diving deeply into the intricacies of what got their foot in the door of some of the world’s most desirable roles.
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. In the meantime, enjoy a deep conversation and learn the specific do’s and don’ts of both securing and surpassing expectations in the field of high performance sport.
How did you get into sport?
Liam Robinson - Head Physiotherapist, Melbounre Storm, NRL
Liam Robinson is the Rehabilitation Physiotherapist for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL, Australia. Liam is a UK trained physiotherapist who traveled to Australia with an ambition to work in sport and now has a converted role with one of the most well-regarded high performance environments in sport. One of the most fascinating parts of his story is how he got his first opportunity in professional sports with Rugby side Melbourne Rebels as a volunteer and was able to gradually progress through the club over 9 Years to eventually become the Head Physiotherapist for the club. In addition, Liam has an abundance of knowledge in this space and as a clinician I really admire him as someone who focuses less on what he can get out of a situation then focusing more on what value he can offer, and with this approach over time you will be rewarded for your work.
Highlights from the episode…
- After being exposed to the research coming out of Australia and the reputation of Aussie physios he was inspired to pursue a career down under.
- The power of volunteering. “You have to be in the room to be part of the conversation”. The importance of being part of a organisation even if its at the bottom.
- "Luck is like a bus. There is one coming every hour, but unless you have the right ticket you cant get on."
- Liam lays out the email he used to get his first role with professional sports club the Melbourne Rebels.
- Liam shares how he also got an opportunity as Head Physio with the Georgian National Rugby U20s Mens Team and found himself on a plane to Georgia.
- The philosophy of “Know thy Athlete” when it comes to effective injury management.
- The importance of reflection and how this can accelerate your growth.
- The difference of "Systems 1 Thinking" and "System 2 Thinking" and the advantages and disadvantages.
- Liam provides a play-by-play of how he progressed through the club to become the Head Physio of the organisation and all the challenges and rewards that came during his time at the Rebels.
- The challenges of being the lead decision maker at a club that most Head Physios experience, but rarely speak about.
- After a tough period and feeling a little burnt out by the industry Liam took some time off and returned to the UK.
- After being away from industry for a period of time, Liam shares what he did to eventually secure one of the most competitive roles advertised at the time with the Melbourne Storm, NRL.
- Liam ends with speaking a little about his current role and giving us lots more to talk about in a possible part 2 episode.
People mentioned:
- Ryan Papenhuyzen documentary “In Due Time”: Liam Robinson camo (16.31mins in) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWacS09zm64
Liam Robinson contact details:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamjamesr/
- Melbourne Rebels article: https://melbournerebels.rugby/news/2019/02/26/get-to-know-liam-robinson-rising-physio
Host: Luis Resa
Contact me on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
- Email: luis.resa@outlook.com
Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
