Sports students showcase skills on the world stage

The group consisted of 36 Sport and Exercise Therapy students and 11 student coaches from Football Studies, Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Coaching.

Held annually in Gothenburg, this year’s Gothia Cup attracted more than 1,900 teams from 74 nations, providing a global stage for young footballers — and a rare hands-on learning opportunity for aspiring sports therapists.

Throughout the week-long event, the students provided pitch-side and clinical support to teams from the UK, responding to real-time challenges and injuries in a high-pressure, high-energy environment, whilst also showcasing their coaching skills. Their professionalism and expertise made a lasting impression, both on the players and staff.

Leading the group was Dr Lynsey Northeast, the Course Lead for Sports and Exercise Therapy at Solent. After arriving back in Southampton, she said:

“We’re now in our fourth year of providing this opportunity to our students, and it is always a great experience for our students who get to apply their skills in a real-world, fast-paced environment.

“Not only did they rise to the occasion with professionalism and confidence, but they also gained invaluable experience that will benefit them throughout their careers.”

In addition to their clinical duties, students immersed themselves in Swedish culture, enjoying the international atmosphere and forging connections with athletes and professionals from around the world.

Speaking about the opportunity, Solent student Ana Carolina Monteiro said:

“The Gothia Cup definitely took me out of my comfort zone, which is what you want at this stage in our professional path. It has helped me grow in confidence, as well as improving my networking, resilience, and much more. After this week I feel like I am capable of doing great things if I put fear to the side, and just put myself out there, which is something we’ve been told to do since the first day at uni.”

The trip marks another milestone in Southampton Solent’s commitment to experiential learning, giving students the chance to combine theory with real-world application on a global stage.

Solent University’s Sports and Exercise Therapy course is accredited by The Society of Sports Therapists (SST). Students benefit from access to industry placements, scholarships, job opportunities, and resources – including insurance coverage for work-based learning.

Placement opportunities include working with some of the UK’s top sports teams, offering unrivalled experience even before graduation.

Any student studying on a sports related course can also benefit from the use of a state-of-the-art sports complex, which offers a range of advanced facilities designed to enhance both learning and practical experience. The complex includes two sports halls, dedicated strength and conditioning and teaching gyms, and a specialised sport and exercise therapy floor. The therapy floor is equipped with three bespoke clinic spaces, providing an ideal environment for students to practice their skills in a real-world setting, treating athletes and clients under the supervision of experienced faculty members.