Side lines to goal lines: Steph’s journey from physio patient to pro

Victoria University (VU) physiotherapy student Stephanie Grech was once on the other side of table: an injury during her football playing days meant a journey taken through rehabilitation. Now, partly due to that experience, she’s well on her way to becoming a physio herself — and as a component of her course at VU, has been enjoying immersive learning through her internship with our partner Western United Football Club (WUFC).

“Before studying at VU, I entered university straight after completing high school in 2019. I studied a Bachelor of Health Science at another university for a year, as a pathway to get into physiotherapy as I did not get the required ATAR. 

“I am now studying a Bachelor of Applied Movement Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy at VU, and I am currently in my fourth year. I have one year left and graduate halfway through 2025.”

Exploring a long-lived passion

“I have always enjoyed sport, and I have played amateur football for 10 years. I love the team environment and culture that is created amongst teams and clubs, creating special bonds that last for a lifetime.

“I also experienced many months on the sideline myself due to injury. I’d love to help future athletes navigate their journey in rehabilitation, just like my own physiotherapist did – he is a big part of why I am pursuing a career in physiotherapy today.” 

Learning from excellence: in mentors & facilities 

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my course. The physiotherapy team at VU are extremely knowledgeable and are supportive mentors who have helped me along my journey as a student physiotherapist, setting up partnerships for the and providing my peers and I with many opportunities. 

“I also love the facilities they have for physiotherapy students – we have been able to utilise facilities across multiple campuses, including Sunshine Clinical School. 

“We have access to physio beds as well as simulation rooms that provide us the ability to refine our musculoskeletal, cardio, respiratory and neuro skills, and we can also access the biomechanics lab at Footscray Park.”

A learning model with a difference

“Being able to focus on one subject at a time [with the VU Block Model®] has allowed me to manage work, amateur football, the internship, and university all together. 

“Going from experiencing the traditional model of university in the past, to now studying one subject instead of four at once, makes it far more manageable to consolidate knowledge and apply it in class and assessments.” 

Getting immersed in exciting partnerships

“I chose VU as they have extremely valuable sport partnerships with local and professional sporting clubs. VU’s strong network of partners has allowed me to connect with highly regarded professionals within the sport industry. 

“This provided me with the opportunity to complete an internship, and now a clinical placement, with WUFC. I get to work with the A-League Medical and High-Performance Department, assisting the team with obtaining screening and performance data. 

“I have been able to learn valuable skills in how physiotherapists conduct player assessment, treatment on and off the pitch, and rehabilitation programs. 

“I am also further developing skills with performance data analysis. Access to reliable, objective data allows the medical and high-performance team to progress or modify a training program that is specific to each player, helping to prevent injury – key to working as a sport physiotherapist.”

A day in the life at a hands-on internship

“A standard day at WUFC involves a meeting with the medical and high-performance department where they update each other on player wellness and players in rehabilitation. 

“I might assist with obtaining player screening and performance data, collating all the data and communicating this to the medical team as well as the coaches, then observe the physiotherapists as they assess and treat the players before training. 

“Then we’re onto the pitch to monitor players’ wellbeing during training and complete any rehab with players that aren’t able to train. Once training is done, physiotherapists provide treatment to players as required.” 

Driven towards a future in the industry

“Personally, since I’ve grown up watching A-League Football from the stands, it’s been quite a surreal experience to be able to see all the hard work behind the scenes – to see all the equipment the medical department have access to, and how they enhance the players’ physical performance and overall wellbeing.

“I am excited to graduate and begin my journey as a physiotherapist. I’d love to have a career in sports physiotherapy and will continue to work towards that with any opportunity that arises. 

“I hope to continue to work and learn from great mentors, so that I can deliver a service to all my clients that is evidence based and client focused.” 

Want to know more about our dual degree that’ll see you learn hands-on, real-world physiotherapy skills, and benefit from our range of industry partnerships? Explore physiotherapy at VU.

And, read more about our strong collaboration with Western United Football Club (WUFC), and how it helps enhance student experience and employment outcomes.