As demand for sports massage therapists continues to surge across Australia, TAFE NSW is delivering a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the needs of industry.

Sports massage is now seen as a necessity among professional athletes and elite sports teams for recovery and injury prevention, and research shows the massage industry is projected to grow by 20 per cent over the next five years.

Bossley Park local Andrew Doan is one of many graduates who studied the Diploma of Remedial Massage at TAFE NSW Macquarie Fields to get their foot in the door of the industry. He currently works as a Lead Soft Tissue Therapist for National Basketball League team, the Sydney Kings.

“I was finishing up my Health Science degree at university when I started seeing a physiotherapist and realised I wanted to do manual therapy and work with athletes. I’ve always been passionate about sports and basketball and helping others, and once I enrolled in the TAFE NSW Diploma I never looked back,” Andrew said.

“Juggling my last year of uni and the fast-tracked Diploma wasn’t easy, but the support and guidance of my teachers was invaluable. I was exposed to employers and networking opportunities and one of my teachers, Donna, even helped me gain an internship at the Sydney Kings. I now work there as a Lead Soft Tissue Therapist, and also run my own myotherapy and sports and remedial massage clinic called Myohealth Therapy.

“Working in sports massage is challenging, hands-on work, but incredibly rewarding. Each day I work with the physio team to organise massage and recovery blocks for the team, which helps prevent and treat any injuries in the athletes and increase their longevity and flexibility.

“I’ve found there are many courses that teach you what to do, but industry experience is a big factor in learning how to do it and having confidence when you graduate. One way I’ve started giving back is by providing the opportunity for current TAFE NSW students to come in and see what it’s like to work in the sports industry.

“Now that I’ve gotten into the industry, I’m passionate about passing on my knowledge to the next generation and sharing what I’ve learnt along the way. I’m thinking about doing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, so I can also work as a teacher and help others reach their goals.”

Sydney Kings head of performance and medical Toby Banfield said: "The uniquely high frequency of games in basketball makes recovery an integral part of sustained performance and one of the cornerstones of our recovery process is massage."

"Andrew, with support from TAFE NSW students and teachers, leads this area for the Kings and Flames programs which have become a vital part of our performance program."

TAFE NSW Massage Teacher, Donna West, said TAFE NSW helps prepare students like Andrew with the skills they need to excel in the fast-paced field of sports massage.

"We take immense pride in the success stories of our graduates, like Andrew, and are committed to nurturing their talent and enabling them to reach new heights,” Ms West said.

“Through a combination of practical training, theoretical knowledge, and industry exposure, our graduates are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the growing sports massage industry.”

Media contact: Emma Hughes, Communications Specialist, 0409 618 291, emma.hughes51@tafensw.edu.au

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