Neil Smitherman

Neil qualified as a physiotherapist at Leeds Beckett University, where he received the Dean’s Award for Physiotherapy Excellence. Before becoming a physiotherapist, he studied Sport Science at Brunel University, Middlesex and worked in the fitness industry and in sports coaching.

With a particular interest in strength and conditioning (S&C), Neil took a role at Leeds Rhinos as a strength and conditioning coach for the scholarship. Over the 5 years he worked at the club he has helped a number of players to develop themselves physically to progress to the professional academy. During this time, he worked closely with the physiotherapist at the club to deliver players’ rehabilitation and develop strategies to reduce injury risk.

Neil has gained clinical experience in a range of areas in general practice physiotherapy services, stroke rehabilitation and the Police Rehabilitation Centre, with sports injuries a particular area of interest.

His interest in research and S&C led Neil to complete a Masters Degree in Strength and Conditioning at Leeds Beckett University and he takes the lead on the CSPC S&C service, which you can read more about here.

Neil enjoys weight lifting and previously played rugby. He also volunteers to help coach his son’s junior football team.