Knowledge Zone

Portobello Institute has partnered with Bohemian's Football Club, to give our students exciting opportunities outside of the classroom in the career they want.

Portobello Institute's qualifications are career-focused with hands-on practical experience built-in throughout our programs.

A number of our BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy students have been enjoying this experience firsthand. They have been working alongside chartered physio, Pierce O’Connor, and are getting to experience the day-to-day running of the medical department as well as what match day involves.

Bohemians are one of the oldest, most successful, and most widely supported football clubs in the Republic of Ireland. They have six academy teams that play across a range of levels.

The students have been assisting chartered physio, Pierce O’Connor, who is in charge of working with players from all six teams.

Head of Academy, Craig Sexton, has welcomed the addition of Portobello Institute’s students to the teams.

Head of Academy for Bohemians, Craig Sexton. Credit: SSE Airtricity League of Ireland

“It's been brilliant from our point of view. It’s been a massive support that we needed. They’ve been extremely helpful in offering their expertise.

“Speaking to Cathal [Brady], there’s been some really good progression from their point of view from coming in with us as well. People have made good moves off the back of it which is great to see as well. It has benefitted both parties. They’ve gained great experience and we’ve received great support.

“They’re fully hands-on. They are working away with the chartered physio that we have in the academy, Pierce O’Connor. He looks after all the academy players.

“They would work with Pierce and the six academy teams on a weekly basis. That ranges from games to training sessions. They’re getting experience with on-field assessments, off-field assessments, general rehab, and offering assistance while being supervised,” Craig said.

Sports Therapy Programme Manager at Portobello Institute, Cathal Brady, is delighted with the opportunity for his students to get such hands-on experience.

“Work experience is a critical part of their time in Portobello. It gives our students a chance to put into practice what they have been taught and also takes them out of their comfort zone in the classroom.

“Textbooks can come across as black and white but in real life, settings, conditions, and how they present themselves are not always as clear as they seem.

“Our link with Bohemians has given us the opportunity to get a number of students a feel for working with elite underage teams. To see the day-to-day running of the medical department as well as what match day involves. It’s set our students up well that once they are qualified they will have the knowledge, experience, and confidence to work with sporting teams without supervision,” Cathal said.

Portobello Institute strives to provide the best opportunities for students to succeed in their careers with practical work experience opportunities that will set them up for success.

We also make education accessible with fixed entry requirements and application to any course is made directly to the college. 

If you have a passion for working in professional sports, visit the course page for our BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy starting in February 2023, or visit our sports department page here.

You can book a one-to-one, free consultation call with our expert advisor Shardé Sebastian here, email sharde.sebastian@portobellosintitute.com or call 01 892 0024.