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Decland Wren was announced as a member of the backroom staff with Lewis at the season the season as the clubs Sports Rehabilitator. Our media team sat down for a ‘quick chat’ with him to find out more about his role at FC Olympique 13.
What’s involved in being a sports rehabilitator?
At a football team, it is the role of a sports rehabilitator to make sure that the players are staying injury free and playing football. I try my best ot keep the chances of injury down by doing injury prevention session and thorough warm ups before games and training. Obviously, it’s impossible to completely stop injuries from happening so the other half of the role see’s me treating the current injured players and getting them back to full fitness as efficiently as I can.
How did you first get into it? Is it something you’ve always wanted to pursue?
I’ve always been keen to work in sport and football especially. I also had a keen interest in the human body and how it works, naturally it seemed right to pursue a physio like degree.
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I dream of the day without sciatica! Great deep tissue massage from the boy! @declandwren @rehabilitategib @FCOlympique13 #Massage pic.twitter.com/ZVgjWVpPXo
— Lewis Fraser (@LewisGFraser) September 19, 2017
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[/gdlr_row]I decided on sports rehabilitation and got my first taste of working at a football club through a university placement at Lincoln City. From then on, i knew this was the kind of work I wanted to be part of.
How did you first come to meet the gaffer Lewis?
I was given the opportunity to work at a clinic in Gibraltar so as soon as this happened I knew I wanted to explore the options in local football. Lewis was actually at Angels FC at the time and he was interested in my services after I got in touch via social media. Over the summer he went to Olympique and ensured that I would be able to join him when I arrived in Gib. He stuck to his word and here I am!
What made Gibraltar and attractive move for yourself?
Well, it’s just a complete change in scenery. Obviously it’s a bit sunnier here than in my hometown Preston and the opportunity seemed far too good to turn down.
How has the start of the season gone fitness wise?
Gradually, the players are getting fitter. Their attitudes have been really good, everyone has been keen to try my methods so far and it’s working well. We will keep working though as there is a long season ahead.
How do you look after your own physical and mental health.
Not something I think about all too often to be honest! Generally i keep active and busy I guess.
What’s advice would you give anyone wanting to get into football or another elite sport?
Just be pro-active in regards to applying and networking. I had no contacts coming out of university but via email and social media I would contact anyone and everyone at different sports clubs. I would try and find the jobs before they are posted on job listing websites. As always though you need a bit of luck I think.
And finally, tell us a bit about your personal business with ‘Rehabilitate’.
This is more of a long term project for myself. Rehabilitate is the name I’m trying to promote myself under. It’s all early days bit I am currently working on a mobile app and some other bits that will hopefully grow in time to come and I can make a proper business out of it.
Thank you to Decland for catching up with us. You can follow him on twitter here and follow his work at Rehalilitate on Facebook.