Before Neal joined Buckinghamshire New University in 2015, he was a Sports Physiotherapist working full-time in professional football and had around 20 years of experience in sport.
Neal studied a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy at the University of Brighton, an MSc in Sports Physiotherapy at Cardiff University and a Post Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education with a specialist area of interest/research in Sports Medicine. Neal finds the area fascinating because working with amateur and elite athletes is both challenging and rewarding, plus the evidence-based practice in this field is ever-changing and evolving.
Within Neal’s profession, he is a member of MCSP and HCPC as well as within education being a member of the HEA.
Neal’s specialist knowledge has led him to work with several professional football clubs including Arsenal FC, Norwich City FC and West Bromwich Albion and has also worked as a team Physiotherapist for England U17 Men’s and Wales u19 Men’s football teams. Neal is also a medical tutor for the Football Association and delivers Emergency Pitch Side Trauma courses at levels 1 to 4.
Neal’s greatest accolade to date is working as a Physiotherapist at a European Under 17 championships and working at Arsenal FC with the first team squad.
