Rob Hulse: Top of the physiotherapy class

After a 15-year career, former Premier League striker Rob Hulse became a physiotherapist in the U.K.’s public health service. This followed a physiotherapy degree at the University of Salford and assistance from England’s Professional Footballers Association (PFA).

Hulse treats amputees and the elderly in a hospital in Dudley, England. The work is challenging but very rewarding. “There are highs and lows each day. I’m dealing with people at the end of their life, people desperately trying to get onto prostheses (artificial limbs) and walk again."

HELP WITH COSTS

The PFA helped him to enrol in courses and arrange work placements. It also financed 80% of his education costs. Hulse paid them back by finishing top of his class with a first-class degree.

Hulse advises footballers to explore their interests before planning for a new career. "There is life after football. You need to find something that you are passionate about. Start planning, think about what you want to do and then go for it.”

MIND THE GAP

It's a great example of FIFPRO’s Mind the Gap campaign to help player unions advise footballers on life after football. Pat Lally, director of the PFA education department, noted that Hulse was using the teamwork and communication skills he used in football. “All players have transferable skills,” Lally said. “It’s just a matter of finding a career to transfer those skills into.”