CURRENTLY in his third-year of a sports therapy degree course at Leeds Beckett University, our strength and conditioning coach Ben Wilstrop is a 20-year-old from Huddersfield who has been a good pal of his Roughyeds’ colleague Tom Ketteringham (sports therapist) since they were at school together at All Saints Catholic College in Huddersfield.
They both played rugby league for Moldgreen and Ben is still playing, for Almondbury, as a utility back.
Between leaving college and starting at Leeds Beckett, Ben did a B-tech qualification in sport and worked full time for Huddersfield Giants Community Trust, also doing work experience with personal trainers in a few different gyms in the Huddersfield area.
He also found time to do work experience with physiotherapists.
Said Ben:
“Tom (Ketteringham) and I have been friends since we were about 11 and when Tom landed the Oldham placement on therapy, he put in a good word for me on strength and conditioning.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for me. I’ve been at Oldham about four months and I have to say it’s one of the best working environments I’ve ever known. "
He added:
“I love the job and all the different relationships I have with the players. Getting to know them as individuals (they’re all different) is half the battle and I’m learning all the time.
“It might sound evil, but I like to see the players struggling towards the end of my sessions. At least it shows I’m doing something right !”
Head coach Stu Littler said:
“Ben works closely with me on the boys’ fitness. He’s good at his job and, like other members of the backroom team, he has fitted in easily and smoothly. It’s good to have him on board.”
