Left-back Liam Bartle was released by Bradford City in the summer of 2008.
Despite brief flirtations with non-league football at both Guiseley and Thackley it has been in the classroom that he has devoted the majority of his time since leaving Valley Parade.
For the last 3 years Bartle, who had previously concentrated on overlapping runs and tucking in, has been studying topics like, physiology, anatomy, neurology and biomechanics on the PFA funded BHSc (Hons) Physiotherapy degree at York St John University.
“It takes time to get used to studying on a full-time basis but the staff here are great at helping you do that,” said Bartle.
The first year was a blast, with all the socialising and the banter with the football lads here you’re made to feel very welcome.”
“When you get into years two and three you put more and more work in and become very focussed on what you want to achieve.”
That focus helped Bartle earn an upper second class honours degree (2:1) and he is now settling into a job specialising in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at a private hospital.
“It’s what I wanted to do,” said Bartle.
With my sporting background it fits in really nicely and gives me the chance to get plenty of experience.”
“It’s an exciting time in my life but it’s only been possible because I had the chance to do this. The staff here, like Jill (Wickham) and Judy (Purton) are fist class and helped me get through. On top of that the support I’ve had from Pat Lally at the PFA has been unbelievable.”
“Pat was my LFE regional officer when I was an Apprentice at Bradford and he’s done so much for me. He got me on the course, he’s provided funding and has always been on hand to assist when it’s been needed.”
Without his help and the PFA I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
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