Ben Austen - The Journey into Elite Physiotherapy

Kinetic launch daily conditioning content for young people in partnership with BFR Physiotherapy Kinetic are delighted to announce that we will be enhancing our virtual training offer to our young people from Monday 1st February. We have partnered with Ben Austen, who worked for Kinetic for 3 years, and his physiotherapy practice BFR, to create daily video content of strength, mobility, and conditioning exercises specific to aspiring footballers. The programme will be posted at midday each day on our kinetic_foundation Instagram story.There is no doubt that lockdown 3 has been a real struggle for our young people and despite us sending position specific training plans and an additional conditioning programme, motivation to keep working in isolation has been affected. Our new initiative with Ben will get our young people ready for the return of football. Since leaving Kinetic Ben has worked at the highest level of professional sport and started his BFR physiotherapy clinic. Ben has a fantastic reputation in his field; his experience and knowledge of enhancing performance levels of athletes at all levels is something our young people are very fortunate to be receiving. Kinetic played a part in Ben’s journey and we caught up with him to hear more about his time with us.      “I completed an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science at Birmingham University before completing a masters in Physiotherapy from King's College London. I started working at Crystal Palace FC Academy where I met Harry and he offered me a role at Kinetic once I graduated.When I joined Kinetic, part of the role was to work part-time at Surrey Physiotherapy Clinic to gain experience working with their client base. I was also mentored by Alison Middleditch whose support was invaluable in widening my skill set to deal with different types of injuries. I strived to add another level of professionalism to the programme with one goal - I wanted to reduce injuries to ensure the boys were available to play more often to showcase their ability. I exposed the boys to good quality strength and conditioning training that was more systematic. Balancing workloads, working smarter rather than harder. Kinetic was a great starting point for my career.  My proudest moment at Kinetic was our performance level in Gothia Cup China.  A lot of the boys were in their final year and seeing them turn from boys to men was special. I still get memories now, being in touch with a lot of the boys that have gone onto jobs, becoming parents, or signed contracts which stay with me. The skills they learnt at Kinetic have changed their lives. Seeing the boys progress in all walks of life makes me proud - it keeps giving which is amazing. Kinetic is full of talent - Josh Maja was probably technically the best player I worked with, but Rhys Norrington-Davies is up there as well. Players hit a level where you could see they were a cut above. Rhys, in China, was probably one the best players at the whole tournament. David Owusu at times as well was unstoppable.Kinetic gives opportunities for young boys to achieve their potential who otherwise would be left in the wilderness. I learnt to never write anyone off, everyone goes through difficult times, the boys from Kinetic keep proving everyone wrong. The most successful players are the ones who are always available, like Ronaldo who has looked after his body. Players need to look after their mental health, stay away from bad habits that can lead you down the wrong path.It is great to see the brand has gone from strength to strength. I have worked with people who are non-league footballers who have said I wish I went to Kinetic.Personally, I want to keep developing as a person and refining my trade – I am really excited about the new conditioning initiative we are launching on 1st February with Kinetic as I know it can really benefit the young people.