Alastair Thrush, Lead Academy Physiotherapist at the Premier League side, was the keynote speaker at the conference and also stopped by to take in the exhibition of student research posters.

“I was very interested in the poster presentations and very impressed,” he said. “It reminded me of my time at the end of my course.

“In particular, I liked the ones relating to anxiety following injury. That’s a very interesting and undervalued area of research.

“We always look towards published scientific literature to try and guide our treatment and rehabilitation programmes at Arsenal.

“There’s a great opportunity to link in with educational institutions to show that what’s being done is effective.”

The research exhibition marked the start of the half-day event, before an ask the experts career and networking session, which was opened up to local employers and prospective students.

Potential applicants also got the chance to view practical sessions put on by Sports Therapy students from the University.

Before that, awards were handed out to three students and there was a speech from the Open University’s Head of Childhood, Youth and Sport, Ben Oakley.

Ben was Olympic Coach in windsurfing at the Seoul and Barcelona Games, using that experience to contribute to the BBC’s build up to the London Olympics in 2012.

He took students through his habit of reading sports biographies – particularly those of Sir Steve Redgrave and Dame Kelly Holmes, who has close connections with the University through the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust.

Ben’s speech was preceded by Alastair’s presentation about how he helped transform Arsenal Academy’s injury record into one of the best in the world.

“It was a good opportunity to give something back to the higher education system,” said Alastair. “When I went through university, we had some great speakers who inspired me.

“It’s important that we try and give something back and share our experiences and how we got in.”

So, did he spot any University of Bedfordshire students who might follow his route?

“Definitely, a couple of students who came up seemed very engaged and keen to tread the pathway into elite sport.

“Any student who shows an interest in asking questions and trying to engage with you and how you got to where you are shows potential already.”

Senior Lecturer in Sports Therapy Mark Cousins thanked Ben and Alastair for their contributions.

“We are very grateful to Alastair and Ben in giving up their time, particularly as they are both held in such high esteem within their disciplines.

“Their contributions were invaluable to the conference experience for the students, and their high level of academic rigour challenged our students to reflect and improve as they develop as clinicians in the sports therapy field.”