We are asked many different questions about how we work and what to expect. As we are constantly dealing with email enquiries we thought we would put together a list of the questions most frequently asked along with our answers. Please check below and if your question is still not answered then please email Caroline at
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for further information.
How do I become involved with Athletes' Angels?
We need lots of different therapy disciplines to come along and work at the events; physiotherapists, massage therapists, osteopaths, sports therapists, podiatrists etc. In order to work with Athletes’ Angels you must be insured and you must be a member. Membership is only £25 and this gives you priority access to working at the events. Members will be the first to hear about any new events that are looking for specific therapy support.
Insurance cover:
Physiotherapists and student physios must be members of the CSP. This gives you insurance cover for working with us.
Massage Therapists must have full insurance. We work closely with SMTO and recommend Balens if you are looking for insurance. See www.balens.co.uk for further information.
Sports Therapists, Osteopaths & Podiatrists must have full insurance. This will come with affiliation to an officially recognised organisation.
Once you have paid your membership fee and have provided information about your insurance cover then you will let us know which events you would like to work at. Please email
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if you would like to join.
How do I join Athletes' Angels?
Print out and complete the Staff Application Form and the Consent Form and send both forms, along with your cheque for £25 (£20 for full-time students) and copies of your qualifications and insurance to: Athletes' Angels Membership, "Morven", Taybridge Road, Aberfeldy, PH15 2BH. Please also email
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so that a Contact, Pay & Availability form can be emailed to you. You must complete this and return by email. This gives us your contact details, bank account details and lets us know which events you would like to work at. We will then confirm all events upon receipt of your membership fee.
What can I expect on a first day?
Every first day will be different depending on which event you're working at. You can expect whoever is in charge to be welcoming, friendly and very helpful. You will be fully briefed on what is expected of you and you should ask any questions that you have - do not worry that they are silly questions as this is never the case. Once you know where you're setting up then you will wait for the athletes to start filtering through. Depending on the event you may be giving just 5-minute treatments or perhaps something a bit longer - up to 20 minutes. Often the athletes will be dirty so don't expect your towels or covers to stay clean for long! Unfortunately there isn't much we can do about this. Usually the participants will still have more of the event to complete so it's just the nature of a day in the life of an Angel...
If you're working through the night then you will, no doubt, get tired and we want to make sure you take breaks when you need ithem- there is no point in continuing to provide treatment to the athletes if you haven't got the energy. It's not always easy to co-ordinate everyone for breaks so just let us know if you need to take a breather or stop for some water.
What will I be paid?
To find out about rates of pay please have a look at the event calendar on the website. There is a page for each event which tells you about the event, the location and rates of pay. We update these pages as soon as we have the information so as soon as we know, you'll know. Some events are voluntary but you are most welcome to hand out your cards to potential new clients. It's a good idea to always have some on hand just in case you treat someone from your part of the country.
It's important to remember that all of the events that we support are about raising funds for charity. The fees are not usually as much as you might make in your clinic in the same hours. Therapists who work at our events are usually there for the experience, the atmosphere and because they believe in the charities. Sometimes we do support events with larger budgets and a more substantial hourly rate can be earned. This is not the case for most events.
How will I be paid?
We aim to pay everyone within 4 weeks of an event and all payments are made by digital banking.
Do I need to provide my own table, pillows, towels, oil etc?
We would prefer if you are able to provide your own table as we only have a limited supply, however we can sometimes help out if this is a problem. Just let us know and we'll see what we can do.
You must provide your own pillows, towels and massage oil as these are not provided by us. As participants are often dirty, we would advise that you bring old towels, preferably in dark colours.
Do I provide my own transport?
You are responsible for your own transport unless otherwise stated on the website. The only events that transport has been provided for have been events based in Europe (i.e. ski season in Val D'Isere / Hannibal Challenge in the Alps).
Can you help with transport if I don't have my own car?
We can certainly try to help you find a lift with someone else from your area, however we cannot promise anything and ultimately it is up to you.
Will my travel costs be covered?
Some of the events on the calendar have a small travel budget and you will be able to claim the costs of your travel - you will find this information on the event page on the event calendar. Otherwise - it's up to you.
Will accommodation be provided?
Some events have accommodation provided. This information will be on the event page on the event calendar. This sometimes may just be a campsite or hostel-style accommodation. You may need to bring your own tent or sleeping bag. Sometimes you will be able to sleep in the tent in which you were working. Again, it totally depends on the event and its set-up.
Are student physios able to work at Athletes' Angels events?
At most of our events we can arrange supervision for student physios, as long as you are a CSP member. If supervision is not possible then we will state that on the event information on the website calendar. If you are in doubt then please just ask.
Are student sports therapists able to work at Athletes' Angels events?
Student Sports Therapists can be supervised at bigger events by fully qualified Sports Therapists or by a fully qualified Physiotherapist. We will state whether supervision is possible on the event information page on the website event calendar. If in doubt, please just ask.
Can working at Athletes' Angels events contribute towards CPD hours/points?
Physiotherapists
The CSP have confirmed that, as Physios are responsible for their own CPD programmes, then it is entirely up to the individual to decide whether their work at an event is eligible to be included in their file. Bearing in mind that working at our events will give many physios the opportunity to gain hands on experience with acute injuries then this is definitely appropriate for CPD programmes. Each event can be a learning experience.
Massage Therapists
This is something you would need to check with your own organisation as each organisation views this differently. Many therapists find that they learn a huge amount from working with other disciplines (physios, sports therapists) and therefore their work at events can go towards their own personal CPD.
Does attending an Athletes' Angels course contribute to CPD hours/points?
Physiotherapists
As with working at our events, because physios are responsible for their own CPD programmes then it is up to the individual to decide whether attending a course is appropriate for their CPD programmes. As our courses are about further education and adding to your skills, then they should be included in CPD programmes.
Massage Therapists
If you are a member of the SMTO then our courses can definitely be included in your CPD hours as we have been directly accredited by them.
If you are with any other organisation then please check with them direct and let us know how you get on.
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