Hoops Capital extend collaboration with TAFE NSW

Hoops Capital, the entity that encapsulates the Sydney Kings and Flames, is excited to announce its continued collaboration with TAFE NSW for a fourth season. 

As part of the collaboration, students completing a Diploma of Remedial Massage at TAFE NSW Macquarie Fields come into Kings and Flames practices weekly during the term, to provide massage to the athletes post-training.  

The initiative gives students valuable, real-world clinical experience as part of their course’s 200-hour practical requirement and supports the athletes’ ongoing recovery and performance. 

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Hoops Capital's head of medical, David Hillard, is excited to continue the beneficial collaboration. 

"Having the TAFE NSW students providing post-training massage has been a welcome addition to our recovery strategies for Kings and Flames athletes,” Hillard said. 

“Teacher Donna West and the TAFE NSW team have shown flexibility in working around the ever-changing dynamic of professional sport teams.

“Alongside the practical experience of treating elite athletes, the students also have the opportunity to see how the performance health staff operate behind the scenes in professional sport."  

TAFE NSW massage therapy teacher, Donna West, said the long-running collaboration provides students with industry-relevant training and a unique insight into sports therapy at an elite level.  

“It’s terrific to see the continued impact that hands-on training provides to our students. 

Working alongside professionals like the Sydney Kings and Flames strengthens their skill development, builds professional confidence, and is an extension of in-class learning,” West said.

“For our students specialising in sports and remedial therapy, this is a valuable opportunity to apply their skills in an environment that requires precision, professionalism, and adaptability,” West said. 

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Akki, a Diploma of Remedial Massage graduate, said the experience of working with professional athletes was both challenging and rewarding. 

“Getting real-time feedback from elite athletes helped me refine my technique and understand how massage supports recovery and performance,” Akki said. 

 “It’s motivating to know our skills are being applied in such a high-level setting and that the athletes really value what we do.” 

The collaboration continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for both students and athletes, supporting player recovery while offering students rare insight into the pace and professionalism of elite sport. 

Stay up to date with all of Hoops Capital’s off-season news here.