McGrath's Sports Therapy

McGrath's Sports Therapy McGrath's Sports Therapy offers

Sports massage,
Dry needling,
IASTM,
Dry cupping,
Hot stone massage.

Football boots are not just part of the kit. They are the connection between a young player and the pitch.The right pair...
08/09/2026

Football boots are not just part of the kit. They are the connection between a young player and the pitch.

The right pair should feel secure without squeezing, rubbing or letting the foot slide around. A boot that causes numb toes, repeated blisters or ongoing pain is not something to play through. Growing feet change quickly, so a fit check should be part of the season—not just a once-a-year shop trip.

Surface matters too. Boot design and the shoe–surface combination can change traction and lower-limb loading, especially when players stop, turn and cut. There is no single boot that is right for everyone; the sensible rule is to use footwear intended for the pitch and ask the club or pitch provider if you are unsure.

Before training or a match, check three things:
1. The heel feels secure, with no pinching or numbness.
2. The outsole is suitable for the surface.
3. The player can move, turn and stop comfortably.

Style matters to young players. Comfort, fit and the right grip matter more.

Save this for the next boot-buying trip, or share it with a football parent or coach.

A young player who can jog again is not automatically ready for a match.An ankle sprain can happen when the foot rolls d...
07/09/2026

A young player who can jog again is not automatically ready for a match.

An ankle sprain can happen when the foot rolls during running, landing or a fast change of direction. The early goal is not to “tough it out”; it is to protect the ankle, allow symptoms to settle and make sure the player can move well again. Persistent pain, major swelling, bony tenderness or difficulty bearing weight deserve assessment, because not every ankle injury is a simple sprain.

A safer return is gradual. After appropriate assessment and guidance, the player should rebuild comfortable movement, balance and single-leg control before progressing through jogging, stopping, turning and football-specific drills. Rehabilitation that includes balance and muscular-control work is important after ankle sprain, particularly for a young player returning to sport or dealing with repeat twists.

There is no universal return date. The right time depends on the injury, symptoms, function and professional advice. Do not rush a player back just because it is a big game.

Save this for the next training night, or share it with a parent or coach who needs the reminder: a stronger return starts with a smarter one.

A head knock is never a “shake it off and carry on” moment.Concussion can happen after a direct or indirect impact to th...
06/09/2026

A head knock is never a “shake it off and carry on” moment.

Concussion can happen after a direct or indirect impact to the head, face, neck or body. A player does not need to be knocked unconscious to need attention, and symptoms such as headache, dizziness, balance problems, nausea, confusion, feeling slowed down or vision changes may not appear straightaway.

The safest grassroots-football response is clear: if concussion is suspected, remove the player from training or the match immediately. They must not return that day. Tell their parent or carer and arrange appropriate medical assessment, even if they seem better after a short time.

Seek urgent medical help for a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizure, increasing drowsiness or confusion, severe neck pain, double vision, weakness or unusual behaviour. In Northern Ireland, call 999 or 112 or attend A&E.

This post does not diagnose concussion. It is a reminder that early action protects young players. Save it for your team’s first-aid folder or share it with a coach, parent or referee.

Training is only one part of a young footballer’s week. Recovery is where the work starts to settle in.School, homework,...
05/09/2026

Training is only one part of a young footballer’s week. Recovery is where the work starts to settle in.

School, homework, travel, family life, training and matches can quickly fill the diary. When sleep and recovery are squeezed out repeatedly, young players can feel less fresh, less focused and less ready to cope with the demands of football. Chronic poor sleep in adolescents is associated with a greater likelihood of sports and musculoskeletal injury; that does not mean one late night causes an injury, but it does mean the weekly pattern matters.

Keep the message simple. After training, help the player eat and drink, wind down, and get back to a consistent routine. Most young athletes benefit from roughly 8–9 hours of sleep, although individual needs vary. A busy week may also need a lighter session, a rest day or an honest conversation with the coach.

Recovery is not laziness. It is part of helping a young player keep enjoying the game.

Save this for the next busy week, or share it with a parent or coach helping to manage the post-school rush.

A growth spurt can make football feel different. That does not mean a young player should simply push through pain.As yo...
04/09/2026

A growth spurt can make football feel different. That does not mean a young player should simply push through pain.

As young footballers grow, their bodies can change quickly. Running, jumping, kicking and changing direction may feel different around the knees, heels and muscles — especially when training and match demands rise at the same time. Growth is one part of the picture; repeated load, recovery and movement habits matter too.

The helpful response is not panic or total shutdown. It is to notice recurring symptoms early, tell a parent or coach, and adapt the part of training that is aggravating it. That might mean fewer repeated sprints, jumps or match minutes for a period, while maintaining suitable strength, mobility and recovery work.

Not every ache is just growing pains. Persistent pain, swelling, limping or difficulty bearing weight deserves appropriate assessment — do not try to run it off.

Save this for the next training night, or share it with a parent or coach supporting a growing footballer.

Young footballers are not only fuelling a match. They are fuelling school, growth, training and recovery too.Training st...
03/09/2026

Young footballers are not only fuelling a match. They are fuelling school, growth, training and recovery too.

Training straight after school can make it easy to arrive tired, hungry and under-hydrated. A simple, familiar snack before the session can help: banana and yoghurt, cereal and milk, or toast and egg are all practical options.

Water belongs in every kit bag. Afterwards, help the player refuel with food that includes carbohydrate and protein, so they are better supported for the next day — not just the next match.

There is no need for complicated diets, calorie counting or energy drinks. Food first. Water first. Recovery matters.

Save this for the next training night, or share it with a parent or coach who does the post-school dash.

A warm-up is not just a jog and a few toe touches.Young footballers are growing, learning new skills and asking a lot fr...
01/09/2026

A warm-up is not just a jog and a few toe touches.

Young footballers are growing, learning new skills and asking a lot from their bodies every week. Giving them time to move well before training or a match matters.

Think beyond stretching: build simple habits around balance, strength, controlled landings, stopping and changing direction. It does not need to be complicated — but it does need to be consistent.

A good 10–15-minute preparation block can help young players arrive ready to move with more control and confidence. Mobility is not optional; it is part of looking after the player.

Save this for the next training night, or share it with a parent or coach who helps run a session.

Persistent pain, swelling, limping or difficulty bearing weight deserves appropriate assessment — do not try to run it off.

Micro shin guards might look tidy, but less coverage means less protection.Shin guards are there to cover the vulnerable...
31/08/2026

Micro shin guards might look tidy, but less coverage means less protection.

Shin guards are there to cover the vulnerable part of the shin and help spread the force of contact. Tiny guards leave more of the shin exposed, and guards that slide or twist cannot protect the right area.

Quick kit check before training or match day:
• cover the shin
• stay secure under the sock
• wear them at every session and every match
• replace cracked or damaged guards

Style should never come before protection. Save this for the next kit check, or share it with a parent or coach.

3G/4G pitches are not the enemy — but they do ask different questions of growing bodies.The research does not show that ...
31/08/2026

3G/4G pitches are not the enemy — but they do ask different questions of growing bodies.

The research does not show that artificial turf automatically causes more overall football injuries than grass. What matters is how we prepare: suitable boots for the surface, gradual exposure, strong feet and ankles, and not brushing off new foot, ankle or Achilles pain.

Preparation is the priority, not panic.

Save this for the next artificial-pitch session, and share it with a parent or coach.

Persistent pain, swelling, limping or difficulty bearing weight deserves appropriate assessment — do not try to run it off.

If your overhead line feels like it all comes from the front of the shoulder, look a little further down the chain. Your...
31/08/2026

If your overhead line feels like it all comes from the front of the shoulder, look a little further down the chain. Your upper back — the thoracic spine — provides the platform that your shoulder blades move on.

For advanced pole holds, handsprings and long overhead lines, the goal is not to force a bigger chest lift or shove your lower back into extension. It is to share the movement: upper back, ribcage, shoulder blade and arm working together.

Try building your warm-up with a little thoracic extension and rotation, then follow it with controlled overhead reach. A useful question is: Can I reach this shape smoothly, breathe there and come back out with control?

Training cue: Make the range you own the range you train. More movement is not automatically better if the shape becomes shaky, painful or breath-held.

If overhead positions keep feeling pinchy, restricted or unstable, a tailored assessment can help you work out which part of the chain needs more attention.

Address

3 Devenish Court, BT13 2LS
Belfast
BT119PG

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 9pm
Tuesday 12pm - 9pm
Thursday 12pm - 9pm
Friday 12pm - 8pm

Telephone

+447828180342

Website

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