4 February 2025
Thomas Moore (2010) is a physiotherapist at PhysioXtra Norwood and a private physio on the ATP Tour. His work with elite athletes in football and tennis has taken him around the world, providing high-performance care. While the travel can be challenging, he loves being part of professional sport and the excitement that comes with it. Outside of physiotherapy, Thomas values his time with family and the strong friendships he has maintained through his involvement with the Pembroke Old Scholars Soccer Club.
You’ve had an incredible career spanning different sports and countries—what inspired you to pursue physiotherapy?
Same as most physiotherapists, I was very injured in my teenage years and spent a long time at the physio! I remember doing my work experience placement in Grade 11 and I simply looked up the school guidebook and found a local physiotherapist who I observed for the week. I had an amazing time and was so impressed with what they did that it really inspired me to study physio.
What have been the biggest challenges and rewards of working on the ATP tour and at Fulham FC?
Biggest challenge is definitely the travel! When I first started, I think I enjoyed the travel more, but now with a young family it is much harder. Luckily my wife is very supportive of me leaving for weeks on end otherwise it wouldn’t be possible! Biggest reward is the thrill of the sport for sure. I love sports, and getting to be involved on the sidelines certainly gets the adrenaline going.
How does working with elite athletes in football and tennis differ from working with everyday patients at PhysioXtra?
People ask this a lot, and I often tell them that honestly it doesn’t differ that much! I do the same things with professional athletes as I do in my private practice, just in sport you might have 5-6 hours of treatment/rehab a day as opposed to 30 minutes once a week at the clinic.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time working at Fulham FC or the Australian Open?
This year at Australian Open was quite memorable for lots of reasons! I was working with a British player called Jack Draper, who played Thanasi Kokkinakis in Round Two. With the new coaching ‘pods’ the support staff sit next to the court, right in front of the fans. Unfortunately, this means we copped a lot more abuse, including being told to “Go back to England you filthy poms”. I didn’t have the heart to tell them I was just from Adelaide!
What’s one pre-game or pre-tournament ritual you’ve seen from an athlete that stood out to you?
In tennis, it is currently very fashionable to do ‘eye-tracking’ exercises before games. I love Jannik Sinner’s current warm up where he lies on his back and has someone dangling a tennis ball on a string over his head, like he is being hypnotised. Looks completely crazy, but a great idea.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career, and why?
I have been lucky enough to meet some very good physiotherapists who have given me excellent career advice. I actually got my current private practice role (which is where I first started as a physio 10 years ago) by running into the practice owner at a pub, who then invited me for an interview. That was a big sliding doors moment for me.
If you could relive one memorable moment from your time at Pembroke Old Scholars Soccer Club (POSSC), what would it be?
The one that comes to mind is the A Grade league title win in 2013. I was very much a fringe player in the squad, but had to come on as a substitute with only a few minutes left with the scores 0-0 when we needed a draw to secure the title. I don’t think my nerves have ever been that shattered. I believe I ran around and touched the ball 0 times but still a great memory!
You were President of POSSC for three seasons (2016-2018). What motivated you to take on the role, and what are you most proud of from your time as president?
I was reflecting upon this last week, as the president before me, Adam Steinhardt, recently passed away. He made some big changes at the club in the culture and that lead to a large period of success. I think my tenure was more ‘steady as she goes’! I didn’t have any big vision but was just happy keeping things ticking along really. I am probably most proud I didn’t alienate too many players and during those years we had really good membership!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received, and who gave it to you?
“If you become president, you’ll become a lightning rod for criticism” – this was from my housemate Danny, who gave me some advice on changing from secretary to president at POSSC. It was good advice as I had to learn that I couldn’t always please everyone with some of the decisions that had to be made at the club.
What piece of advice would you give to current Pembroke students who want to stay connected after graduating?
Join one of the old scholar clubs! My close friendship group now is basically the same as it was at school (but now with partners and children). This is because we all joined POSSC after finishing and stayed in touch through sport.
