Hany Hafez
For over 16 years, Hany Hafez built a career dedicated to strength and conditioning, shaping his understanding of human performance, resilience, and discipline.
Having once competed as a middle-distance runner and 800m medallist, sport was always central to his life – both in personal competition and in coaching others to reach their peak.
But after years of helping athletes perform at their best, Hany felt ready to take the next step: to deepen his knowledge, and bridge the gap between performance and rehabilitation, and evolve into a sports therapist which led him to undertaking the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy – Advanced Entry at Portobello Institute.
“Working in such a competitive environment taught me a lot about discipline, human performance, and how to get the best out of people. Those experiences really shaped my career and motivated me to take the next step by studying formally and expanding my knowledge in the science behind what I’ve been doing for years,” he said.
Building on Years of Experience
Before deciding to start his degree, Hany’s professional journey involved working in elite performance environments. But the time came when he wanted to back up that experience with a deeper academic understanding.
“I felt it was time to strengthen my practical experience with solid academic knowledge that could enhance both my skills and career path. After years of working in high-performance environments, I wanted to become as strong clinically as I am in field-based coaching and performance.
“Studying gave me the opportunity to connect the practical side of what I do every day with a deeper understanding of the science behind it. It’s helping me grow into a more well-rounded professional who can bridge the gap between theory and real-world application,” he said.
This desire to combine hands-on expertise with theoretical knowledge became the foundation of his next chapter.
Choosing the Right Place to Learn
When researching where to study, Hany found that Portobello Institute stood out immediately.
“What first caught my attention was how well Portobello Institute presented what they offer, their advertising clearly showed the quality and depth of their programmes. I was particularly drawn to the advanced entry sports therapy degree, which is internationally recognised and built on a strong, high-standard academic framework,” he said.
Before the course began, Hany arranged to meet Programme Lead, Cathal Brady, to learn more about the programme, which was key to supporting his decision to study.
“His deep knowledge and professional approach showed me that he genuinely means business and is passionate about what he teaches. I knew then that I’d learn a lot and that the hard work would be worth it. Another big plus was the location, being right in the heart of the city made it convenient and easy to balance studying with my work and day-to-day life,” he said.
Following a Lifelong Passion
For Hany, gaining his degree was more than an academic pursuit, it was a continuation of a lifelong passion that opened career and future postgraduate study opportunities.
“Studying this course was a direct continuation of my lifelong passion for sport, performance, and helping others reach their potential.
“Now that I’ve advanced my career to become a sports therapist, I can help patients with musculoskeletal conditions from full assessment all the way through to restoring full functionality and peak performance.
“I have already recommended Portobello Institute to several friends who are passionate about sports and therapy. It’s an excellent programme for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge and develop strong practical and scientific skills.
“I’ve always been passionate about physiotherapy, especially in a sports context, and the sports therapy degree gave me the perfect opportunity to pursue that.
“It not only provided me with specialised knowledge and skills in sports-related physiotherapy but also opened the door to further study. If I choose to extend my education, I can progress into a master’s in physiotherapy, allowing me to achieve a full physiotherapy qualification in a total of four years, instead of completing a standard four-year physiotherapy degree plus an additional two years for a master’s,” he said.
A Supportive, Engaging Learning Environment
Throughout his time at Portobello Institute, Hany thrived in the collaborative and supportive learning atmosphere.
“I really enjoyed my time at Portobello Institute. I’m naturally social and energetic, so the opportunities to interact with tutors and fellow students were a highlight for me.
“The tutors encouraged discussion, debate, and sharing knowledge, which gave me plenty of chances to engage and learn actively. The teachers are highly knowledgeable and always willing to help, while the admin team was friendly, responsive, and supportive throughout.
“The facilities are well-equipped and suited to learning. Overall, my experience gave me everything I needed to focus on becoming the best in my field and fully absorb the knowledge on offer. It’s important to note that this course requires a serious commitment. It’s not like an average degree where you can pass without effort. You need to be willing to study, focus, and put in the work to get the most out of it,” he said.
Hany particularly appreciated how welcoming the environment was from the start.
“As a foreign and mature student, what I appreciated most was the welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The tutors and fellow students were incredibly professional and approachable, making me feel at home from day one.
“The environment really reflected the warmth and culture of Irish people, I didn’t feel foreign student at all, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
“Returning to education also brought back fond memories of my youth, when I completed my first degree in Criminal Law in Cairo. Being able to enjoy that sense of learning and intellectual curiosity again was truly a joy,” he said.
Learning Through Real Experience
Hany was already working as a rehabilitation specialist in a chartered physiotherapy clinic nearby Portobello Institute in Dublin City Centre, which made for an ideal clinical placement setting.
“It was the perfect opportunity. In addition, I completed a practical placement as a sports physiotherapist for a local football team. That experience was incredibly enjoyable, dynamic, and inspiring. I even continued working with the team after graduation.
“Being part of team sports is a unique environment, full of energy, challenges, and learning opportunities, where you experience the thrill of the games and dealing with wider range of injuries that really shaped my practical skills and understanding of sports performance,” he said.
One of the highlights of his placement was identifying and addressing a gap in strength and conditioning support at the club.
“During my placements, I successfully helped athletes recover from injuries and return to their highest performance levels. One of the key contributions I made was addressing a gap in strength and conditioning support.
“I noticed that this focus was mostly available only to national teams and top-tier leagues. By introducing structured strength and conditioning programmes for the team I worked with, we were able to reduce injury rates and improve athletes’ ability to meet the physical demands of their game.
“Seeing tangible improvements in performance and resilience was extremely rewarding and reinforced the impact of combining rehabilitation with proactive conditioning,” he said.
Ready for the Future
The combination of practical and academic experience has prepared Hany for the next stage in his professional journey.
“This experience was a perfect showcase of what day-to-day work as a sports therapist really looks like. A graduation certificate alone doesn’t capture the practical skills needed, and the hands-on experience in both the clinic and on the field was invaluable.
“It allowed me to apply the knowledge I gained in the classroom, making me work-ready and confident in my abilities. I now feel fully prepared to be an effective practitioner without needing extensive additional training before contributing meaningfully in a professional setting,” he said.
Looking forward, Hany hopes to expand his role into education and business, starting with a tutoring role at Portobello Institute, passing on his experience studying on this course to new students.
“Upon graduating, I am looking forward to becoming an associate tutor at a college offering a sports physiotherapy degree. This role would motivate me to continue my studies and pursue a master’s in physiotherapy, with the goal of becoming a full tutor in the future. Additionally, I am considering opening my own sports clinic and performance centre,” he said.
The degree, he says, has been a cornerstone in building his expertise and expanding his impact.
“This qualification has been a keystone for building and advancing my knowledge in sports and therapy. By thoroughly studying modules like Assessment and Evaluation, as well as Treatment in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, I’ve developed the skills to effectively manage a wide range of non-red-flag musculoskeletal conditions.
“It also improves my ability to coordinate with physicians and other healthcare professionals. Beyond professional practice, this knowledge allows me to positively influence the lifestyle and health of those around me, including family and friends,” he said.
A Journey of Passion, Purpose, and Growth
From the running track to the treatment room, Hany’s journey reflects dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous growth. What began as a career in performance coaching has evolved into a therapeutic vocation grounded in science, compassion, and impact.
“Yes, this course was exactly what I had been looking for. I’ve always been passionate about physiotherapy, especially in a sports context, and the Sports Therapy degree gave me the perfect opportunity to pursue that,” he said.
If you’re inspired by Hany’s story and ready to take the next step in your own career, explore Portobello Institute’s Sports and Health Science courses – and start your journey towards a rewarding and impactful future.
