Best foot forward for Raiders star Pressey as he gets orthotics prescription from Plymouth University

Podiatry students at Plymouth University have been given a foot up onto the career ladder after helping basketball star Matt Pressey with a new pair of orthotics.

Third year Podiatry students Jack Walker and Erica Knapp joined forces with Vasileios Lepesis, a Lecturer in the University’s School of Health Professions, to prescribe a pair of functional foot orthoses for the Plymouth University Raiders’ star guard.

The event follows the signing of a partnership between the two organisations, which included a pledge to create a range of opportunities for University staff and students.

Dave Briggs, Chief Executive of Plymouth University Raiders, said: “It is great to be able to offer players the opportunity to come and access expert medical care at Plymouth University; players benefit from the best treatment possible and we love being able to offer students like Jack and Erica the chance to get involved.”

With the help of Mr Lepesis, the students assessed Pressey’s previous orthotics, before examining his foot and lower limb mechanics. They then took a plaster of paris cast of his feet to assist in the manufacture of a new pair of foot orthotics, which are being donated by UK manufacturer Langer.

Pressey, 24, who signed with the Raiders in September having graduated from the University of Missouri in 2012, said the assessment was of the same high standard he had previously received in the USA.

Jack Walker, who hopes to specialise in sports podiatry on completion of his degree, said: “Sports podiatry is difficult to get into so it’s amazing to have an opportunity to work with a world-class athlete like Matt Pressey, especially as you learn a lot by doing and seeing things for yourself.”

The University is hoping its partnership with Plymouth University Raiders will continue to enhance the student experience over the coming months, with more events planned to benefit players and University staff and students.

For more information on the partnership with Plymouth University Raiders see www.plymouth.ac.uk.