10 August 2025
Steven Chapman (2008) is a physiotherapist at Adelaide United Football Club, combining his passion for sport and rehabilitation to support elite athletes at the highest level. Formerly an A-Grade coach at Pembroke Old Scholars Soccer Club, Steven draws on his extensive playing and coaching experience to bring empathy and expertise to his work. Inspired by his own journey overcoming injuries and guided by mentors within the soccer community, he is committed to helping players reach their full potential both on and off the field. Steven’s connection to Pembroke remains strong, reflecting his values of loyalty, perseverance, and teamwork that continue to shape his professional and personal life.
What inspired you to become a physio, and then move into the world of professional sports?
Unfortunately, my interest in physio started as a result of spending a lot of time rehabilitating long-term injuries with my physio in my early 20s. During school, I had not found a career path that interested me enough to commit to further study, but I found myself asking my physio a lot of questions about anatomy and their reasoning behind what we were working on. It was these conversations, along with my desire to avoid a desk job, that sent me on the path to attempt to get into university and eventually apply for physiotherapy.
In regards to being a part of professional sport, it was never something that really crossed my mind, as it seemed like such an impossible goal. Given my background as a player, however, I had always wanted to be involved with soccer at any level, in any way I could.
Can you provide us with your journey to how you got to working at Adelaide United FC?
My first role with Adelaide United was during my third year of my degree as a volunteer sports trainer with their youth team. From there I was offered a role with Football SA to go on a trip to the youth national competition as they were in need of an extra trainer. After this I spent many years with Football SA working with their various youth teams and under highly skilled physiotherapists such as Deane Stephens.
In these roles, I already felt like I had accomplished my aim of being involved in high level soccer. When Adelaide United advertised for a Head Physiotherapist for their youth program, I applied after encouragement and support from the amazing staff at Football SA. Now being a part of Adelaide United’s A-League Men’s medical team is an absolute dream and I feel very fortunate to be in this position and owe a lot of it to those who facilitated my pathway.
How do you hope your professional expertise can inspire young athletes and contribute to their development, both at Pembroke, POSSC and Adelaide United?
For young athletes, the biggest challenge is training at the correct level, both physically and mentally. It is very common young athletes to over-train or under-train and either break down or not reach their potential. I feel my experiences have given me a good level of knowledge and expertise to guide correct load management.
What are some of the challenges and rewards of working as a physio for a professional sports club like Adelaide United FC?
The challenge of working in professional sports is the requirement to have a flexible schedule. It certainly is not a normal 9-5 job. Additionally, there is always pressure on the team to perform and be successful and this is definitely felt by the medical team. Trying to maintain sound judgement and decision-making whilst the coaches and players are focused on performing is always challenging.
What advice would you give to current Pembroke students looking to balance their personal and professional passions after graduating?
If you want to maintain your personal passions after graduating, you may need to sacrifice financially in the short or even long term. With hard work, perseverance, openness to opportunities and a bit of luck and support, you may be able to combine your passions and turn them into a livelihood.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve received, and who gave it to you?
The best piece of advice I have received was from Adrian Stenta, who is now the Adelaide United A-League Men’s Assistant Coach. We were discussing his own journey in football, and I was keen myself to be involved in soccer at as high a level as possible. His advice was very simple – "make yourself valuable". This is something that I always try to come back to when I am reflecting. Not just to endeavour to be the best I can be, but also to be valuable to those who have provided me the opportunity.
Having played over 130 games and scored over 100 goals (with 2017 and 2018 titles as a coach), which achievement stands out as the most meaningful to you, and why?
The most meaningful achievement to me was the 2017 title win as a coach. We were fortunate to have a strong team, but the league was highly competitive. The entire squad had to approach every game with full commitment. It was a joy to be a part of that team.
What’s one thing most people might not know about your time involved with old scholars?
For my first couple of seasons at Pembroke, I was also playing in the Sunday Amateur competitions and nearly didn’t join Pembroke Old Scholars at all. It was the first team coach and previous Pembroke School Head of Sport, Jim Muir, who convinced me to join the club. It was then the late Adam Steinhardt and Ross Callow that encouraged me to get into coaching after my first knee injury.
How did your experience as a player influence your approach to coaching during those championship-winning seasons?
My aim during those seasons with the quality of player we had was to provide them with a platform on which to perform. As a player I always valued a coach trusting me to do my part for the team.
What’s your favourite aspect of the Pembroke Old Scholars community, both on and off the field?
The best part of the Pembroke Old Scholars community is being able to come back to the people that grew with you and supported you through your struggles.
