Hi Cheryl! Before we dive in, could you tell us a bit more about yourself and your journey so far?
Hi! My name is Cheryl Lynn Pereira and I’m from the Portuguese Settlement in Melaka. I completed my Bachelor of Physiotherapy and started off as an intern with Kuala Lumpur City FC and Axis Physiotherapy. After my internship, I was offered a position at Axis and got the chance to handle the U23 Kuala Lumpur City Extension team for the MFL league season 2024–2025. It was a really exciting experience. This year, I’ve been given an even bigger responsibility, handling the senior Kuala Lumpur City team for the Super League 2025–2026 season.
You’re originally from the historic town of Melaka, and we’ve heard you were quite the sprinter in your younger days! Did your athletic background influence your decision to pursue physiotherapy? And how are you finding the profession today?
Yes, for sure. Being involved in sports from a young age definitely sparked my interest in this field. I was always curious about how the body works and how athletes recover from injuries. That curiosity eventually grew into a passion for physiotherapy.
Today, I find the profession really fulfilling. It gives me the chance to help people get back on their feet, literally. Whether it’s helping someone regain movement, recover from an injury or just live without pain, it’s a rewarding feeling. Plus, the field is always evolving, which keeps me on my toes and constantly learning.
You’re currently working with KL City FC, that’s amazing! How did the opportunity come about, and what has the experience been like so far?
Thank you! It’s been an incredible journey. The opportunity came through Axis Physiotherapy, where I was assigned to KL City FC.
Working with a professional football club is fast-paced and always changing. Every day brings new challenges but also new opportunities to grow. It’s a high-pressure environment, but I enjoy the energy, the teamwork, and the sense of purpose that comes with it.
Sports physiotherapy is still a largely male-dominated field. Have you faced any unique challenges because of that or do you approach it simply as a professional doing your job?
There have definitely been challenges. Sometimes you feel like you have to prove yourself a littlemore, or deal with people making assumptions about what you can or cannot do. But from early on, I told myself to just focus on doing my job well, to stay informed, stay consistent, and let my work speak for itself.
I’ve been lucky to work with teams and players who value what I bring to the table. That mutual respect really goes a long way.
What was your first reaction when you found out you’d be working with a professional football club? Was it overwhelming, exciting or a bit of both?
Honestly, it was pure excitement. I’ve always admired professional sports setups from afar, so to suddenly find myself a part of it felt surreal. Of course, there were nerves, but more than anything, I felt driven. I just wanted to give my best.
What does a typical day look like for you when you're with the team during training or match days?
Training days usually start with strapping the players before the session begins. I’ll check in with them to see how they ’re feeling and if there are any issues that need attention. During training, I’m on standby in case someone gets injured. After that, I might do assessments or follow-ups and update the coaching staff if needed.
When I’m not with the team, I’m usually at the Axis clinic helping players with treatments and rehab.
Match days are a whole different energy. There’s a lot of prep involved. Some players might come in feeling unwell or dehydrated, so we try to sort everything before kickoff. Once the game starts, I have to stay fully alert. If someone goes down, we need to assess the injury fast, provide first aid, and decide quickly if the player can continue or not. The atmosphere, the fans, the pressure – it’s intense, but I love it.
What’s one misconception people often have about physiotherapists in professional sports?
A lot of people think we just do basic first aid or tape ankles. Some think it’s all just massages. But there’s so much more to what we do. We’re trained to assess, diagnose, and manage injuries. Most of the real work actually happens off the pitch. We design rehab programmes, track recovery, and decide when a player is ready to return to training or matches. It’s a full-on responsibility.
Do you find that your background as an athlete helps you connect better with the players you treat?
Definitely. Coming from a sports background helps me understand what they’re going through — physically and mentally. I get the pressure, the pain, the frustration when you’re injured and just want to be back on the field. That understanding helps me build trust and communicate better with the players.
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known before starting your career in this field?
I wish I had been more prepared both physically and mentally. This career is demanding, and it doesn’t stop when training ends or the match is over. You ’re constantly on the move, thinking ahead, and looking out for others. To care for athletes at the highest level, you also have to make sure you ’re taking care of yourself.
What advice would you give to young women looking to break into the sports science or physiotherapy world, especially at the professional level?
To any young women out there thinking about entering this field, I’d say go for it. Don’t let fear or other people’s opinions hold you back. Even if it’s not common in your environment, be brave enough to be the first. Focus on giving your best and let your work speak for itself.
At the end of the day, what truly matters is your dedication, your knowledge, and how you treat people. Gender should never be a barrier to success.
