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Sports physiotherapy services are often viewed as being exclusively for athletes, and this misconception prevents people who do not consider themselves athletes from consulting a sports physiotherapist. It also hinders our association, the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT), in assisting as an important stakeholder in promoting physical activity. After its foundation in 2000, the IFSPT published a comprehensive definition of sports physiotherapy in 2005: ‘a sports physical therapist is a recognised professional who demonstrates advanced competencies in promoting safe physical activity participation, providing advice and adapting rehabilitation and training interventions to prevent injury, restore optimal function and enhance sports performance in athletes of all ages, abilities and diversity while maintaining a high standard of professional and ethical practice’. 1 The project, funded by the Leonardo Da Vinci European Union and supported by IFSPT, defined and described the first international sports physiotherapy competencies and standards.