Our TEam

  • A smiling man with crossed arms standing in front of a wall with a logo and text that reads 'AchieveSports Physical Therapy & Rehab.'

    Zachary Young

    Zac Young is the founder and face behind ASPR, and comes with a wealth of qualifications including Masters in both Sports Physiotherapy and Strength and Conditioning.

    Zac loves to work with pateints of all ages, sporting backgrounds and fitness levels. His knowledge of both physiotherapy and strength and conditiong best place him to guide athletes to their goals.

    Zac’s passion for sports injury rehabilitation has seen him work for a number of sporting organisations including AFL Tasmania, Launceston Tornado’s, Tasmanian state league netball and football, as well as regional football, soccer, basketball and hockey athletes. He is currently the team physiotherapist for the Launceston Football Club, provider of the Netball Australia Knee Program, and ASCA level 1 coach.

    Outside of work, Zac enjoys spending time with his family and friends, border collies and horses.

    - Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist (APA)
    - Masters in Sports Physiotherapy (Latrobe University)
    - Graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy (Latrobe University)
    - Masters in Strength and Conditioning (Edith Cowan University)
    - Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Sydney University)
    - Australian Strengh and Conditioning Coach Level 1 Coach

  • A man standing in front of a wall with the Achieve Sports Physical Therapy & Rehab logo, smiling with arms crossed, wearing a gray athletic polo shirt.

    Takato (Tak) Sakurai

    Tak, originally from Tokyo, completed a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree from Bond University in Queensland. After graduation, he began working at a private practice in Brisbane where he experienced treating a wide range of conditions including musculoskeletal, sports, and post-surgical conditions. Tak has completed professional development courses to further upskill his approach to rehabilitation and to provide patient-centred care with the latest research and treatment practices.

    He has always been interested in sports physiotherapy and grew up playing multiple sports including skiing, martial arts, baseball, and basketball. He finds it satisfying to help patients build confidence by achieving complex tasks, such as jumping/landing, plyometrics and change of direction. Tak has studied in the US and has an American Strength and Conditioning qualification. Currently, Tak is completing the Australian equivalent, ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning coach accreditation, and planning to continue further education in sports physiotherapy as he has a strong interest in sports rehabilitation.

    - Doctor of Physiotherapy (Bond University, QLD)
    - Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (California State University, Northridge, CA)
    - Australian Strength and Conditioning Coach Level 1

  • A smiling man in a dark sports polo shirt standing in front of a wall with a logo and text for AchieveSports Physiotherapy & Rehab.

    Stuart MacDonald

    After completing his Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia 2013, Stuart began his career at Launceston General Hospital. In 2015 he moved to the UK, where he gained experience treating a diverse range of patients in musculoskeletal outpatient clinics in London. His three year tenure abroad reinforced his philosophy and helped him develop a patient focussed and goal orientated approach to treatment and rehabilitation. Since moving back to Australia Stuart has worked as a Senior Physiotherapist at the LGH, and he is completed a certificate in Pain Science through UNISA. He has also recently completed his GLA:D training and is a GLA:D accredited therapist.

    In his new role at ASPR Stuart is looking forward to providing high quality care to his clients, and empowering them to overcome injuries through evidence-based treatment and management techniques. Stuart has always had a keen interest in sport and has enjoyed finding ways to combine that passion with his professional life. In 2019 he was able to realize this when he was selected for a volunteer position as an on-site physiotherapist for the Invictus Games in Sydney. Currently he is the team physiotherapist for a local football club where he also acts as playing coach. Outside of work Stuart enjoys watching all forms of sport specifically Australian Rules, basketball and American football. He also enjoys playing football, spending time with family and his groodle Cheddar.

    - Masters of Physiotherapy (Uni SA)
    - Graduate Certificate Pain Science (Uni SA)
    - Bachelor of Health Science (UTAS)
    - GLA:D Provider

  • A woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, and light skin taking a selfie, smiling, wearing a green top and a necklace with a pendant, standing indoors against a plain cream-colored wall.

    Laura Downie

    Laura is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, completing her Bachelor of Exercise Science and Professional Honours in Exercise Physiology from the University of Tasmania in 2014.

    Laura has worked in private practice since 2016, gaining experience with a wide range of patients. She has developed a keen interest in the management of osteopenia and osteoporosis, but enjoys the variety of work exercise physiology has to offer. Laura loves the educational aspect of her job, empowering patients to achieve their goals, through an individualised exercise program.

    Laura has a passion for athletics, spending much of her youth training and competing, both locally and interstate. Outside of work, when Laura isn't chasing after her two young boys, you'll find her in the gym or drinking coffee.

  • Two men in black jackets talking indoors, with equipment mounted on a black wall behind them.

    DREW SYKES

    Drew is a Physiotherapist from UTAS. He has a passion for sport and a background in strength and conditioning. He worked for Cricket Tasmania as a strength and conditioning coach while he was studying physiotherapy and he maintains that role even now!

  • A woman in a gray sports shirt standing in front of a logo for Aspire Sports, Therapy & Rehab, smiling.

    LAUREN

    Lauren is the background support for ASPR. You will sometimes see her on reception too! She has another job but loves to help Zac create a modern, high tech, evidence based sports rehabilitation space that is accessible to everyone. She spends her time with Zac, their young son and their animals!