A love of football and fitness spurred Joseph Pereira to explore sports massage as a career choice and at the age of just 22 he is the proud owner of his own business.

The Bermudian certified massage therapist is now working as a provider for North Shore Medical Centre and, when he has time, he provides home visits predominantly for those experiencing sports-related problems.

Joseph attended Clearwater Middle School before moving to the US to study at Keiser University in Melbourne, Florida, graduating with a degree in Associate Science Massage Therapy.

He is a Member of American and Bermuda Massage Therapy Associations and his practices include Swedish, deep tissue, trigger points, sports and hot stone massage. He has had the opportunity to work with professional athletes from numerous international rowing teams who train year round in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida.

In 2015, he moved back to Bermuda and landed a job at Grotto Bay Beach Resort and Spa but soon realised that massage for the sake of “pampering” wasn’t necessarily for him.

Joseph, who plays football for Robin Hood, told The Royal Gazette: “I am more into helping people with therapeutic sports massage rather than pampering. Fitness spiked my interest in it. When I was in high school I thought what if I get injured — you are always one injury away from ending your career in football or not making it as far as you wanted.

“I wanted a career and to make money and I fell in love with it — it was so much fun and when I found out I was really good at it I became really passionate about it. People would come in all mashed up and when they come out they are feeling better. At first I didn’t believe in it, but when I started helping more people I felt better about myself.”

Asked if there had been any memorable occasions where he had managed to make an impact, he was quick to answer.

“This one lady came in who had had back surgery that went all the way into her neck — she had rods. She was crying, saying she had tried medicine and pills but it was not helping her. I said I would try my best, I did my thing and afterwards she got up she said it was the only thing that ever helped and she kept coming back. She gave me a hug and from there on I was just like, ‘wow’.”

Joseph landed his job at North Shore Medical Centre after meeting one of the doctors at an expo. He says the work is starting to pick up through word of mouth and he has begun to gain a reputation here. He is hoping to get involved with the America’s Cup sportsmen next year and has been starting to promote himself to organisers.

“I have signed up for the yachts that come in to the marinas. I have posted up flyers and am trying to talk to some of the teams to see if they need a therapist.”

Asked what advice he would give to young people wanting to launch their own businesses, Joseph said: “Follow your dreams. Try as hard as you can, be the best that you can be. Never quit on yourself even if it’s a hard push, the rewards are always there.”

To find out more about Joseph’s business visit www.japmobilemassage.com