Research partnerships
Sports science expertise transferred to football industry
Clients
Leicester City Football Club
Expertise
School of Sport, Exercise and Health Science
Loughborough University works closely with Leicester City Football Club (LCFC) to transfer knowledge from the world-leading School of Sport, Exercise and Health Science.
Sports scientist Dr Ian Rollo was seconded to the football club for a year to integrate the latest scientific findings into the club’s management practices. His specific aims were to examine the club’s procedures for monitoring the fitness of players and to advise the club on how nutrition influences player recovery and performance.
The secondment culminated in the organisation of the University’s first conference of Science in Football: Principle to Practice. This was attended by more than 100 delegates from some of the biggest clubs in English football, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, alongside international representatives from Spain and Ghana.
It was a unique opportunity for the football industry to engage with sports scientists that have influenced international and domestic governing bodies such as FIFA, UEFA and the FA, and also many of the leading Premiership clubs.
The delegates received a wide range of presentations from leading sports scientists on a number of key areas including nutritional recommendations, the impact on the immune function from training and playing, youth development and talent identification, coaching behaviour and learning environments, and the application of psychology in football.
There was also an insight into the research associated with developments in football technology, including pitch surfaces, footwear, apparel, and hardware – such as footballs, gloves and protective equipment.
Speakers included Sven Göran Eriksson, former LCFC and England manager, who spoke about the developments he has witnessed during his time in management.
Impact
- Significant, positive feedback from the Science in Football event has formed new connections and networks within the sector
- Several LCFC players significantly reduced their body fat due to implementing recommended dietary changes
- Personalised drinking plans were created for first team players based on individual sweat rates
- A better knowledge of optimal nutrition and hydration among LCFC players, coaches, management and academy player parents
- Breakfast, pre-match and post-match meals were all changed to provide optimal nutritional intakes
- Advice from Loughborough’s Sleep Research Centre prior to a weeklong tour of Thailand led to the team staying on UK time for the entirety of the trip.