PhD Studentship: Using Physical Profiling to Enhance Individualisation of Training in Soccer

Using physical profiling to enhance individualisation of training in soccer

Teesside University and Middlesbrough Football Club are pleased to invite applications from UK, EU and international students for a fully-funded PhD studentship from Teesside University’s Centre for Rehabilitation.

Project

This project aims to establish:

1. The utility of player profiling in the prescription of interval training for elite soccer players.
2. The effectiveness of individualised prescription on soccer-specific training adaptations.
3. The variability of profiling within and between players.

It will involve a range of physiological testing and monitoring techniques, such as gas analysis, blood lactate analysis, use of GPS (and accelerometery) data, in addition to a variety of other field-based testing equipment as determined by Middlesbrough football Club. It will be full-time and mainly based at Middlesbrough Football Club.

Soccer match-play is characterised by high-intensity activity bouts interspersed with periods of low intensity activity and requires players to have a well-rounded physical profile (Stolen et al. 2005). A variety of training modalities are used to develop or maintain relevant fitness components throughout the season (Buchheit et al. 2021). Elite players can display a wide range of physical profiles which, may respond differently to a given training modality. Individualisation of training in elite soccer can be challenging to implement, but the use of appropriate player profiling tools can facilitate appropriate prescription of exercise intensity and potentially, training modality for the individual (Taylor et al. 2022). This could be of value when the aim of training is to develop the aerobic/anaerobic fitness of players.

A viable solution, which could provide a more informative profile is to combine maximal aerobic speed (MAS)with maximal sprinting speed and determining the anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) of an athlete (Buchheit 2011). It was recently proposed that considering MAS and ASR might allow for individualised prescription of player programmes, potentially facilitating enhanced fitness outcomes (Sandford et 2021). However, further research is needed to provide empirical evidence for this concept and others that have potential in enhancing the individualisation of training.

The supervisor is Dr Jonathan Taylor, from the School of Health & Life Sciences, with Frances Hunter (Middlesbrough Football Club).

Funding

The Fully Funded PhD Studentship covers tuition fees for the period of a full-time PhD Registration of up to four years and provides an annual tax-free stipend of £17,668 for three years, subject to satisfactory progress.

Entry requirements

A master’s level qualification in sport and exercise science (or a relevant discipline) is highly desirable, however candidates with a first-class UG degree may be considered. Experience of working with highly trained athletes and an interest in soccer and an understanding of the Premier League Academy Elite Player Performance Plan would be beneficial. Vocational qualifications related to athletic development or a desire to work towards would also be highly beneficial. A full driving license is essential.

How to apply

Application is online.

Key dates

• Application closing date: 5.00pm on Sunday 30 April 2023.
• Shortlisting and interviews weeks commencing: 1 May and 14th May 2023.
• Start date October 2023.

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