PhD Studentship - Investigating Training and Match Demands in Elite Female Footballers Undergoing Transition to a Full-time Training Model

In collaboration with Burnley FC Women and Manchester Metropolitan University, this is an opportunity for a 3-year PhD studentship embedded within the senior women’s first team. The PhD studentship will involve a combination of longitudinal, descriptive, and cross-sectional studies to better understand the bidirectional influence of training and match-demands of tier 3 football during the transition to a full-time training model, and how these demands can be best managed to maximise adaptations and performance, and mitigate injury risk.

The successful candidate will audit the current scientific literature relating to injury risk mitigation in relation to full-time women’s football. The candidate will also develop a multifactorial approach to monitoring responses to training and match-demands of full-time senior women’s players. The candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the research project, including obtaining ethical approval, data collection and dissemination/communication of research findings in peer-reviewed publications and at scientific conferences.

Project aims and objectives

This doctoral project proposes a 3-year investigation into the bidirectional influence of training and match demands in full-time female footballers. Using longitudinal, descriptive, and cross-sectional studies, it will examine Tier 3 players transitioning to a full-time training model, aiming to optimise performance and mitigate injury risk. We will address these research questions:

1. What is the current evidence-base for injury risk mitigation strategies in full-time female football players?
2. What are the training and match-demands of full-time Tier 3 female football players across a season?
3. What are the injury risk and performance profiles of Tier 3 female football players, both within a single season and across multiple seasons?

Funding

The student will receive a stipend payment; the Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) is £20,780 for 2025/26.

Only Home students can apply. Home fees are covered.

Specific requirements of the candidate

Essential:

• A first degree of 2:1 or above in Sports Science, Physiology, S&C, or other Sports-related subject.
• Ability to critique and analyse scientific evidence, methodology and data.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.
• Please note, that DBS check is required as part of the research and will form a condition of the offer.

Desirable:

• Experience working in soccer
• MSc in Sports Science, Strength and Conditioning or related subject.
• CASES, UKSCA or NSCA accreditation
• Proficient in conducting sports science testing

Personal Qualities:

• Strong work ethic with a relentless approach to achieving high standards and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Passion for women’s football with a commitment to female athlete development.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Georgina Stebbings (g.stebbings@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion or for further information.

To apply, you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sport and Exercise Science.

You should also complete the PGR thesis proposal form and a standard/narrative CV addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.

You will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal.

Expected start date: October 2025

Please quote the reference: SciEng-GS-2025-Elite Women’s Football

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