A number of sports and exercise scientists from the University of Kent are available for comment on how footballers will cope with the challenges posed by climate and travel during this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
With matches taking place between 11 June and 19 July across Canada, Mexico and the USA, players will need to contend with extreme temperature/altitude differences and changing time zones, alongside the usual injury risks and physical and mental challenges. The environmental chamber on the University’s Canterbury campus offers opportunities to put the impact of some of these to the test.
Experts available include:
Professor John Dickinson, Head of the Exercise Respiratory Clinic with over 23 years’ experience investigating issues such as asthma and dysfunctional breathing in athletes, can contribute his expertise on how changing conditions, such as altitude and temperature, would affect breathing. He has previously supported the England football team to prepare for previous World Cups as well as numerous Team GB Olympic athletes.
Dr Julie Gooderick, Lecturer in Sports Rehabilitation has over 15 years’ experience preparing athletes for major international tournaments, and researches all aspects of athlete sleep and recovery. She can comment on the impact of time zone and temperature changes on sleep, and what footballers can do to manage this.
Professor Glen Davison has 25 years experience as a lecturer and researcher in Sport and Exercise Science, specifically in areas of physiology and nutrition. He has also worked in applied settings with various sports, including professional football. His specialisms include sports nutrition in general, and also the links between nutrition, exercise and immune system function, particularly during prolonged exercise. He can explain how players might need to adapt their nutrition during training, preparation, and matches for different locations and environments.
Alastair Thrush is a Chartered Physiotherapist and Lecturer in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation who has over 10 years of experience working as a Physiotherapist in professional football, with a special interest area around ACL injuries. He has experience of international tournament football and the challenges of managing injuries in tournament ‘on the road’ and across a tight schedule.
Dr Izzy Wellings, a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology, has experience both with elite and academy athletes. She helps run the performance clinic testing athletes in the lab regularly. Her research interest spans both psychology and physiology with a special interest in how to stay motivated when the going gets tough.
Dr Abigail Jackson is a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology and an applied practitioner with extensive experience working within Category 1 football academies, and elite athletes in overcoming performance-related issues. Working from a social cognitive perspective has shaped her research interests, which focus on performance environments (motivational climates) and the mental health and wellbeing of athletes.
If you are interested in filming in our Sports Clinic or speaking to any of our experts ahead of or during the World Cup, our Press Office would be happy to facilitate this. Please send interview or filming requests to pressoffice@kent.ac.uk.