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UEL students bring sports science skills to West Ham United Academy

Thursday 4 June 2009

Sports Science students from the University of East London (UEL) have been working with the West Ham United FC Academy squad to monitor and improve the young players’ fitness levels.

UEL and West Ham teamed up earlier this year to develop an internship programme for talented students. Since February, Mark Thomas and Stefano Russo have been working on a part-time voluntary basis to provide sport science support to the youth team.

Eamon Swift, Head of Academy Sport Science, West Ham United FC, said: “The guys have been fantastic around the training ground and helped out the coaching staff by improving the physiological monitoring of the team. They are professional around the players, and have improved our knowledge and understanding of how hard the players are working during training and their preparation prior to matches. This is something we want to continue with UEL.”

Mark and Stefano have worked on projects including heart rate monitoring before, during and after training sessions, match analysis comparisons, and assessment of players’ hydration status during the week and before matches.

Stefano Russo, 22, completing the second year of his BSc (Hons) Fitness and Health degree, said: "I've really enjoyed working with the West Ham athletes, it's been a great placement and has opened my eyes and made me realise that I'd like to stay within the fitness industry."

Mark Thomas, 31, who is studying his BSc (Hons) Sport Science degree, said: "This has been a great practical experience and I've learnt how to relate to athletes, test their hydration levels and soon we'll be testing the players’ heart rates. It's been a great few weeks and I've learnt a lot."

Dr. Paul Ford, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at UEL, said: “This is a successful scheme that has enabled our students to get out and apply their skills in the world of professional sport. We hope to continue this partnership with West Ham United FC with more interns in the new academic year, and to develop new opportunities with other elite sport teams.”

The University of East London is closely involved in sports development, and is an official Pre-Games Training Camp for London 2012 as part of the London Borough of Newham Consortium.

Ends.

UEL Press office contact: 0208 223 6239 or 07595 056245

University of East London: London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Office

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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