THE VITAL role medicine and sports science play in the performance of footballers is in the spotlight in an interactive event being held at Teesside University.

The University has teamed up with Middlesbrough Football Club to offer a hands-on approach at an event looking at how footballers ensure their physical performance is at its peak.

The aim of the event, which has wide-ranging interest for professional sports coaches and physiotherapists to ‘grassroots’ club coaches, is to explore ways of thinking to help improve the effectiveness of football training.

Football players, academics, sports scientists and medics will share their experiences at the event, along with speakers from The Football Association, Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool FC, AFC Ajax and Derby County.

Matt Portas, principle lecturer in sports and exercise at Teesside University, said: “There are times when something is known to work in practice, but it is difficult to turn into scientific evidence and formally share as good practice. The main aim of this event is to make the whole process simpler and more accessible.”

Middlesbrough Football Club sports scientist Jonathan Madden, who is among event speakers, said: “We are really excited to have this opportunity to develop a relationship with the University to enhance theory and practice as it is important for us to keep up with academic research.”

The event takes place at Teesside University’s Darlington Campus on Thursday, September 10, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. To book a place, visit www.tees.ac.uk/events.