By David Gold

SvenApril 11 - Former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson, currently in charge of Championship club Leicester City, was the main attraction at a groundbreaking seminar on scientific expertise in football at Loughborough University. 


Talking at the "Science in Football: from Principle to Practice" seminar about the development of sport science, the Swede said: "Science is playing an increasingly important role in football and many other sports.

"It is something I have been interested in throughout my managerial career.

"We consider many aspects of sports science at Leicester City and the analysis of player performance is crucial to the way we prepare for games."

Eriksson's attendance was made possible due to the relationship between Loughbourough University and Leicester City, who have developed a partnership which transfers scientific expertise to the training pitch.

More than 100 delegates from clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool were present.

The seminar covered a number of vital areas, including nutritional guidelines, the immune system, youth development and football psychology.

There was also discussion of pitch surfaces, footwear and hardware in the game.

The seminar included an insight into the research associated with developments in football technology, including pitch surfaces, footwear, apparel, and hardware – such as footballs, gloves and protective equipment.

The seminar was organised by Dr Ian Rollo, the principal scientist in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, who is overseeing the knowledge transfer between Loughborough University and Leicester City.

"We have been delighted to host this landmark event for the football industry," Rollo said. 

"We hope the seminar has provided invaluable insights into the latest football research, and given the delegates ideas and solutions that can be immediately applied at their clubs and associations, to get the best out of their players at all levels."

The main findings from the seminar can be found by clicking here

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]