RFS Academy Trip

Sports Science Testing – RFS Academy 

Picture the excitement of a rollercoaster; the anticipation, the sharp turns, the unexpected twists. Now swap the loops for countermovement jumps, the drops for player development workshops and community meetings and the sudden turns for sprint testing. Our trip to RFS Academy along with our partners from LJMU certainly kept everyone on their toes with nonstop action and eye-opening insights!

The purpose of our trip to RFS was to deliver sport science testing to their U15 and U17 academy teams in order to gain valuable data on player performance. Over 2 days in Riga -Latvia- coaches, performance practitioners and interested parties attended 48 hours of uninterrupted educational moments. Understanding the purpose of each test and how it impacts performance in order to set goals according to each player’s strength and areas for improvements laying the foundations of athletic training optimization and long term player development was key.

With a combination of cutting edge technology (VALD) and expert analysis led by Liverpool John Moores University team, Ben Voyce and Conor Heeney delivered a range of gym-based (CMJ, hamstring, groin/glute & calf strength) and pitch-based tests (0-30 m sprints, 5-0-5 and Bronco tests), performed with the aim was to assess power, strength, speed, endurance and change of direction ability. The boys were very curious about the procedures, asking questions and compelled to understand beyond simply completing the task.

Ben and Conor took the reins once more after the testing session with a 2-hour seminar addressing several key factors; presenting the data collected, understanding the need and significance of creating player profiles, informing best practices and laying the foundations for a data-driven player development pathway. LJMU, NYSA Sweden and RFS staff collaborated in a post-presentation group discussion, engaging in meaningful conversations and planning the next steps of this new and exciting endeavour to include sport science-led decision-making within RFS Academy.
We will always remember this trip as the beginning of new collaborations and an exciting future ahead. The trip culminated in the only way we know…our passion for football; a match amongst all coaching staff was the best way to kick start this amazing partnership.