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    <fireside:genDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 01:21:16 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>Science for Sport Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Football Fitness”</title>
    <link>https://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/tags/football%20fitness</link>
    <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    <description>Discover the Secrets Behind Elite Performance.
Join us on the Science for Sport Podcast, where every episode dives into the cutting-edge world of sports science and the untold stories behind the best athletes and teams on the planet.
Hosted by Richard Graves, we bring you exclusive insights from elite athletes, world-class coaches, and leading sports scientists who are shaping the future of global sport.
This isn’t just another sports podcast—this is your backstage pass to:
- The science powering record-breaking performances.
- The trends, challenges, and breakthroughs redefining the game.
- Mastering the balance of art and science in coaching.
Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, physio, nutritionist, teacher, or just a passionate sports fan, this is your chance to learn from the pros and stay ahead of the curve.
Tune in every Monday and uncover what it takes to make the best, better.
</description>
    <language>en-gb</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>Behind the Scenes of Elite Performance – Unlocking the Science, Stories, and Strategies That Make the Best Even Better</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Discover the Secrets Behind Elite Performance.
Join us on the Science for Sport Podcast, where every episode dives into the cutting-edge world of sports science and the untold stories behind the best athletes and teams on the planet.
Hosted by Richard Graves, we bring you exclusive insights from elite athletes, world-class coaches, and leading sports scientists who are shaping the future of global sport.
This isn’t just another sports podcast—this is your backstage pass to:
- The science powering record-breaking performances.
- The trends, challenges, and breakthroughs redefining the game.
- Mastering the balance of art and science in coaching.
Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, physio, nutritionist, teacher, or just a passionate sports fan, this is your chance to learn from the pros and stay ahead of the curve.
Tune in every Monday and uncover what it takes to make the best, better.
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>sport, science, sports, sports science, education, coach, coaching, athletes, performance, strength, conditioning, strength &amp; conditioning, S&amp;C, recovery, nutrition, entertainment</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Science for Sport</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>contact@scienceforsport.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Education"/>
<itunes:category text="Sports"/>
<itunes:category text="Science"/>
<item>
  <title>315: The Under-fueling Problem in Professional Sport with Dr Nessan Costello</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/315</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
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  <itunes:episode>315</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>The Under-fueling Problem in Professional Sport with Dr Nessan Costello</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Dr. Nessan Costello, 1st Team Sports Nutritionist at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, joins Richard Graves to discuss the realities of nutrition in elite football. With experience at Chelsea, Newcastle and Leeds United, Nessan unpacks why so many professional players are chronically underfuelled, the truth about carbohydrate loading and post-match recovery, and why chasing ultra-lean body composition is actively harming performance. He also shares what Ramadan nutrition looks like from the inside, with training sessions at 10pm and cup ties kicking off past midnight, and what the World Cup heat conditions in North America will demand from nutritionists and athletes alike.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>31:14</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/cover.jpg?v=3"/>
  <description>Sports nutrition in elite football is often misunderstood, even by the players doing it for a living. In this episode, Richard Graves sits down with Dr. Nessan Costello, 1st Team Sports Nutritionist at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Arabia Pro League, to cut through the noise and get practical about what performance nutrition actually looks like at the highest level.
Nessan has worked across the Premier League with clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle United and Leeds United, and brings a rare combination of academic rigour and real-world experience to the conversation. From fuelling strategies across a congested fixture schedule to navigating Ramadan with Muslim players, and from debunking carbohydrate myths to calling out the damage done by overly controlling nutrition environments, this is a frank and refreshingly honest look at what it takes to keep elite footballers performing at their best, week in, week out.
Whether you're a practitioner working at the sharp end of elite sport, a coach trying to get more out of your athletes, or simply someone who wants to understand the science behind peak performance, there is plenty here for you.
In This Episode You Will Learn
* Why the majority of elite footballers are chronically underfuelled — and why that matters more than their body fat percentage
* The real science behind carbohydrate loading: why you should start 24 hours before kick-off, not the night before, and what foods actually work
* How to structure post-match nutrition across a 72-hour recovery window, including the specific gram-per-kilogram targets Nessan uses with his players
* Why ultra-lean body composition as a performance goal is actively harming players, and how disordered eating behaviours are more common in elite football than most environments will admit
* How Nessan adapted his approach during Ramadan — including training sessions at 10pm and cup semi-finals kicking off at 1:30am
* The practical hydration framework he uses: why 500ml of fluid with every meal beats carrying a big bottle around all day
* How nutrition changes across a full season, from pre-season heat acclimatisation through to the demands of a congested run-in
* Why supplements are largely irrelevant until you've nailed sleep, three meals a day, two snacks and consistent hydration
* What working in the Saudi Pro League has taught him about personalised nutrition across diverse nationalities and food cultures
* His advice for coaches and practitioners working without a dedicated nutritionist — and when it becomes worth bringing one in
About Nessan Costello
Dr. Nessan Costello is a sports nutritionist with over a decade of experience working at the highest levels of professional football. He has held roles at Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle United and Leeds United, before taking on his current position as 1st Team Sports Nutritionist at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Arabia Pro League.
Nessan specialises in helping elite athletes optimise their health and performance through practical, evidence-based nutrition strategies — with a particular focus on fuelling, recovery and body composition in high-demand environments. He is known for his ability to simplify complex nutritional science and make it actionable for players, coaches and multidisciplinary teams alike.
You can follow Nessan on LinkedIn and Instagram at @DrNessanCostello.
FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241
​ Learn Quicker &amp;amp; More Effectively
​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp;amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>sports science, sport science, strength and conditioning, S&amp;C, performance, athlete, sport, exercise, nutrition, injury, injuries</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Sports nutrition in elite football is often misunderstood, even by the players doing it for a living. In this episode, Richard Graves sits down with Dr. Nessan Costello, 1st Team Sports Nutritionist at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Arabia Pro League, to cut through the noise and get practical about what performance nutrition actually looks like at the highest level.<br>
Nessan has worked across the Premier League with clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle United and Leeds United, and brings a rare combination of academic rigour and real-world experience to the conversation. From fuelling strategies across a congested fixture schedule to navigating Ramadan with Muslim players, and from debunking carbohydrate myths to calling out the damage done by overly controlling nutrition environments, this is a frank and refreshingly honest look at what it takes to keep elite footballers performing at their best, week in, week out.<br>
Whether you&#39;re a practitioner working at the sharp end of elite sport, a coach trying to get more out of your athletes, or simply someone who wants to understand the science behind peak performance, there is plenty here for you.</p>

<p><strong>In This Episode You Will Learn</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Why the majority of elite footballers are chronically underfuelled — and why that matters more than their body fat percentage</li>
<li>The real science behind carbohydrate loading: why you should start 24 hours before kick-off, not the night before, and what foods actually work</li>
<li>How to structure post-match nutrition across a 72-hour recovery window, including the specific gram-per-kilogram targets Nessan uses with his players</li>
<li>Why ultra-lean body composition as a performance goal is actively harming players, and how disordered eating behaviours are more common in elite football than most environments will admit</li>
<li>How Nessan adapted his approach during Ramadan — including training sessions at 10pm and cup semi-finals kicking off at 1:30am</li>
<li>The practical hydration framework he uses: why 500ml of fluid with every meal beats carrying a big bottle around all day</li>
<li>How nutrition changes across a full season, from pre-season heat acclimatisation through to the demands of a congested run-in</li>
<li>Why supplements are largely irrelevant until you&#39;ve nailed sleep, three meals a day, two snacks and consistent hydration</li>
<li>What working in the Saudi Pro League has taught him about personalised nutrition across diverse nationalities and food cultures</li>
<li>His advice for coaches and practitioners working without a dedicated nutritionist — and when it becomes worth bringing one in</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Nessan Costello</strong><br>
Dr. Nessan Costello is a sports nutritionist with over a decade of experience working at the highest levels of professional football. He has held roles at Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle United and Leeds United, before taking on his current position as 1st Team Sports Nutritionist at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Arabia Pro League.<br>
Nessan specialises in helping elite athletes optimise their health and performance through practical, evidence-based nutrition strategies — with a particular focus on fuelling, recovery and body composition in high-demand environments. He is known for his ability to simplify complex nutritional science and make it actionable for players, coaches and multidisciplinary teams alike.<br>
You can follow Nessan on LinkedIn and Instagram at @DrNessanCostello.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Sports nutrition in elite football is often misunderstood, even by the players doing it for a living. In this episode, Richard Graves sits down with Dr. Nessan Costello, 1st Team Sports Nutritionist at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Arabia Pro League, to cut through the noise and get practical about what performance nutrition actually looks like at the highest level.<br>
Nessan has worked across the Premier League with clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle United and Leeds United, and brings a rare combination of academic rigour and real-world experience to the conversation. From fuelling strategies across a congested fixture schedule to navigating Ramadan with Muslim players, and from debunking carbohydrate myths to calling out the damage done by overly controlling nutrition environments, this is a frank and refreshingly honest look at what it takes to keep elite footballers performing at their best, week in, week out.<br>
Whether you&#39;re a practitioner working at the sharp end of elite sport, a coach trying to get more out of your athletes, or simply someone who wants to understand the science behind peak performance, there is plenty here for you.</p>

<p><strong>In This Episode You Will Learn</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Why the majority of elite footballers are chronically underfuelled — and why that matters more than their body fat percentage</li>
<li>The real science behind carbohydrate loading: why you should start 24 hours before kick-off, not the night before, and what foods actually work</li>
<li>How to structure post-match nutrition across a 72-hour recovery window, including the specific gram-per-kilogram targets Nessan uses with his players</li>
<li>Why ultra-lean body composition as a performance goal is actively harming players, and how disordered eating behaviours are more common in elite football than most environments will admit</li>
<li>How Nessan adapted his approach during Ramadan — including training sessions at 10pm and cup semi-finals kicking off at 1:30am</li>
<li>The practical hydration framework he uses: why 500ml of fluid with every meal beats carrying a big bottle around all day</li>
<li>How nutrition changes across a full season, from pre-season heat acclimatisation through to the demands of a congested run-in</li>
<li>Why supplements are largely irrelevant until you&#39;ve nailed sleep, three meals a day, two snacks and consistent hydration</li>
<li>What working in the Saudi Pro League has taught him about personalised nutrition across diverse nationalities and food cultures</li>
<li>His advice for coaches and practitioners working without a dedicated nutritionist — and when it becomes worth bringing one in</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Nessan Costello</strong><br>
Dr. Nessan Costello is a sports nutritionist with over a decade of experience working at the highest levels of professional football. He has held roles at Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle United and Leeds United, before taking on his current position as 1st Team Sports Nutritionist at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Arabia Pro League.<br>
Nessan specialises in helping elite athletes optimise their health and performance through practical, evidence-based nutrition strategies — with a particular focus on fuelling, recovery and body composition in high-demand environments. He is known for his ability to simplify complex nutritional science and make it actionable for players, coaches and multidisciplinary teams alike.<br>
You can follow Nessan on LinkedIn and Instagram at @DrNessanCostello.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>280: Sports Science at the Intersection of Youth and Professional Football with Luke Harris</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/280</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/e824ce0a-1054-42d6-8538-de77eb55bb77.mp3" length="45424272" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>280</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Sports Science at the Intersection of Youth and Professional Football with Luke Harris</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Luke Harris, Head of Strength &amp; Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United, manages the development of both youth and women's teams, focusing on individualized athlete care and performance optimization. With expertise in integrating technology and building player relationships, Luke is dedicated to driving success through a balance of team goals and personal development.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>31:32</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/cover.jpg?v=3"/>
  <description>In this week’s episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes Luke Harris, the Head of Strength &amp;amp; Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United Football Club. Luke shares his insights on managing multiple teams, the challenges of balancing youth and women’s football, and how he integrates cutting-edge science to drive player development. With a career spanning several years in elite football, Luke gives an in-depth look into his approach to coaching, recovery, and player development across different age groups.
Key Takeaways:
The demands of working with multiple teams (youth and women's) and how to manage a busy schedule with double sessions and varied player needs.
How Luke has transitioned from youth football to overseeing elite programs and the impact this shift has had on his approach.
The importance of relationship-building with players and how that can drive successful strength and conditioning programs.
How to balance individual player needs with team goals and ensure each player develops both physically and mentally.
Insights into technology in football, including GPS and force plates, and how Luke utilises these tools for player development and injury prevention.
The role of context in understanding performance metrics and why raw numbers don't tell the full stoy.
A glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a high-performance sports science department and the constant evolution of methods to support athletes at different stages of their careers.
Tune in to hear about Luke’s strategies for success and his journey from youth football to professional football in Australia!
About Luke Harris:
Luke Harris is the Head of Strength &amp;amp; Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United Football Club, where he oversees the physical development and performance of both the youth and women's teams. With a strong background in sports science, Luke transitioned from working with youth teams to managing elite programs, bringing a wealth of experience in player development, recovery strategies, and the integration of advanced technologies like GPS and force plates. Known for his approachability and focus on building strong relationships with players, Luke is dedicated to balancing team goals with the individual needs of athletes, ensuring they progress physically and mentally at every stage of their career. His work continues to shape the future of football at Adelaide United, where he is deeply involved in both on-the-ground performance and long-term athlete development.
FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241
​ Learn Quicker &amp;amp; More Effectively
​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp;amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>sports science, sport science, strength and conditioning, S&amp;C, performance, athlete, sport, exercise, nutrition, injury, injuries</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this week’s episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes Luke Harris, the Head of Strength &amp; Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United Football Club. Luke shares his insights on managing multiple teams, the challenges of balancing youth and women’s football, and how he integrates cutting-edge science to drive player development. With a career spanning several years in elite football, Luke gives an in-depth look into his approach to coaching, recovery, and player development across different age groups.</p>

<p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li><p>The demands of working with multiple teams (youth and women&#39;s) and how to manage a busy schedule with double sessions and varied player needs.</p></li>
<li><p>How Luke has transitioned from youth football to overseeing elite programs and the impact this shift has had on his approach.</p></li>
<li><p>The importance of relationship-building with players and how that can drive successful strength and conditioning programs.</p></li>
<li><p>How to balance individual player needs with team goals and ensure each player develops both physically and mentally.</p></li>
<li><p>Insights into technology in football, including GPS and force plates, and how Luke utilises these tools for player development and injury prevention.</p></li>
<li><p>The role of context in understanding performance metrics and why raw numbers don&#39;t tell the full stoy.</p></li>
<li><p>A glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a high-performance sports science department and the constant evolution of methods to support athletes at different stages of their careers.</p></li>
</ul>

<p>Tune in to hear about Luke’s strategies for success and his journey from youth football to professional football in Australia!</p>

<p><strong>About Luke Harris:</strong><br>
Luke Harris is the Head of Strength &amp; Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United Football Club, where he oversees the physical development and performance of both the youth and women&#39;s teams. With a strong background in sports science, Luke transitioned from working with youth teams to managing elite programs, bringing a wealth of experience in player development, recovery strategies, and the integration of advanced technologies like GPS and force plates. Known for his approachability and focus on building strong relationships with players, Luke is dedicated to balancing team goals with the individual needs of athletes, ensuring they progress physically and mentally at every stage of their career. His work continues to shape the future of football at Adelaide United, where he is deeply involved in both on-the-ground performance and long-term athlete development.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this week’s episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes Luke Harris, the Head of Strength &amp; Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United Football Club. Luke shares his insights on managing multiple teams, the challenges of balancing youth and women’s football, and how he integrates cutting-edge science to drive player development. With a career spanning several years in elite football, Luke gives an in-depth look into his approach to coaching, recovery, and player development across different age groups.</p>

<p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li><p>The demands of working with multiple teams (youth and women&#39;s) and how to manage a busy schedule with double sessions and varied player needs.</p></li>
<li><p>How Luke has transitioned from youth football to overseeing elite programs and the impact this shift has had on his approach.</p></li>
<li><p>The importance of relationship-building with players and how that can drive successful strength and conditioning programs.</p></li>
<li><p>How to balance individual player needs with team goals and ensure each player develops both physically and mentally.</p></li>
<li><p>Insights into technology in football, including GPS and force plates, and how Luke utilises these tools for player development and injury prevention.</p></li>
<li><p>The role of context in understanding performance metrics and why raw numbers don&#39;t tell the full stoy.</p></li>
<li><p>A glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a high-performance sports science department and the constant evolution of methods to support athletes at different stages of their careers.</p></li>
</ul>

<p>Tune in to hear about Luke’s strategies for success and his journey from youth football to professional football in Australia!</p>

<p><strong>About Luke Harris:</strong><br>
Luke Harris is the Head of Strength &amp; Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United Football Club, where he oversees the physical development and performance of both the youth and women&#39;s teams. With a strong background in sports science, Luke transitioned from working with youth teams to managing elite programs, bringing a wealth of experience in player development, recovery strategies, and the integration of advanced technologies like GPS and force plates. Known for his approachability and focus on building strong relationships with players, Luke is dedicated to balancing team goals with the individual needs of athletes, ensuring they progress physically and mentally at every stage of their career. His work continues to shape the future of football at Adelaide United, where he is deeply involved in both on-the-ground performance and long-term athlete development.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>258: League Two to Premier League: Football's Greatest Underdog Story</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/258</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">3ed2f4cc-27c1-4a6a-be63-6be7bd89d224</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/3ed2f4cc-27c1-4a6a-be63-6be7bd89d224.mp3" length="34658897" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>258</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>League Two to Premier League: Football's Greatest Underdog Story</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Former Luton Town Head of Performance Jared Roberts-Smith takes listeners behind the scenes of football's remarkable evolution, sharing insider insights from his 14-year journey from League Two to the Premier League while revealing the cutting-edge performance methods that are transforming the modern game.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>36:06</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/cover.jpg?v=3"/>
  <description>From the dugouts of League Two to the intense pressure of the Premier League, former Luton Town Head of Performance Jared Roberts-Smith takes us behind the scenes of one of football's most remarkable journeys. In this captivating episode, Jared reveals how sports science has revolutionised the beautiful game over his 14-year career, sharing intimate insights into the physical and mental demands of Premier League football that few get to witness.
Discover the cutting-edge recovery techniques used by elite athletes, the psychological challenges of competing at the highest level, and what it really takes to survive in the world's most demanding league. Jared opens up about the emotional toll of last-minute defeats, the intense concentration required for 90+ minutes of Premier League football, and how modern players must maximise every aspect of their preparation to succeed.
Whether you're a sports professional, aspiring athlete, or passionate fan, this episode offers unprecedented access to the evolution of football performance and the fine margins that separate success from failure at the elite level. Join us for a masterclass in modern football performance from someone who helped orchestrate one of the sport's greatest underdog stories.
About Jared Roberts-Smith
About Jared Roberts-Smith: A pioneering figure in football performance, Jared Roberts-Smith brings 14 years of elite experience in professional football, most recently serving as Head of Performance at Luton Town FC during their historic rise from League Two to the Premier League. His career includes influential roles at Charlton Athletic, Stoke City, and Melbourne Victory, where he has been instrumental in revolutionising performance infrastructure and methodology. As a leader in sports science implementation, Jared has overseen the development of state-of-the-art performance centres, pioneered recovery protocols, and helped transform how clubs approach player optimisation. His unique perspective spans multiple levels of professional football, from League Two to the Premier League, making him one of the most insightful voices in modern football performance.
FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241
​ Learn Quicker &amp;amp; More Effectively
​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp;amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005)
Google Podcasts (https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5maXJlc2lkZS5mbS9zY2llbmNlZm9yc3BvcnQvcnNz?sa=X&amp;amp;ved=0CAIQ4aUDahcKEwj43vyLxbrrAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBA)
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g)
Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast) 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>sports science, sport science, strength and conditioning, S&amp;C, performance, athlete, sport, exercise, nutrition, injury, injuries, Premier League, Sports Science, Football Performance, Elite Athletics, Luton Town, Recovery Techniques, Professional Football, Sports Psychology, Premier League Fitness, Football Training, Sports Performance, Player Development, Football Science, Athletic Recovery, Mental Resilience, Football Coaching, Sports Technology, GPS Training, Elite Sport, Performance Analysis, Football Injuries, Professional Soccer, Sports Medicine, Football Fitness, Performance Coach, Sports Recovery, Football Management, Football Psychology, Athletic Performance, Sports Leadership, Football Analytics, Elite Performance, Sports Data, Football Development, Athletic Training, Sports Innovation</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>From the dugouts of League Two to the intense pressure of the Premier League, former Luton Town Head of Performance Jared Roberts-Smith takes us behind the scenes of one of football&#39;s most remarkable journeys. In this captivating episode, Jared reveals how sports science has revolutionised the beautiful game over his 14-year career, sharing intimate insights into the physical and mental demands of Premier League football that few get to witness.</p>

<p>Discover the cutting-edge recovery techniques used by elite athletes, the psychological challenges of competing at the highest level, and what it really takes to survive in the world&#39;s most demanding league. Jared opens up about the emotional toll of last-minute defeats, the intense concentration required for 90+ minutes of Premier League football, and how modern players must maximise every aspect of their preparation to succeed.</p>

<p>Whether you&#39;re a sports professional, aspiring athlete, or passionate fan, this episode offers unprecedented access to the evolution of football performance and the fine margins that separate success from failure at the elite level. Join us for a masterclass in modern football performance from someone who helped orchestrate one of the sport&#39;s greatest underdog stories.</p>

<p><strong>About Jared Roberts-Smith</strong><br>
About Jared Roberts-Smith: A pioneering figure in football performance, Jared Roberts-Smith brings 14 years of elite experience in professional football, most recently serving as Head of Performance at Luton Town FC during their historic rise from League Two to the Premier League. His career includes influential roles at Charlton Athletic, Stoke City, and Melbourne Victory, where he has been instrumental in revolutionising performance infrastructure and methodology. As a leader in sports science implementation, Jared has overseen the development of state-of-the-art performance centres, pioneered recovery protocols, and helped transform how clubs approach player optimisation. His unique perspective spans multiple levels of professional football, from League Two to the Premier League, making him one of the most insightful voices in modern football performance.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>

<h3>🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform</h3>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005" rel="nofollow">Apple Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5maXJlc2lkZS5mbS9zY2llbmNlZm9yc3BvcnQvcnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAIQ4aUDahcKEwj43vyLxbrrAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBA" rel="nofollow">Google Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast" rel="nofollow">Stitcher</a></li>
</ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>From the dugouts of League Two to the intense pressure of the Premier League, former Luton Town Head of Performance Jared Roberts-Smith takes us behind the scenes of one of football&#39;s most remarkable journeys. In this captivating episode, Jared reveals how sports science has revolutionised the beautiful game over his 14-year career, sharing intimate insights into the physical and mental demands of Premier League football that few get to witness.</p>

<p>Discover the cutting-edge recovery techniques used by elite athletes, the psychological challenges of competing at the highest level, and what it really takes to survive in the world&#39;s most demanding league. Jared opens up about the emotional toll of last-minute defeats, the intense concentration required for 90+ minutes of Premier League football, and how modern players must maximise every aspect of their preparation to succeed.</p>

<p>Whether you&#39;re a sports professional, aspiring athlete, or passionate fan, this episode offers unprecedented access to the evolution of football performance and the fine margins that separate success from failure at the elite level. Join us for a masterclass in modern football performance from someone who helped orchestrate one of the sport&#39;s greatest underdog stories.</p>

<p><strong>About Jared Roberts-Smith</strong><br>
About Jared Roberts-Smith: A pioneering figure in football performance, Jared Roberts-Smith brings 14 years of elite experience in professional football, most recently serving as Head of Performance at Luton Town FC during their historic rise from League Two to the Premier League. His career includes influential roles at Charlton Athletic, Stoke City, and Melbourne Victory, where he has been instrumental in revolutionising performance infrastructure and methodology. As a leader in sports science implementation, Jared has overseen the development of state-of-the-art performance centres, pioneered recovery protocols, and helped transform how clubs approach player optimisation. His unique perspective spans multiple levels of professional football, from League Two to the Premier League, making him one of the most insightful voices in modern football performance.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>

<h3>🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform</h3>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005" rel="nofollow">Apple Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5maXJlc2lkZS5mbS9zY2llbmNlZm9yc3BvcnQvcnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAIQ4aUDahcKEwj43vyLxbrrAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBA" rel="nofollow">Google Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast" rel="nofollow">Stitcher</a></li>
</ul>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
  </channel>
</rss>
