<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" encoding="UTF-8" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom/" xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:fireside="http://fireside.fm/modules/rss/fireside">
  <channel>
    <fireside:hostname>web02.fireside.fm</fireside:hostname>
    <fireside:genDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:04:30 -0500</fireside:genDate>
    <generator>Fireside (https://fireside.fm)</generator>
    <title>Science for Sport Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Performance Analysis”</title>
    <link>https://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/tags/performance%20analysis</link>
    <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000</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>
    <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/cover.jpg?v=3"/>
    <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>312: The Role of Environment in Player Performance</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/312</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">71100eab-a180-4349-a8c5-836b0f65d419</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/71100eab-a180-4349-a8c5-836b0f65d419.mp3" length="52583285" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>312</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>The Role of Environment in Player Performance</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>A powerful conversation with Carl Asaba on the realities of professional football — from non-traditional pathways and career setbacks to team culture, psychology, and the importance of man management in elite sport.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>36:30</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>This week on the Science for Sport podcast, Richard Graves is joined by former professional footballer Carl Asaba for an honest and insightful look at life inside the game.
Carl’s journey into professional football wasn’t typical. From missing out on early opportunities and stepping away from the game, to earning a contract at 21 and going on to play over a decade in the professional ranks, his story challenges many of the assumptions around talent pathways and development.
Across the conversation, Carl reflects on the psychological demands of elite sport, handling pressure, navigating setbacks, and the importance of environment and culture in performance. From record transfers and dressing room dynamics to playoff heartbreak and career-defining moments at Wembley, this episode offers a grounded, real-world perspective on what it actually takes to build and sustain a career in football.
For practitioners working in elite sport, there are clear takeaways around player psychology, team culture, and the often-overlooked role of man management in performance.
In this episode, you will learn
* Why non-linear talent pathways can still lead to elite performance
* How early setbacks can shape long-term motivation and resilience
* The psychological impact of transfers, expectations, and identity
* What separates strong team cultures from individual-driven environments
* Why “man management” remains a critical performance skill in modern sport
* How players experience pressure in high-stakes matches (e.g. playoffs, Wembley)
* The role of belief, environment, and coaching in unlocking performance
* Lessons on handling success, ego, and distractions early in a career
* What burnout, injury, and time out of the game really feel like
* Why giving “your all” is a more sustainable mindset than chasing outcomes
About Carl Asaba
Carl Asaba is a former professional footballer whose career spanned over a decade across English football. Starting his professional journey at Brentford at the age of 21, he went on to play for clubs including Reading, Gillingham, and Sheffield United.
Known for his work ethic and team-first mentality, Carl was part of some iconic teams, including Gillingham’s promotion-winning side and Sheffield United’s memorable 2002–03 campaign, which reached the latter stages of multiple competitions.
Since retiring, Carl has remained close to the game through media work and supporting the next generation, while offering a unique perspective shaped by both traditional and unconventional routes into elite sport.
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>This week on the Science for Sport podcast, Richard Graves is joined by former professional footballer Carl Asaba for an honest and insightful look at life inside the game.<br>
Carl’s journey into professional football wasn’t typical. From missing out on early opportunities and stepping away from the game, to earning a contract at 21 and going on to play over a decade in the professional ranks, his story challenges many of the assumptions around talent pathways and development.<br>
Across the conversation, Carl reflects on the psychological demands of elite sport, handling pressure, navigating setbacks, and the importance of environment and culture in performance. From record transfers and dressing room dynamics to playoff heartbreak and career-defining moments at Wembley, this episode offers a grounded, real-world perspective on what it actually takes to build and sustain a career in football.<br>
For practitioners working in elite sport, there are clear takeaways around player psychology, team culture, and the often-overlooked role of man management in performance.</p>

<p><strong>In this episode, you will learn</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Why non-linear talent pathways can still lead to elite performance</li>
<li>How early setbacks can shape long-term motivation and resilience</li>
<li>The psychological impact of transfers, expectations, and identity</li>
<li>What separates strong team cultures from individual-driven environments</li>
<li>Why “man management” remains a critical performance skill in modern sport</li>
<li>How players experience pressure in high-stakes matches (e.g. playoffs, Wembley)</li>
<li>The role of belief, environment, and coaching in unlocking performance</li>
<li>Lessons on handling success, ego, and distractions early in a career</li>
<li>What burnout, injury, and time out of the game really feel like</li>
<li>Why giving “your all” is a more sustainable mindset than chasing outcomes</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Carl Asaba</strong><br>
Carl Asaba is a former professional footballer whose career spanned over a decade across English football. Starting his professional journey at Brentford at the age of 21, he went on to play for clubs including Reading, Gillingham, and Sheffield United.<br>
Known for his work ethic and team-first mentality, Carl was part of some iconic teams, including Gillingham’s promotion-winning side and Sheffield United’s memorable 2002–03 campaign, which reached the latter stages of multiple competitions.<br>
Since retiring, Carl has remained close to the game through media work and supporting the next generation, while offering a unique perspective shaped by both traditional and unconventional routes into elite sport.</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>This week on the Science for Sport podcast, Richard Graves is joined by former professional footballer Carl Asaba for an honest and insightful look at life inside the game.<br>
Carl’s journey into professional football wasn’t typical. From missing out on early opportunities and stepping away from the game, to earning a contract at 21 and going on to play over a decade in the professional ranks, his story challenges many of the assumptions around talent pathways and development.<br>
Across the conversation, Carl reflects on the psychological demands of elite sport, handling pressure, navigating setbacks, and the importance of environment and culture in performance. From record transfers and dressing room dynamics to playoff heartbreak and career-defining moments at Wembley, this episode offers a grounded, real-world perspective on what it actually takes to build and sustain a career in football.<br>
For practitioners working in elite sport, there are clear takeaways around player psychology, team culture, and the often-overlooked role of man management in performance.</p>

<p><strong>In this episode, you will learn</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Why non-linear talent pathways can still lead to elite performance</li>
<li>How early setbacks can shape long-term motivation and resilience</li>
<li>The psychological impact of transfers, expectations, and identity</li>
<li>What separates strong team cultures from individual-driven environments</li>
<li>Why “man management” remains a critical performance skill in modern sport</li>
<li>How players experience pressure in high-stakes matches (e.g. playoffs, Wembley)</li>
<li>The role of belief, environment, and coaching in unlocking performance</li>
<li>Lessons on handling success, ego, and distractions early in a career</li>
<li>What burnout, injury, and time out of the game really feel like</li>
<li>Why giving “your all” is a more sustainable mindset than chasing outcomes</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Carl Asaba</strong><br>
Carl Asaba is a former professional footballer whose career spanned over a decade across English football. Starting his professional journey at Brentford at the age of 21, he went on to play for clubs including Reading, Gillingham, and Sheffield United.<br>
Known for his work ethic and team-first mentality, Carl was part of some iconic teams, including Gillingham’s promotion-winning side and Sheffield United’s memorable 2002–03 campaign, which reached the latter stages of multiple competitions.<br>
Since retiring, Carl has remained close to the game through media work and supporting the next generation, while offering a unique perspective shaped by both traditional and unconventional routes into elite sport.</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>291: Managing Workload and Performance in the NHL</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/291</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">3b54db46-64e0-40f3-9705-c443aa0318bb</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/3b54db46-64e0-40f3-9705-c443aa0318bb.mp3" length="45589156" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>291</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Managing Workload and Performance in the NHL</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, New Jersey Devils Sports Scientist Steven Nightingale joins host Richard Graves to discuss how data, workload management, and recovery strategies are applied in the NHL’s demanding 82-game season. He shares insights from his global career and PhD research, revealing how science and practical experience combine to keep athletes performing at their best.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>31:39</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>This week, host Richard Graves welcomes Steven Nightingale, Sports Scientist with the New Jersey Devils (NHL), to explore the realities of managing workload, performance, and recovery in one of the world’s most demanding sporting environments.
From starting out in Peterborough to working in China, Russia, and now in the NHL, Steve shares his fascinating journey through elite sport, and how data, experience, and practical collaboration with coaches all come together to optimise athlete performance.
They dive deep into how workload is managed across an 82-game season, the impact of fixture congestion and travel, and the evolving role of data and AI in shaping the future of sports science.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
* How Steve’s career took him from teaching in England to sports science roles across China, the KHL, and the NHL.
* What workload management really means in professional ice hockey, and why it’s misunderstood.
* How the Devils balance recovery, readiness, and tactical demands across a relentless schedule.
* The challenges of measuring true intensity and how Steve uses Z-scores and T-scores to make data meaningful for coaches.
* Why less distance covered can actually correlate with winning more games.
* How travel, sleep, and recovery all factor into athlete performance across an 82-game season.
* The future of data analysis, including AI’s growing role in sports science.
About Steven Nightingale
Steven Nightingale is a Sports Scientist with the New Jersey Devils in the NHL and is currently completing his Doctorate in Applied Sport and Exercise Science. Originally from Peterborough, England, Steve’s career has taken him from teaching and voluntary roles in UK hockey to international positions with Ice Hockey UK, the Chinese Olympic Committee, and teams in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League).
His research focuses on workload monitoring, return-to-play strategies, and performance optimisation, using technologies such as Catapult to inform evidence-based decision-making. Steven regularly shares insights on LinkedIn and publishes his research on ResearchGate.
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, Sports Science, Performance Analysis, Workload Management, Athlete Monitoring, Data Analytics, Recovery, NHL, Ice Hockey, Strength and Conditioning, Catapult, Sports Technology, Return to Play, Applied Research, High Performance, Sports Data, Coaching, Load Management, AI in Sport, PhD Research, New Jersey Devils</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>This week, host Richard Graves welcomes Steven Nightingale, Sports Scientist with the New Jersey Devils (NHL), to explore the realities of managing workload, performance, and recovery in one of the world’s most demanding sporting environments.<br>
From starting out in Peterborough to working in China, Russia, and now in the NHL, Steve shares his fascinating journey through elite sport, and how data, experience, and practical collaboration with coaches all come together to optimise athlete performance.<br>
They dive deep into how workload is managed across an 82-game season, the impact of fixture congestion and travel, and the evolving role of data and AI in shaping the future of sports science.</p>

<p><strong>In this episode, you’ll learn:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>How Steve’s career took him from teaching in England to sports science roles across China, the KHL, and the NHL.</li>
<li>What workload management really means in professional ice hockey, and why it’s misunderstood.</li>
<li>How the Devils balance recovery, readiness, and tactical demands across a relentless schedule.</li>
<li>The challenges of measuring true intensity and how Steve uses Z-scores and T-scores to make data meaningful for coaches.</li>
<li>Why less distance covered can actually correlate with winning more games.</li>
<li>How travel, sleep, and recovery all factor into athlete performance across an 82-game season.</li>
<li>The future of data analysis, including AI’s growing role in sports science.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Steven Nightingale</strong><br>
Steven Nightingale is a Sports Scientist with the New Jersey Devils in the NHL and is currently completing his Doctorate in Applied Sport and Exercise Science. Originally from Peterborough, England, Steve’s career has taken him from teaching and voluntary roles in UK hockey to international positions with Ice Hockey UK, the Chinese Olympic Committee, and teams in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League).<br>
His research focuses on workload monitoring, return-to-play strategies, and performance optimisation, using technologies such as Catapult to inform evidence-based decision-making. Steven regularly shares insights on LinkedIn and publishes his research on ResearchGate.</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>This week, host Richard Graves welcomes Steven Nightingale, Sports Scientist with the New Jersey Devils (NHL), to explore the realities of managing workload, performance, and recovery in one of the world’s most demanding sporting environments.<br>
From starting out in Peterborough to working in China, Russia, and now in the NHL, Steve shares his fascinating journey through elite sport, and how data, experience, and practical collaboration with coaches all come together to optimise athlete performance.<br>
They dive deep into how workload is managed across an 82-game season, the impact of fixture congestion and travel, and the evolving role of data and AI in shaping the future of sports science.</p>

<p><strong>In this episode, you’ll learn:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>How Steve’s career took him from teaching in England to sports science roles across China, the KHL, and the NHL.</li>
<li>What workload management really means in professional ice hockey, and why it’s misunderstood.</li>
<li>How the Devils balance recovery, readiness, and tactical demands across a relentless schedule.</li>
<li>The challenges of measuring true intensity and how Steve uses Z-scores and T-scores to make data meaningful for coaches.</li>
<li>Why less distance covered can actually correlate with winning more games.</li>
<li>How travel, sleep, and recovery all factor into athlete performance across an 82-game season.</li>
<li>The future of data analysis, including AI’s growing role in sports science.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Steven Nightingale</strong><br>
Steven Nightingale is a Sports Scientist with the New Jersey Devils in the NHL and is currently completing his Doctorate in Applied Sport and Exercise Science. Originally from Peterborough, England, Steve’s career has taken him from teaching and voluntary roles in UK hockey to international positions with Ice Hockey UK, the Chinese Olympic Committee, and teams in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League).<br>
His research focuses on workload monitoring, return-to-play strategies, and performance optimisation, using technologies such as Catapult to inform evidence-based decision-making. Steven regularly shares insights on LinkedIn and publishes his research on ResearchGate.</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>286: NFL’s Digital Athlete – How Data is Transforming Player Health &amp; Safety</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/286</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">b7c1d1bc-7f18-4264-be50-7825977e0c2e</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/b7c1d1bc-7f18-4264-be50-7825977e0c2e.mp3" length="38098492" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>286</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>NFL’s Digital Athlete – How Data is Transforming Player Health &amp; Safety</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>This episode dives into the NFL’s groundbreaking Digital Athlete, as host Richard Graves speaks with Dr Mackenzie Herzog (NFL) and Julie Souza (AWS) about how data and AI are transforming player health, safety, and performance.
Discover how advanced analytics, computer vision, and machine learning are driving injury prevention, rule changes, and equipment innovation across the league.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>26:27</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>This week, host Richard Graves is joined by two leading figures driving innovation in sport:
Dr Mackenzie Herzog, VP of Player Health &amp;amp; Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL
Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Together, they explore the groundbreaking NFL Digital Athlete, a data-driven platform reshaping how the league prevents injuries, enhances performance, and safeguards the long-term health of its players.
This episode offers a rare look behind the scenes at how one of the world’s biggest sports organisations is using advanced analytics, computer vision, and machine learning to transform player welfare.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How the NFL Digital Athlete creates a 360° view of every player by combining wearable, video, and performance data
The role of AWS in processing 500 million+ data points per week to power injury prevention and performance insights
How data modelling led to rule changes like the dynamic kickoff and banning hip-drop tackles to reduce injuries
How computer vision is used to track player pose and limb position to identify mechanisms of injury
How concussion risk has dropped thanks to position-specific helmets and guardian caps
Why player and coach buy-in has been crucial for the success of data-driven safety initiatives
How the Digital Athlete model is now influencing college football, global sport, and even other industries
About Dr Mackenzie Herzog
Dr Mackenzie Herzog is the Vice President of Player Health &amp;amp; Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL. She leads the league’s efforts to reduce injuries, improve player health outcomes, and integrate cutting-edge technology and analytics into performance and safety strategies. Mackenzie has overseen the creation and implementation of the NFL Digital Athlete, spearheading collaborations with partners such as AWS to harness data for player health and safety advancements across the league.
About Julie Souza
Julie Souza is the Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she partners with leading sports organisations to leverage cloud technology, machine learning, and data analytics to transform athlete performance, fan engagement, and operational efficiency. Julie has played a pivotal role in AWS’s collaboration with the NFL, powering the Digital Athlete platform and pioneering innovations like next-gen stats, optical tracking, and large-scale injury risk modelling.
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, NFL, Digital Athlete, sports science, player health, player safety, injury prevention, performance analysis, sports technology, data analytics, computer vision, machine learning, biomechanics, load management, concussion prevention, athlete monitoring, AWS, sports innovation, rule changes, sports performance, sports data</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>This week, host Richard Graves is joined by two leading figures driving innovation in sport:</p>

<p>Dr Mackenzie Herzog, VP of Player Health &amp; Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL</p>

<p>Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS)</p>

<p>Together, they explore the groundbreaking NFL Digital Athlete, a data-driven platform reshaping how the league prevents injuries, enhances performance, and safeguards the long-term health of its players.</p>

<p>This episode offers a rare look behind the scenes at how one of the world’s biggest sports organisations is using advanced analytics, computer vision, and machine learning to transform player welfare.</p>

<p><strong>In this episode, you’ll learn:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li><p>How the NFL Digital Athlete creates a 360° view of every player by combining wearable, video, and performance data</p></li>
<li><p>The role of AWS in processing 500 million+ data points per week to power injury prevention and performance insights</p></li>
<li><p>How data modelling led to rule changes like the dynamic kickoff and banning hip-drop tackles to reduce injuries</p></li>
<li><p>How computer vision is used to track player pose and limb position to identify mechanisms of injury</p></li>
<li><p>How concussion risk has dropped thanks to position-specific helmets and guardian caps</p></li>
<li><p>Why player and coach buy-in has been crucial for the success of data-driven safety initiatives</p></li>
<li><p>How the Digital Athlete model is now influencing college football, global sport, and even other industries</p></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Dr Mackenzie Herzog</strong><br>
Dr Mackenzie Herzog is the Vice President of Player Health &amp; Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL. She leads the league’s efforts to reduce injuries, improve player health outcomes, and integrate cutting-edge technology and analytics into performance and safety strategies. Mackenzie has overseen the creation and implementation of the NFL Digital Athlete, spearheading collaborations with partners such as AWS to harness data for player health and safety advancements across the league.</p>

<p><strong>About Julie Souza</strong><br>
Julie Souza is the Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she partners with leading sports organisations to leverage cloud technology, machine learning, and data analytics to transform athlete performance, fan engagement, and operational efficiency. Julie has played a pivotal role in AWS’s collaboration with the NFL, powering the Digital Athlete platform and pioneering innovations like next-gen stats, optical tracking, and large-scale injury risk modelling.</p>

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

<ul>
<li>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively</li>
<li>​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery</li>
<li>​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In</li>
<li>​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese</li>
<li>​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More</li>
<li>​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance</li>
<li>​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes</li>
<li>​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</li>
</ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>This week, host Richard Graves is joined by two leading figures driving innovation in sport:</p>

<p>Dr Mackenzie Herzog, VP of Player Health &amp; Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL</p>

<p>Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS)</p>

<p>Together, they explore the groundbreaking NFL Digital Athlete, a data-driven platform reshaping how the league prevents injuries, enhances performance, and safeguards the long-term health of its players.</p>

<p>This episode offers a rare look behind the scenes at how one of the world’s biggest sports organisations is using advanced analytics, computer vision, and machine learning to transform player welfare.</p>

<p><strong>In this episode, you’ll learn:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li><p>How the NFL Digital Athlete creates a 360° view of every player by combining wearable, video, and performance data</p></li>
<li><p>The role of AWS in processing 500 million+ data points per week to power injury prevention and performance insights</p></li>
<li><p>How data modelling led to rule changes like the dynamic kickoff and banning hip-drop tackles to reduce injuries</p></li>
<li><p>How computer vision is used to track player pose and limb position to identify mechanisms of injury</p></li>
<li><p>How concussion risk has dropped thanks to position-specific helmets and guardian caps</p></li>
<li><p>Why player and coach buy-in has been crucial for the success of data-driven safety initiatives</p></li>
<li><p>How the Digital Athlete model is now influencing college football, global sport, and even other industries</p></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Dr Mackenzie Herzog</strong><br>
Dr Mackenzie Herzog is the Vice President of Player Health &amp; Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL. She leads the league’s efforts to reduce injuries, improve player health outcomes, and integrate cutting-edge technology and analytics into performance and safety strategies. Mackenzie has overseen the creation and implementation of the NFL Digital Athlete, spearheading collaborations with partners such as AWS to harness data for player health and safety advancements across the league.</p>

<p><strong>About Julie Souza</strong><br>
Julie Souza is the Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she partners with leading sports organisations to leverage cloud technology, machine learning, and data analytics to transform athlete performance, fan engagement, and operational efficiency. Julie has played a pivotal role in AWS’s collaboration with the NFL, powering the Digital Athlete platform and pioneering innovations like next-gen stats, optical tracking, and large-scale injury risk modelling.</p>

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

<ul>
<li>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively</li>
<li>​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery</li>
<li>​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In</li>
<li>​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese</li>
<li>​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More</li>
<li>​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance</li>
<li>​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes</li>
<li>​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</li>
</ul>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>272: Inside Catapult: Global Trends, Common Pitfalls &amp; the Future of Sports Science</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/272</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">30e3bc0b-3432-4adb-818f-3f58e0f870ad</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/30e3bc0b-3432-4adb-818f-3f58e0f870ad.mp3" length="41626276" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>272</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Inside Catapult: Global Trends, Common Pitfalls &amp; the Future of Sports Science</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Catapult’s VP of Customer Success, Chris Polley, joins the show to share global trends, common pitfalls, and real-world insights from working with 4,400+ elite teams. Discover how the world’s best apply sports science tech to gain a competitive edge.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>43:21</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>This week, host Richard Graves is joined by Chris Polley, Vice President of Customer Success at Catapult, for a deep-dive into the world of elite sports performance monitoring. With over 55 sports scientists working across 16 countries, Chris shares what he and his team are seeing across top-tier teams in more than 40 sports worldwide.
Listeners will learn:
The global trends shaping the future of sports science, including data integration and AI
Why the best teams often do the basics exceptionally well
Common mistakes when adopting performance tech – and how to avoid them
How Catapult’s wearable and video technologies are being used to save time and unlock deeper insights
What really makes a great sports scientist in today’s high-performance environment
Chris also shares practical advice for aspiring practitioners, highlighting the importance of communication, cultural fit, and the ability to simplify complex data to drive better decision-making.
Whether you're working in pro sport or just entering the field, this episode is packed with wisdom from someone who’s helped scale one of the most widely used performance platforms in the world.
About Chris Polley
Chris Polley is Catapult’s Vice President of Customer Success, formerly Senior Director of Sport Science, based in Victoria, Australia. Over the past 11 years at Catapult, Chris has played a pivotal role in scaling the team from its start-up beginnings to a global fixture, now supporting over 4,400 teams across 128 countries. He leads a diverse squad of approximately 55 sports scientists across 16 nations, delivering post-sales support, global training, analytics best practice, and insights-driven performance strategies. With a strong academic grounding, including published research on activity profiling in elite lacrosse and rugby forwards, Chris brings both scientific rigour and real-world expertise to Catapult’s wearable and video technology suite
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, sports data, data analytics, data analysis</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>This week, host Richard Graves is joined by Chris Polley, Vice President of Customer Success at Catapult, for a deep-dive into the world of elite sports performance monitoring. With over 55 sports scientists working across 16 countries, Chris shares what he and his team are seeing across top-tier teams in more than 40 sports worldwide.</p>

<p>Listeners will learn:</p>

<ul>
<li>The global trends shaping the future of sports science, including data integration and AI</li>
<li>Why the best teams often do the basics exceptionally well</li>
<li>Common mistakes when adopting performance tech – and how to avoid them</li>
<li>How Catapult’s wearable and video technologies are being used to save time and unlock deeper insights</li>
<li>What really makes a great sports scientist in today’s high-performance environment</li>
</ul>

<p>Chris also shares practical advice for aspiring practitioners, highlighting the importance of communication, cultural fit, and the ability to simplify complex data to drive better decision-making.</p>

<p>Whether you&#39;re working in pro sport or just entering the field, this episode is packed with wisdom from someone who’s helped scale one of the most widely used performance platforms in the world.</p>

<p><strong>About Chris Polley</strong><br>
Chris Polley is Catapult’s Vice President of Customer Success, formerly Senior Director of Sport Science, based in Victoria, Australia. Over the past 11 years at Catapult, Chris has played a pivotal role in scaling the team from its start-up beginnings to a global fixture, now supporting over 4,400 teams across 128 countries. He leads a diverse squad of approximately 55 sports scientists across 16 nations, delivering post-sales support, global training, analytics best practice, and insights-driven performance strategies. With a strong academic grounding, including published research on activity profiling in elite lacrosse and rugby forwards, Chris brings both scientific rigour and real-world expertise to Catapult’s wearable and video technology suite</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>This week, host Richard Graves is joined by Chris Polley, Vice President of Customer Success at Catapult, for a deep-dive into the world of elite sports performance monitoring. With over 55 sports scientists working across 16 countries, Chris shares what he and his team are seeing across top-tier teams in more than 40 sports worldwide.</p>

<p>Listeners will learn:</p>

<ul>
<li>The global trends shaping the future of sports science, including data integration and AI</li>
<li>Why the best teams often do the basics exceptionally well</li>
<li>Common mistakes when adopting performance tech – and how to avoid them</li>
<li>How Catapult’s wearable and video technologies are being used to save time and unlock deeper insights</li>
<li>What really makes a great sports scientist in today’s high-performance environment</li>
</ul>

<p>Chris also shares practical advice for aspiring practitioners, highlighting the importance of communication, cultural fit, and the ability to simplify complex data to drive better decision-making.</p>

<p>Whether you&#39;re working in pro sport or just entering the field, this episode is packed with wisdom from someone who’s helped scale one of the most widely used performance platforms in the world.</p>

<p><strong>About Chris Polley</strong><br>
Chris Polley is Catapult’s Vice President of Customer Success, formerly Senior Director of Sport Science, based in Victoria, Australia. Over the past 11 years at Catapult, Chris has played a pivotal role in scaling the team from its start-up beginnings to a global fixture, now supporting over 4,400 teams across 128 countries. He leads a diverse squad of approximately 55 sports scientists across 16 nations, delivering post-sales support, global training, analytics best practice, and insights-driven performance strategies. With a strong academic grounding, including published research on activity profiling in elite lacrosse and rugby forwards, Chris brings both scientific rigour and real-world expertise to Catapult’s wearable and video technology suite</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>
<item>
  <title>256: Catapult: Rugby's Game-Changing Data Revolution</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/256</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">c39065ac-f4ca-4753-ab8f-f7620897eb09</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/c39065ac-f4ca-4753-ab8f-f7620897eb09.mp3" length="33438456" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>256</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Catapult: Rugby's Game-Changing Data Revolution</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Join former international rugby player Tom May, now Head of Global Rugby at Catapult Sports, as he reveals how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing rugby from traditional 'brute force' approaches to data-driven decision making. From GPS tracking to smart mouthguards, discover how advanced analytics are transforming player performance, safety, and the future of the sport at all levels</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>34:49</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 GPS Tracking to Game-Changing Analytics: The Evolution of Rugby Performance Technology
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Tom May, former international rugby player and current Head of Global Rugby at Catapult Sports. In this episode, we dive deep into how cutting-edge technology is revolutionising rugby performance analysis and player welfare.
Key discussion points include:
* How advanced analytics are transforming rugby from traditional 'brute force' approaches to data-driven decision making
* The crucial role of contextualising performance data for meaningful insights
* Latest innovations in player safety technology, including smart mouthguards for concussion detection
* Unique considerations in women's rugby performance monitoring and injury prevention
* The future of sports technology in broadcasting and fan engagement
Whether you're a sports scientist, coach, or performance analyst, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology is shaping the future of rugby at all levels. May shares candid perspectives from both sides of the fence - as a former player and now a technology leader - making this a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of sports science and professional rugby.
About Tom May
A former international rugby player with an illustrious playing career spanning nearly two decades, Tom May brings unique insights from both sides of the professional rugby world. After making his debut in 1999 and playing at the highest levels of the sport, Tom has successfully transitioned into the sports technology sector. Now serving as Head of Global Rugby at Catapult Sports, he combines his extensive playing experience with a passion for advancing rugby through technology and analytics. His dual perspective as both a former player and technology leader makes him uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between traditional rugby culture and its data-driven future.
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, Sports Technology, Rugby Union, Sports Science, Player Analytics, Catapult, GPS Tracking, Performance Analysis, Player Welfare, Concussion Prevention, Smart Mouthguard, Data Analytics, Rugby Performance, SportsTech, Athlete Monitoring, Womens Rugby, Player Load, Injury Prevention, Sports Broadcasting, High Performance, Tom May, Professional Rugby, Player Safety, Sports Innovation, Performance Metrics, Rugby Development, Elite Sport, Sports Data, Athlete Management, Training Load, Rugby Technology</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>From GPS Tracking to Game-Changing Analytics: The Evolution of Rugby Performance Technology<br>
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Tom May, former international rugby player and current Head of Global Rugby at Catapult Sports. In this episode, we dive deep into how cutting-edge technology is revolutionising rugby performance analysis and player welfare.</p>

<p>Key discussion points include:</p>

<ul>
<li>How advanced analytics are transforming rugby from traditional &#39;brute force&#39; approaches to data-driven decision making</li>
<li>The crucial role of contextualising performance data for meaningful insights</li>
<li>Latest innovations in player safety technology, including smart mouthguards for concussion detection</li>
<li>Unique considerations in women&#39;s rugby performance monitoring and injury prevention</li>
<li>The future of sports technology in broadcasting and fan engagement</li>
</ul>

<p>Whether you&#39;re a sports scientist, coach, or performance analyst, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology is shaping the future of rugby at all levels. May shares candid perspectives from both sides of the fence - as a former player and now a technology leader - making this a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of sports science and professional rugby.</p>

<p><strong>About Tom May</strong><br>
A former international rugby player with an illustrious playing career spanning nearly two decades, Tom May brings unique insights from both sides of the professional rugby world. After making his debut in 1999 and playing at the highest levels of the sport, Tom has successfully transitioned into the sports technology sector. Now serving as Head of Global Rugby at Catapult Sports, he combines his extensive playing experience with a passion for advancing rugby through technology and analytics. His dual perspective as both a former player and technology leader makes him uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between traditional rugby culture and its data-driven future.</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 GPS Tracking to Game-Changing Analytics: The Evolution of Rugby Performance Technology<br>
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Tom May, former international rugby player and current Head of Global Rugby at Catapult Sports. In this episode, we dive deep into how cutting-edge technology is revolutionising rugby performance analysis and player welfare.</p>

<p>Key discussion points include:</p>

<ul>
<li>How advanced analytics are transforming rugby from traditional &#39;brute force&#39; approaches to data-driven decision making</li>
<li>The crucial role of contextualising performance data for meaningful insights</li>
<li>Latest innovations in player safety technology, including smart mouthguards for concussion detection</li>
<li>Unique considerations in women&#39;s rugby performance monitoring and injury prevention</li>
<li>The future of sports technology in broadcasting and fan engagement</li>
</ul>

<p>Whether you&#39;re a sports scientist, coach, or performance analyst, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology is shaping the future of rugby at all levels. May shares candid perspectives from both sides of the fence - as a former player and now a technology leader - making this a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of sports science and professional rugby.</p>

<p><strong>About Tom May</strong><br>
A former international rugby player with an illustrious playing career spanning nearly two decades, Tom May brings unique insights from both sides of the professional rugby world. After making his debut in 1999 and playing at the highest levels of the sport, Tom has successfully transitioned into the sports technology sector. Now serving as Head of Global Rugby at Catapult Sports, he combines his extensive playing experience with a passion for advancing rugby through technology and analytics. His dual perspective as both a former player and technology leader makes him uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between traditional rugby culture and its data-driven future.</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>
