Sports science at Reaseheath supports Crewe Alex fitness programme

/in /by

Cutting edge sport science equipment at Reaseheath College is helping Crewe Alexandra FC’s first team squad to train throughout the season.

All first team players have visited the Nantwich college to use a new sports science laboratory which forms part of a significant investment into the campus gym.

Sports science lab Stuart Fisher, Lauren Goff, James Earl, James Baillie first team player

First team full-back James Baillie is tested in Reaseheath’s sports science lab while student James Earl records data and sports lecturers Lauren Goff and Stuart Fisher oversee data collection

The squad went through maximal fitness testing on a top-of-the-range medical treadmill. The data will be used by Andy Franks, Head of Sports Science and Conditioning at Crewe Alex, to check the base level of fitness of each player and to set personalised training programmes. The players will return for retesting later in the season to check their progress.

The data collection was carried out by Reaseheath Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport Performance students, many of whom will progress to careers in coaching or sport fitness.

Course Manager Richard Brooke explained: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to practice and develop their skills by working with local, talented, professional athletes. Our students learn sports science and coaching techniques as part of their course and this has been a chance for them to see how critical these skills are in the industry they plan to join. We have also been delighted to support Crewe Alex.”

Andy Franks said: “This has been a great opportunity which has been much appreciated by first team players and our sports science staff. By using sophisticated testing equipment we have been able to set accurate training zones for our pre-season training programmes, individualised for each player.”

Reaseheath College and Crewe Alex FC have a well established partnership. Reaseheath delivers the academic training to Crewe Alex Academy apprentices, with scholars achieving the best grades in the country. In return, many of Reaseheath’s sports performance students complete work experience with Crewe Alex, gaining an insight into the possibilities of career progression within the football industry.

Reaseheath’s new gym is used to train students on sports performance and public services courses and is open to the college’s staff and students.

For further details on Reaseheath’s sports courses see www.reaseheath.ac.uk/sport