Gym Buddies
PLYMOUTH Argyle is delighted to be working in closer partnership with Plymouth Marjon University during the 2019/20 Sky Bet League Two campaign.
As a part of the club’s partnership with Marjon, the first-team squad, under Head of Fitness and Conditioning John Lucas, are provided access to the university’s state of the art strength and conditioning labs and gym facilities – harnessing the institution’s cutting-edge equipment and analysis technology to enhance the squad’s conditioning and recovery throughout the long and hard football season.
“The University offers state of the art facilities in which the football club can utilise in many key areas within the football department,” said Lucas, who identified and pursued a partnership with the University upon arriving at the club in the summer.
“We have been using the University’s strength and conditioning suite for our physical development sessions since the start of pre-season whilst also accessing the University physiology lab for testing, monitoring and rehabilitation.”
“Having access to these sorts of facilities will only enhance the physical and medical provision that the football club provides within our training programme.”
The agreement strengthens the relationship between Argyle and Marjon, with the Ladies’ team already working closely with the University to deliver an FA Women’s High-Performance Football Centre.
The latest development also formalises the club’s intention to offer placement and industry work experience opportunities for students from the school of Sport, Health and Wellbeing.
“Students have the opportunity to work alongside the first team squad in multiple areas from strength and conditioning, medical and analysis - which not only assists the day to day running of each department but also enhances the student experience for Marjon students.”
John hopes that the partnership will not only strengthen the club’s hand in terms of its conditioning programme, but also allow students to undertake insightful research projects to inform best practice.
“The development of research topics may be undertaken around performance, nutrition, monitoring and recovery to further enhance the scientific approaches taken to further develop the club’s practice,” said John. “This not only helps us, but also the University’s academic research profile.”
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the process of arranging this partnership, and look forward to the partnership developing between the football club and the University.”
Caroline Westwood, Associate Director of the school of Sport, Health and Wellbeing, said: “It’s really great to formalise this arrangement and have the players come up to the University. We are really fortunate to have world-class facilities.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to be able to play a formal part in Argyle’s preparation, as well as provide our students with practical, real industry experience in professional sport.”
For more information on the University and its degree courses, visit www.marjon.ac.uk.