Science for Sport Podcast

In this week’s episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes Luke Harris, the Head of Strength & 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 & 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 & 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 & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

This week, host Richard Graves is joined by Steve McNamara, one of Rugby League’s most experienced and respected minds. With a career spanning over 36 years across playing and coaching, Steve has done it all, captaining Hull FC, coaching England at a home World Cup, and leading Catalans Dragons to their first major silverware. From working on Hull’s fish docks to standing on the touchline at Wembley, Steve reflects on the evolution of the sport and the people and principles that shaped him. Whether you’re a performance coach, team manager, or aspiring leader in sport, this episode is packed with valuable lessons. Key takeaways from this episode: The importance of early coaching influences and how Brian Smith shaped Steve's entire coaching outlook What it was really like transitioning from part-time pro in the mud to full-time athlete in the Super League era How to build identity and unity in a national team without a home base – and why Steve moved England’s programme to Loughborough Leading England to a heartbreaking 2013 World Cup semi-final defeat — and how to handle pressure and process loss Turning around Catalans Dragons: the brutal honesty, cultural differences, and a French barbecue that changed everything Why great coaches need great support teams – and Steve’s advice to anyone aspiring to coach at the highest level From tactical insights to leadership philosophies, Steve shares stories that are honest, humorous, and hugely insightful. ** About Steve McNamara** Steve McNamara is a former professional Rugby League player and top-level coach with over 35 years in the game. He’s coached England at a home World Cup, worked in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors, and led Catalans Dragons to their first major trophy and multiple Grand Final appearances. Known for his leadership, culture-building, and tactical insight, Steve is one of the sport’s most respected figures. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & 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 & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

What does fuelling a Premier League footballer really look like? This week, we’re joined by Ted Munson, Brentford FC’s Lead Performance Nutritionist, whose journey has taken him through elite-level roles across football, rugby, Formula 1, and even international tournaments with Denmark’s national team. From managing nutrition for matchday prep and recovery to adapting for individual player needs, Ted shares what goes on behind the scenes at the highest level of the game – and how everyday athletes can apply some of the same principles. What you’ll learn in this episode: How Ted landed his first role in elite sport – and the winding road to Brentford FC The five core nutrition principles he follows with Premier League players Why personalisation is essential – no two players are ever treated the same How to fuel players around training intensity, travel, and congested fixtures What a typical training week looks like nutritionally (yes, pancakes are involved) How elite strategies can be adapted by amateur players and coaches The biggest mistakes players make with fuelling – and how to fix them Why behaviour change and communication matter more than textbook knowledge Easy, affordable fuelling tips that work – no fancy products needed The importance of carbohydrate periodisation for both performance and body comp Whether you’re a coach, a sports scientist, or just someone who plays five-a-side on a weekend, this episode is packed with practical advice, stories from the top, and a good dose of honesty about what works, what doesn’t, and why a tray of Jaffa Cakes might not be such a bad idea. About Ted Munson Ted Munson is the Lead Performance Nutritionist at Brentford Football Club, with over a decade of experience working across elite sport. His career has included roles with clubs such as Hull City, Millwall, MK Dons, Luton Town, and Harlequins Rugby, as well as consulting in Formula 1 and with the Danish national football team. Ted is a registered performance nutritionist and passionate educator, known for translating complex science into simple, practical strategies that help athletes fuel for performance and recovery—on and off the pitch. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & 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 & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

This week, Richard Graves is joined by returning guest Andrew Hyde, a leading strength and conditioning coach and founder of Aesthetic Athletes, who works with elite and youth footballers across the UK. With professional clubs identifying talent as young as six, and social media raising the stakes for young athletes, is youth football facing a crisis? Or just a complex new challenge? In this honest and insightful episode, Andrew shares his experiences from working with young athletes and their families, discussing how to support their development without damaging their love for the game. Key topics you’ll learn about: The difference between encouragement vs pressure in youth development Why early specialisation might be doing more harm than good The critical role of parents as stakeholders in an athlete's journey How physical maturation affects performance (including issues like Osgood-Schlatter’s) Why multisport participation isn't just beneficial, it's essential Managing load, recovery and expectations during growth spurts The impact of social media and performance comparisons on young athletes Why long-term success is more about joy and patience than relentless training Andrew's “Project Mbappe” warning, and why sitting back with a margarita might actually help The importance of creating a supportive, multi-disciplinary environment around a child athlete Whether you're a coach, parent, or performance professional, this episode will reshape how you think about talent development in football and beyond. About Andrew Hyde Andrew Hyde is a strength and conditioning coach and founder of Aesthetic Athletes, based in Manchester, UK. Specialising in youth athletic development, Andrew works with both elite and aspiring athletes, helping them build physical competence, resilience, and a love for the process. With a background that includes roles in professional football academies, the NHS, and educational institutions, Andrew takes a holistic and empathetic approach to coaching. His philosophy centres around guiding young players through the challenges of early specialisation, maturation, and performance pressure, all while helping them maintain joy in their sporting journey. Andrew has previously contributed to Science for Sport and Catapult, and continues to be a respected voice on how to develop athletes in a sustainable and person-first way. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & 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 & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

Joining the conversation is Michael Carolan, a performance coach and sport rehabilitation expert with nearly 20 years of experience in elite sport and education. He discusses the transformative approach of treating rehab as a coaching opportunity rather than mere therapy. Communication and trust are key to athlete recovery, while adaptability can outshine rigid protocols. Michael emphasizes the importance of maintaining athlete connection during injury and offers strategies to train around injuries effectively. His blend of science and a human touch makes for engaging insights.

In this episode, host Richard Graves sits down with former professional footballer Sam Winnall, who shares his honest reflections on a 15-year career across clubs including Wolves, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Oxford United, and Burton Albion. Sam opens up about the realities of life as a professional athlete, the highs of Wembley wins and Golden Boots, the lows of injury setbacks and contract uncertainty, and the immense physical and mental demands that most people never see. More than just a career retrospective, this episode offers valuable insights into the mindset, resilience, and adaptability required not only to succeed in elite sport, but to transition into life after it. In this episode, you’ll learn: The hidden pressures of professional sport—why talent alone isn’t enough. How dealing with setbacks, rejection, and injury shaped Sam’s career and character. What a typical day really looks like for a professional footballer, from training to nutrition to recovery. The crucial role of mental health and mindset in athletic performance and longevity. Why transition planning and identity beyond sport are essential for athletes facing retirement. The surprising ways Sam now channels his competitive edge into golf, padel, and personal growth. Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, practitioner, or athlete, this episode is for anyone interested in the human side of elite performance and what it truly takes to stay at the top, and how to support athletes through the challenges that come with it. About Sam Winnall Sam Winnall is a former professional footballer whose career spanned over 15 years, including spells at clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Oxford United, and Burton Albion. Known for his goal-scoring instincts and work ethic, Sam made over 300 league appearances and scored more than 100 goals, achieving promotions, cup victories, and memorable moments at some of English football’s most historic clubs. Since retiring at 32, Sam has transitioned into mentoring and supporting athletes, with a particular focus on helping them develop the mental resilience needed to thrive both during and after their sporting careers. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & 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 & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

What do Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James... and astronauts have in common? They’re all using the same training technology, blood flow restriction (BFR). In this episode, host Richard Graves back Dr. Warren Bradley, Chief Science Officer and founder of Hytro, to unpack how BFR is transforming the way athletes train, recover, and even how astronauts prepare for life in space. You’ll learn: What blood flow restriction actually is, and how it helps build strength, muscle, and endurance faster (with less load on your body). Why BFR is no longer just for injury rehab, and how pro athletes are using it to boost performance and speed up recovery. The science behind why restricting blood flow (safely!) creates powerful training adaptations. How Warren’s product ended up on a SpaceX rocket, and why NASA now uses BFR to fight muscle loss in space. Common myths and misconceptions about BFR… including whether it’s safe (spoiler: it is, with the right approach). Where BFR is heading next, from grassroots athletes to medical rehab and even everyday gym-goers. Warren also shares his incredible journey, from working in the Premier League to founding a company used by over 260 elite teams worldwide, all the way to collaborating with NASA for space missions. This is one of those episodes that blends cutting-edge science with real-world application. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just a performance fanatic, this one’s a must-listen. About Dr. Warren Bradley Dr. Warren Bradley is the Founder and Chief Science Officer of Hytro, the world’s leading performance Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) company. With over a decade of experience in professional sports, including roles with Premier League football clubs and international rugby teams, Dr. Bradley has a rich background in sports science. He holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology from Liverpool John Moores University and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications in the field. Through Hytro, Dr. Bradley has pioneered the development of patented BFR wearables, making advanced training and recovery methods accessible to athletes worldwide, from elite professionals to grassroots enthusiasts. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & 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 & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

In this episode, Richard Graves is joined by performance specialist Julia Eyre, a sports scientist and psychologist with a rich background in elite sport. From working with U.S. collegiate athletes to roles with German Olympic federations and the TSG Wieseck Football Academy (a partner of Eintracht Frankfurt), Julia brings a multidimensional approach to athlete development. Founder of Whiteline Performance Group, Julia focuses on creating environments where athletes thrive as humans first, pushing back against the outcome-obsessed culture of high-performance sport. In this episode, you’ll learn: The real difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and why both matter How imposter syndrome shows up at every level of sport, and what to do about it Practical tools for building psychological safety and trust in high-performance settings How to develop a reflective coaching style that supports long-term development Why embracing uncomfortable thoughts can unlock consistent, world-class performance A clear breakdown of self-determination theory and what it means for athletes and coaches This is essential listening for sports scientists, coaches, and practitioners working in elite environments, especially those looking to align peak performance with athlete wellbeing. About Julia Eyre Julia Eyre is a sports scientist and psychologist with extensive experience in elite sport across Europe and the U.S. Currently working with TSG Wieseck Football Academy and multiple German Olympic federations, Julia is also the founder of Whiteline Performance Group, which supports clubs, schools, and federations in creating holistic, human-first athlete development systems. With academic training in both sports science and clinical psychology, Julia specialises in motivation, coach education, and psychological safety in high-performance environments, and contributes to the Science for Sport education platform. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & 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 & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

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 & 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 & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

In this week’s episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Leicester Tigers’ Head of Performance, Matt Parr, a former professional rugby player turned strength and conditioning expert with experience across both rugby union and league. Matt shares his fascinating journey from the pitch to the performance department, offering valuable insights drawn from his time at Leicester Tigers and Catalan Dragons. With a career that’s spanned both codes of rugby, Matt dives into the key physical demands of each sport and how training must adapt to meet them. He also lifts the lid on what really goes into building strength, power, and robustness across a long and gruelling season. In this episode, you’ll learn: The real physical differences between rugby union and rugby league – and why it’s not just “the same shaped ball” How to build meaningful preseason plans that lay the foundation for success Why strength underpins everything, and how it connects to power and injury prevention The importance of athlete conversations over just relying on data How Matt handles return-to-play protocols and balances performance with player wellbeing Whether you're a coach in pro sport or working at grassroots level, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways and thought-provoking reflections on what it really takes to keep athletes performing at their best. About Matt Parr Matt Parr is the Head of Athletic Performance at Leicester Tigers and a former professional prop whose rugby career saw him represent clubs such as Sale Sharks, Saracens, London Irish, and Leicester. After transitioning from player to coach, Matt began his performance career at the Tigers in 2015, later becoming Lead S&C coach in 2020. In 2022, he took on the Head of Performance role at Catalan Dragons in rugby league, before returning to Leicester in mid‑2024 to bring his cross-code expertise back to the Tigers setup . With an MSc in strength and conditioning and a reputation for strategic planning, leadership, and performance optimisation. Matt combines top-level playing experience and science-backed coaching to help elite athletes perform and stay on the field. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & 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 & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher