Working in women’s football: Injury prevention, game demands and menstrual cycle tracking

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast Rob is speaking to three experts in the area of women's football, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Manchester United Women, Jack Clover, Reader in Sports Performance at Leeds Beckett, Stacey Emmonds, and Head of Sport Science at The Matildas, Jack Sharkey.

One of the central discussions revolves around menstrual cycle monitoring and its relevance to training and performance. They emphasize the importance of understanding menstrual health beyond just phase-based training, shedding light on the broader spectrum of menstrual-related issues and their impact on athletes' well-being and availability.

The trio also tackles the challenge of setting appropriate training thresholds for female athletes in an environment where the demands are constantly evolving. They highlight the need for a more tailored approach and collaboration within the women's football community to establish science-based standards.

Eccentric training, often a hot topic in sports science, is examined from a gender-neutral perspective. Stacey, Jack, and Sharkey stress the significance of evaluating individual athlete profiles and training age when considering the integration of flywheel training into a program.

Throughout the episode, the experts emphasize the critical role of education in women's football. They discuss the importance of educating both athletes and practitioners about menstrual health, debunking myths, and promoting healthy practices.

With a wealth of experience in the field, Stacey, Jack, and Sharkey offer valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within women's football. Their commitment to evidence-based practices and their dedication to improving athlete well-being make this episode a must-listen for sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches and rehabilitation professionals about advancing women's football. Tune in for an engaging discussion that transcends the game and dives deep into the science behind female athlete performance.

Main talking points:

Menstrual health beyond phase-based training

Tailored thresholds for evolving demands

Eccentric training for health and performance

Importance of athlete education

Bridging research and practice

Understanding individual athlete profiles

Collaboration for science-based standards

Advancing women's football performance