Hallam partners with Sheffield United to create research innovation and student placement initiative

13th August 2021

Helping Sheffield United to outperform their competitors is the aim of a new partnership with Sheffield Hallam University which will boost player development and create student placement opportunities.

The partnership aims to support Sheffield United’s strategic research and innovation plan to become leaders in the areas of physical preparation, psychological & social development and technical/tactical playing capability.

Key to the club becoming front runners in these areas will be the implementation of post-graduate research projects with students and staff from Sheffield Hallam, utilising the University’s specialist knowledge, skills, and facilities.

The partnership will also give students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in strength and conditioning coaching, sport and exercise psychology or sport and exercise sciences exclusive access to placements at the club within these fields – providing development opportunities for students while supporting multi-disciplinary player development.

Steve Thompson, senior lecturer in strength and conditioning said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to build on our already positive relationship with Sheffield United FC.

“Applied learning is at the core of everything we do as a University, so to offer this opportunity to work with a leading football club is real bonus for our students.”

Carl Wells, head of elite performance at Sheffield United FC Academy said: “The establishment of an innovation and student placement partnership with a leading sports university like Sheffield Hallam will be an asset to the club and provide an advantage over our competitors.

“We want to make sure that our players can perform at the highest level possible. That is why the relationship will seek to address specific performance questions and needs, helping us to thrive at all levels of the game.”

The partnership is the latest step in a relationship with Sheffield United that has already seen a sport science intern move into a full-time coaching role with the club.

Peter Room joined as an unpaid sport science intern in his second year of study in 2019 where he would support with coaching the younger academy teams.

This led to him securing a paid position whilst studying for his strength and conditioning coaching master’s and, when he graduates this year, a full-time permanent position with the club.

Peter said: “It’s been a hectic couple of years, managing my study around my coaching roles at Sheffield United but I’ve loved every second.

“To have been able to move up the club and build relationships has been really exciting and got my career off to the perfect start. I can’t wait to see what the future might bring.”

The club is also exploring the possibility of partnering with the sport engineering department at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre to drive innovation via the development of technology, data management and educational resources.

More details about how to apply for student project research placements in Performance Analysis, Physical Performance and Psychological & Social Development can be found following this link.