AYR United Football Academy (AUFA) has signalled its intention to be at the forefront of sports science delivery by creating a website devoted solely to the subject.
The website, which can be accessed by visiting www.sportsscience.aufa.org.uk, was developed following consultations between the Academy’s Head of Sports Science, Tony Bryson, Head of Youth Development Davie White, and Under 13’s coach, Ross Armour. Although it is a recent addition, the domain holds a wealth of information that squad members, as well as their families and coaches, can access in order to learn about topics essential to the growth of athletes, including nutrition and exercise.
For those who are looking to pursue a career in a professional arena, exposure to sports science and its methods from a young age is a healthy practice and one that can only better the level that they reach and their skillset as a whole.
This area of competitive sport, particularly in conjunction with football, is something that the organisation already focuses heavily on.
The goals of the Ayr United Football Academy programme relating to it is to use techniques honed and advice given by trained professionals to identify and rectify player weaknesses in order to consequently strive to make individual strengths unbeatable. Whilst working towards constant and commendable enhancement, staff support and educate enrolled youngsters in many ways. One of the main points of action is discussing varying parts of their own game, including strength, endurance and agility.
Ultimately, the detailed initiative at AUFA forms an integral element of the shaping of all players, preparing them well for the demands that taking part in any activity at a high level brings, and it is hoped that this dynamic online resource and hub will be a contributing factor in arming stars of the future with all of the knowledge that is required to be successful.
Tony, who is charged with overseeing the progression and output of sports science within the Academy, said that having more of an emphasis on what he and his colleagues are trying to achieve and what their role is will ensure great positives for each of Ayr United’s aspiring talents.
He continued: “After our move to Scottish Football Association Performance Status, the sports science department has put in place a continuous age specific plan for each Academy group. The implementation of sports specific athletic development will, we hope, deliver athletically superior youth players into a professional footballing environment in the future. We, as a department, also aim to educate the players and monitor and build on their physical and psychological attributes, as well as offer guidance on their nutritional habits.”
Considering the relevance of this technological platform, which no other Pro Youth outfit in Scotland provides, Ross, who has been instrumental in its fruition, said:
“The site will help his young team as it will be a “useful tool”, vital to boosting their awareness of important matters that they might not think about otherwise, such as rehydration”.
Report by Cheri Burns.
