Matthew Pelham

I am an experienced and forward-thinking Lead Sport Scientist who has constructed a portfolio of achievements within an elite professional sport environment and who has displayed a proficiency in the design of physical performance strategies. Throughout my professional career, I have demonstrated an aptitude in leading or working in multidisciplinary teams and have established a proven track record of reducing injury rates and increasing player availability at Bolton Wanderers FC. I am adept in the design and implementation of innovative pitch and gym-based Strength & Conditioning training programmes to enhance physical performance, which have contributed to tangible on-field success at football clubs.

Lead Sport Scientist (First Team) - Bolton Wanderers FC

(2020-07)

• Prior to each season, conduct a comprehensive review and utilise new research and studies from CPD course completed to construct a blueprint for training load for the first team for the forthcoming campaign
• Liaise with and maintain daily communication channels with the medical department, manager and coaching staff regarding the progression of players
• Meticulously monitor and handle all external and internal data related to training sessions for the management team
• Devise and develop reports for the coaches and players to view their data
• Incorporate game phases for matches to merge with GPS data
• Prepare and lead warm-up and cool-down routines for the first team
• Design, implement and review pitch-based sessions for players returning from injury
• Utilise isometric strength sessions in recovery days for match starters

Head of Strength & Conditioning (First Team) - Barrow AFC

(2019-06 - 2020-07)

• Devised and delivered rehabilitation programmes for injured players
• Constructed individual player programmes for preactivation
• Assisted and supported the medical team in the management of players throughout their injury rehabilitation
• Prepared and produced an undulating periodisation plan, which ranged from the off-season through the competitive season
• Undertook testing of players, including body composition, muscular testing and compound lifts
• Constructed an interactive player profile for first team players
• Designed and implemented additional conditioning programmes for non-starting players
• Provided soft tissue treatments for players prior to and following training to reduce the risk of injury
• Led and undertook pre-season testing for the first team squad
• Established an RTT/RTP criteria for players to accomplish prior to training and matches

Head Sport Therapist/ Strength & Conditioning Coach - Ashton United FC

(2018-08 - 2020-01)

• Conducted assessments of injured players and liaised with the manager regarding whether they were fit to play or train
• Oversaw and led medicals for players joining the club
• Devised and undertook early, mid and late-stage rehabilitation treatments for injured players
• Performed soft tissue treatment for injured and non-injured players
• Designed and implemented a comprehensive out of season and pre-season fitness programme for players
• Responsible for all aspects of the medical department, organised the equipment and ensured adequate stock levels were maintained throughout the season

Sports Rehabilitator / Strength & Conditioning Coach - Oldham Athletic AFC

(2018-01 - 2019-06)

• Assisted and supported the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach with monitoring in-season testing of first team and academy players
• Incorporated an RPE scale into training sessions to monitor internal training load
• Oversaw gym sessions and educated the players on their gym programme
• Led recovery sessions on matchday +2 and led extra sessions for players who did not feature on matchday
• Prepared and performed prehabilitation sessions for players, informing players on the need to complete these to aid with injury prevention
• Conducted daily assessments of injured players and delivered reports to the management team
• Involved in the decision-making process regarding treatment plans for players
• Oversaw medicals for players joining the club and worked with dope testing teams
• Delivered soft tissue treatments to injured and non-injured players
• Undertook off-season treatment and rehabilitation programmes of injured players to aid their recovery

MSc - Strength & Conditioning, Sport - University of Bolton (2019)

BSc (Hons) - Sport Rehabilitation - University of Bolton (2018)