First major study on women footballers aims to enhance explosiveness through efficient testing and training
SKELLEFTEÅ, SWEDEN. February 28 2024. Until now, studies of footballer’s performance have mainly focused on male players. However, as women’s football grows rapidly, a Swedish-led group of sports scientists and the sports tech company Photon Sports is embarking on a four-year study. The aim is to find clues on how to develop test and training methods adapted for elite women players, to make the game faster and more explosive.
Traditionally, most studies on football players have focused on male players. However, as women's football evolves at a high pace, characterised by sophisticated tactics and a faster game speed, there is a need for new knowledge specific to female players’ unique conditions. This is especially important considering that female players are currently overrepresented in certain types of injuries.
“By better understanding and optimising movement profiles and patterns, we can push the boundaries of performance in women’s football. With the right insights and training methods, we can make the game faster and more explosive, while hopefully reducing the risk of injuries. This groundbreaking study can potentially set a new standard for women’s football globally,” said Dan Fransson, who leads the study. Fransson is a PhD researcher at the University of Gothenburg and Head of Performance at IF Elfsborg.
The international research team will drive the project through four phases over four years.
In the initial stage, real women’s football matches will be studied, analysing elite players’ movement patterns using filmed sequences and data. This data will then be compared with current tests and training protocols. Together with Photon Sports’ 3D technology, advanced sensors, and analysis tools, this will form the foundation for new tests and, ultimately, updated training protocols for both gym and football field training.
“We see a great opportunity in developing the next generation of tests and training protocols, tailored for women’s game. We are no longer constrained by technology, and today we can optimise testing and training strategies without compromising.”
says Anders Tånger, CEO of Photon Sports.
The project involves collaboration between the University of Gothenburg, the University of Beira Interior, IF Elfsborg, the Swedish Football Association, and Photon Sports.
The research team comprises:
Dan Fransson, PhD at the University of Gothenburg. Head of Performance at IF Elfsborg
Pontus Ekblom, Master of Science, Performance Manager for Sweden's national women's team.
Albin Oldberg Masters student at the University of Gothenburg and Fitness Coach and Sport Scientist for the U19 and Women’s team at IF Elfsborg
Farzad Yousefian, Ph.D. student at the University of Beira Interior and involved with the Portuguese Football Federation
Bruno Travassos, Associate professor of University of Beira Interior, Sports Scientist at the Portuguese football federation and fitness coach for the Portuguese Men’s national futsal team.
Contact Information
For further details, interviews, or inquiries, please contact:
Anders Tånger, anders.tanger@photonsports.se, 070-692 48 42
Dan Fransson dan.fransson@gu.se 079-332 05 35
