UCFB’s Global Institute of Sport (GIS) and Premier Sports Network (PSN) are delighted to announce a new programme that has been designed specifically for sports industry professionals who wish to develop their understanding of player care and wellbeing.

The Certificate in Elite Player Care and Wellbeing, which will launch early in 2022, has been designed to support sports industry professionals to enhance their practice with a multidisciplinary understanding of the subject.

Delegates will establish a theoretical and practical understanding of player care and wellbeing by engaging with elements of behavioural science, psychology, psychiatry, and social sciences, with the long-term goal of applying this knowledge across a variety of roles and contexts, at both youth and senior levels.

During their studies, delegates will be exposed to the latest research in the area, as well as a series of real-world scenarios and case studies, developed in conjunction with industry partners.

The programme will be led by Dr Richard Elliott, one of the world’s leading experts on foreign players and migration in sport. His research, which has been published widely, has examined the manner in which elite sports environments and the transfers of players can create the conditions for the development of mental illness. Dr Elliott has 20 years of experience working with elite athletes, clubs, and sports brands.

Commenting on the programme launch, Dr Richard Elliott, Head of Professional Education at GIS said: “The Certificate in Elite Player Care and Wellbeing has been designed to provide an educational foundation for one of the fastest growing areas of elite sports operations. The course is a must for anyone who wants to build a holistic understanding of player care and the complex nature of player wellbeing in elite sports environments.”

Amy Ward, Head of Education at Premier Sports Network, added: “Premier Sports Network is delighted to expand on its successful partnership with UCFB and the Global institute of Sport with the launch of the Elite Player Care and Wellbeing Course. We are proud to have designed an accredited qualification in collaboration with a range of player care professionals working within elite-level sport, as well as GIS academic experts, which dedicates itself to a topic so close to our hearts and ensures athletes are receiving the best possible support and guidance behind-the-scenes, but that is also truly created by the industry it is serving.”

This programme comes on the back of a strong partnership between UCFB and PSN which has been in operation for a number of years, which has seen students gain valuable work placements with the organisation, as well as PSN staff visiting UCFB campuses and speaking with staff and students.