A Day in the Life of a…

Sports Scientist

Ever wondered what the role of sports scientist entails? Sports scientists use knowledge of how the body works to help people improve health or sporting ability. Their expertise is widely relied upon in the world of professional sport. In professional football, for example, sports science aims to optimise player performance and minimise the risk of injury by understanding the impact of physical activity and nutrition on the body.

Will Hubbard-Pérez and Kieran Black are sports scientists at Ayr United Football Club. Originally from Seville and Irvine, respectively, they have worked at the club for one year. When they are not working, they like to play golf and go to the gym.
Looking ahead to this year’s FIFA World Cup, Will predicts a win for Spain, while Kieran predicts… Scotland!

How long have you been sports scientists?
Two years.

What training did you need to do?
A bachelor’s degree, personal training qualification, International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) accreditation, and UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) accreditation.

Best thing about the job?
Working with professional athletes and supporting them through their day-to-day training and recovery.

Do you dislike anything about the role?
Losing!

What time does your working day usually start and finish?
We start at 07:30 and work till 16:00.

Can you briefly describe what a typical day involves?
Will: Leads on-pitch warm-ups and collates and presents GPS data to manage player load.
Kieran: Leads pre-training prehabilitation sessions and post-training gym sessions.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a sports scientist?
Gain as much applied experience as possible.

What would you be if you weren’t sports scientists?
Will: Data Scientist.
Kieran: Chemical Engineer.

Career highlight so far?
Winning away at Partick in the play-offs last year.

If you had to sum up your job in one word, what would it be?
Variable.