The conference

This year’s Football Science Conference brings together universities, clubs, federations, and government organizations to establish key partnerships and foster collaboration. The conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, where attendees will discuss and develop innovations to propel football at both professional and youth development levels across the country.

Here's what you can expect:

Our mission is to create a collaborative platform that bridges the gap between the worlds of football and science. We strive to advance the understanding of football through cutting-edge research, innovative methodologies, and the exchange of knowledge among scientists, researchers, coaches, and practitioners. Through our conference, we aspire to be at the forefront of promoting evidence-based practices that contribute to the success and sustainability of soccer at all levels.

Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate the exchange of the latest research findings, methodologies, and advancements in soccer science among researchers, coaches, and sports scientists.

Coaching Methodologies: Share innovative coaching methodologies and best practices derived from scientific research to enhance the effectiveness of coaching at various levels of the game.

Youth Development: Emphasize research and strategies for the development of young soccer talents, addressing physical, mental, and tactical aspects to nurture the next generation of players.

Technology Integration: Discuss the integration of technology, such as wearables, video analysis, and data analytics, into soccer training and competition to optimize player development and team performance.

Performance Analysis: Explore cutting-edge techniques and technologies for analysing player performance, including tactical insights, physiological measurements, and cognitive aspects, to enhance coaching strategies.

Injury Prevention: Discuss and promote research aimed at understanding and preventing injuries in soccer players, encompassing biomechanics, conditioning, and injury rehabilitation strategies.

Proposed program

Time

Speaker

Details

08:00

Registration and Coffee

09:00

Opening and Welcome

09:30

Prof. Wilbur Kraak
Uni. of Western Cape

The intersection of science and sport - how can we use science to optimise performance and coaching.

10:00

Women’s football in South Africa

10:30

11:00

Coach Steve Komphela
Lamontville Golden Arrows Head Coach

Keynote Speaker, interviewed by the master of ceremonies

12:30

Lunch

13:30

Ashley De Beer
Catapult

The significance of monitoring of training and match load using GPS technology – implications for overall performance and injuries

14:00

Eduardo Schoeler
Lamontville Golden Arrows Fitness Coach

Football Conditioning – what does a football conditioning session looks like, and how is the training load distributed throughout the week?

14:30

Steve Bezuidenhout
Durban High School

Scouting and Development. How can we use school soccer to optimize football in South Africa?

15:00

Tea Break

15:30

Joshua Smith
Amazulu FC High Performance Manager

The science behind small, medium and large sided games

16:00

Coaching Education

16:30

PhD researchers UKZN

Scientific Research from the University

17:00

Mr Mdu Rhini

Closing

17:30

Networking