The best scientific and technical minds of Australia’s four biggest football codes will unite at an inaugural conference at the University of Queensland in June.
World renowned strength and conditioning expert Vern Gambetta will lead a stellar cast of presenters at the three-day event (running from June 4 to 6) which will include well known local identities including Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews and Queensland Reds and former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.
“The Evolution of the Athlete” conference will focus on coach education and athlete development in AFL, rugby league, rugby union and soccer, and has been made possible through a partnership with UQ SPORT, the UQ Rugby Academy and the University’s School of Human Movements.
Keynote speaker Vern Gambetta has helped many athletes and teams to the top of their game including the New York Mets, Chicago Bulls, the 1998 US Men’s World Cup soccer team and tennis champion Monica Seles.
Mr Gambetta said he can’t wait to tap into the latest ideas being trialled in Australia and to present some of his own research and coaching tips.
“I believe in sharing knowledge and stimulating discussion,” Gambetta said.
“The more we can collaborate between coaches and academics to help direct their research, the more exciting results we’ll get.”
Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews will treat delegates to an insight into his day and how he took a team to three premierships in a row.
One of UQ’s leading sports psychologists and Olympic coach, Dr Cliff Mallet, will present cutting edge research into elite team psychology and motivational secrets.
Delegates will be educated in the areas of long term athlete development, skill acquisition, decision making and coach development, with practical sessions for all codes incorporated into each day’s program.
For more information, visit the conference’s website.
Media: Kelly Chapman at UQ SPORT (07 3365 6041, kellyc@uqsport.uq.edu.au)
