In the post below, BSc Applied Sport Science student Sam Chapman reflects on his work experience at AFC Bournemouth this summer.
"As a proposed six-week placement, I was given the
responsibility of managing the GPS software at AFC Bournemouth, who were newly
promoted to the English Championship. They had chosen to trial the GPS
software, with hopes of providing invaluable data regarding numerous fitness
variables from pre-season games and training sessions. By previously being
exposed to GPS equipment at university, I was confident that I could provide
enough experience and knowledge to aid the sports science department at AFC Bournemouth.
On a full-time basis, I was required to arrive before training to charge and
arrange all GPS and heart rate monitors, before supplying to the players who
were taking part in that session. I then provided help within training
sessions, before downloading the data from the units and creating numerous graphs,
comparing data amongst players, time-periods, and between entire sessions. This
was then shown directly to the first team manager by the head of the sports
science department, providing specific information at the manager’s requests.
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| Sam at work analysing data |
After just one week of voluntary work, I was
fortunate enough to be invited to travel with the first team squad to Zürich,
Switzerland; as part of the squad’s pre-season tour abroad. For one week, I was
asked to complete my normal duties, along with preparing pre- and post-training
drinks and supplementation. On the final day of the tour, we welcomed two-time
UEFA Champions league semi-finalists and twelve-time Swiss super league
champions FC. Zürich to the training ground. Unfortunately the game was lost
2-0; however, the whole experience was a great experience both for the squad as
well as myself.
So far I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at AFC
Bournemouth, and feel that the work I complete on a day-to-day basis is truly
valued. In addition to this I am gaining vast amounts of experience which I
hope I can apply to my studies, and allow me to improve at University. On
completion of my placement, I hope to continue working at the club during the
rest of the season, providing support for a successive push for promotion."
