UNIVERSITY of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) leading sports and exercise science expertise has been further recognised by the announcement of a new partnership with Celtic Football Club.

The University’s longstanding experience in working with elite sports organisations has seen UWS become Celtic’s sports science partner for their Youth Academy.

Led by Vish Unnithan, Professor of Paediatric Exercise Physiology at UWS, the partnership will give three PhD students from UWS the opportunity to work alongside Celtic, supporting elite youth football development.

Undertaking important research and providing expert insights, the three PhD students will focus on three key areas of strength and conditioning, sports nutrition and recovery, and overall readiness to play in elite youth football.

Commenting on the partnership, Professor Unnithan said: “Everyone within the Division of Sport and Exercise at UWS is absolutely delighted to be working with Celtic to support the development of the next generation of young football talent.

“It marks another professional football club to work with our talented team, and we are incredibly pleased to be able to offer this fantastic opportunity to our three PhD students. The students will be working closely with experienced sports scientists at the club and will play an integral role in aiding the development of Celtic’s young players.”

The announcement comes as professional sports clubs across the country are back in training in preparation for the new season, which kicks off for Celtic on Sunday, August 2 with a home game against Hamilton Accies (KO: 4.30pm).

Celtic are the latest professional football club to work with the sports and exercise science team at UWS, who have extensive experience in working with elite football clubs across the globe, including FC Barcelona and the German Football League.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of UWS and Chair of British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), said: “I am delighted that UWS’s sports and exercise science team has been recognised and selected to partner with one of Scotland’s leading football clubs, Celtic FC.

"The impact and importance of sport and exercise is something we promote widely at UWS, not only via our first-class research, but also in our student experience. It is fantastic to see the unique opportunities the partnership will provide our PhD students.”

Jack Nayler, Head of Sports Science at Celtic, said: “We are really pleased to strike up this partnership with UWS. The Academy is an important strategic priority for the club and being able to expand our support and understanding through innovative research will help to keep us at the forefront of practice in elite youth development.”

Oliver Morgan, Head of Academy Sports Science at Celtic, added: “Research guided practice is something we aspire to as an academy sports science department. We’re delighted to be able to work with UWS and their experienced researchers to produce innovative and novel research that can enhance our athletic development processes and positively impact upon talent development."

UWS partnership with Celtic will help produce stars of the future