Football on the Brain
Football on the Brain is a four-year public engagement project involving researchers and football communities (players, coaches, and fans), exploring the connections between neuroscience and football.
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What's the aim?
Our project will help players to improve their game, and fans to improve their lifestyle. Neuroscience researchers and players, coaches and fans will learn from each other about how the brain impacts on fitness and technique.
Who's involved?
Read more about the team and project partners. [Hyperlink when live]
What will happen?
From neuroscience modules for young footballers to training for coaches, and a university Sports Ambassadors programme to brain roadshows for football fans, there will be something for everyone.
for coaches
As a coach, you aim to train your players to be the best footballer they can be. The brain plays a key role in that learning journey. It changes as they learn, it controls their emotions, and it helps them make decisions.
Our project will empower coaches with knowledge of the brain so that they can embed their training practice in key ideas from neuroscience.
for fans
Football fans have a shared passion for the game, whatever team they support.
We aim to engage with fans of all ages about how the brain is involved in football and how engaging in physical activity yourself is good for your brain health.
for players
Did you know that your brain is important for all your footballing activities? Your brain controls your movements, instructing your muscles exactly how to move to execute that perfect free kick.
Your brain is also key for learning new skills – every time you training you are changing your brain.
Our project will inspire players with understanding more about the many roles your brain lays in your footballing activities.
for researchers
Our research focuses on the brain and methods for studying it. We investigate the brain’s role in learning, perception, decision making, and emotion amongst others.
Football on the Brain brings together scientists and footballing organisations to engage with diverse communities with a shared passion for football.
Funding
Football on the Brain is funded by a £218,545 public engagement grant from the University of Oxford's Enriching Engagement scheme; the largest single award ever made by the scheme.