Fulham’s Academy recognises the vital importance in maintaining the medical health and welfare of each of the Academy players.
A full array of medical services is available to all academy players including:
- Physiotherapy Assessment & Treatment of Injuries
- Medical and Sports Medicine Doctors
- Exercise Physiology / Fitness Assessments
- Podiatry / Chiropody
- Nutrition / Dietary Advice
- Pre-season and on-going medical screening
- Injury Prevention Programmes
- Regular Fitness Testing
- Liaison/referral to any other health professionals - e.g.: Dentist etc
Physiotherapy Cover
Physiotherapy cover is provided for the Academy by our team of Chartered Physiotherapists. One of our Chartered Physiotherapists are present during all training sessions and home and away matches.
All injured players will initially be assessed by the physiotherapists and will also be assessed by the sports medicine doctor if appropriate.
It is vital that you take responsibility with regard to looking after your body and doing everything possible to help prevent injuries -
- Report any pain or injury no matter how minor you think it is!
- Follow any injury prevention programme the physiotherapist gives you closely
- Inspect your feet regularly - these are the tools of your trade and in-grown toenails or corns can be extremely painful and cause you to miss games. Keep your toe-nails short and report any blisters or thickened skin to the physiotherapist
- Ensure you eat correctly and keep your self well hydrated. Dehydration and poor diet can be responsible for lack of performance and can lead to injuries.
If a player requires treatment by the medical staff the procedure is to phone into Nicky Cook at the Academy Office (020 8336 7428) who will arrange for a appointment to be made as soon as possible with one of our physiotherapists.
Medical and Sports Medicine Cover
There is a Medical Doctors available for consultation for the Academy players. Dr. Steve Lewis visits the Academy 1-2 times a week and reviews all injured players with the physiotherapist.
Medical Screening
Each Player will be medically screened under the Football Association Orthopaedic Screening programme twice a year. This will be carried out in September and March and will involve players having measurements taken of muscle length and girth, body fat, postural observation and general flexibility.
Podiatry / Chiropody
Podiatry & Chiropody consultations are provided for the Academy players on a as required basis. This is arranged for players by the physiotherapist.
Nutrition / Dietary Advice
All players will receive advice regarding Diet and Nutrition and we have a Sports Dietician available for consultation on an as required basis. Diet and Fluid intake will be closely monitored by the medical team.
A comprehensive service is provided in house for all Academy players. If any player requires referral on to other Health Professionals (i.e. Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dentist etc) this will be arranged by the medical team.
If any player has any queries regarding the medical service at Fulham FC Academy please do not hesitate to contact the Physiotherapist.
Fitness Testing / Exercise Physiology
Fulham Football Club Academy believes physical preparation plays an integral role in the development of young players.
All training is based on the first team programme, but carefully tailored to suit the still developing bodies of youth. Emphasis is placed on correct posture, balance and body positioning, aiming to build strong bodies that will be resistant to injury and recover quickly following play.
Each member of the Academy regularly undergoes Fitness Testing. Assessments are carried out in September and March for the U9 - U16 age groups.
The physiological assessments involve the following -
- Height
- Weight
- Body composition
- Aerobic capacity
- Speed endurance
- Pure speed
- Explosive power
Fitness sessions will also be administered, concentrating of the development of speed, agility and co-ordination with the Academy Players.
By testing the Academy Players, we hope to encourage the development and improvement of the various components of fitness which can lead to success in football and allow each player to reach his potential.