Professor recognised for cricket injury research

A professor has been given an internationally-recognised award for his contributions to sports science.

University of Gloucestershire professor Mark De Ste Croix has been made a Fellow of the European College of Sports Science (ECSS) for his research into injury risk and prevention in youth cricket.

Prof De Ste Croix recently presented his work at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) world conference on prevention of injury and illness in sport.

He said being at the forefront of research provides his students with the opportunity to "learn from experts in the field".

The university said its research in partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has led to a "significant change in cricket coach development" which will help prevent injuries to youth players and enhance performance.

It said the findings led to the development of an injury risk management programme which Prof De Ste Croix has delivered online to grassroots coaches.

Prof De Ste Croix was accompanied at the IOC conference by colleague Dr Craig Barden, a lecturer in sports therapy, who presented the first study of injury risk in international basketball following work with the Great Britain men’s basketball team.

“I have been fortunate to work with colleagues across Europe throughout my career and have encouraged early career researchers to collaborate with international colleagues," Prof De Ste Croix said.

“Being at the forefront of research in sport and exercise science provides our students with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, and we focus heavily on student involvement in our research projects, something the ECSS supports."

The award he received from the ECSS is made annually to selected sport and exercise science researchers around the world.

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