Crewe Alexandra players are tapping in to some pre-season cutting edge training at Reaseheath College in Nantwich.
First team players visited Reaseheath’s campus for fitness testing in the college’s sports science laboratory.
As well as using a medical treadmill, the League One team endured “lactate threshold” tests in the laboratory and used top-of-the-range equipment in the campus gym for warm-up and cool down routines.
The procedure was repeated for the Under 21 and Under 18 squads.
Data from the sessions will be used by Andy Franks, head of sports science and conditioning at Crewe Alex, to check each player’s fitness level and to set personalised training programmes.
The squads will return to check their progress three more times in the next 12 months.
Data was collected by Reaseheath Level 3 sport performance students, who will progress to careers in coaching or sport fitness.
Reaseheath’s gym was refurbished last year and Crewe Alex FC was one of the first to use the sports science laboratory.
Results were so positive the club decided to increase its number of visits.
Andy said: “By using Reaseheath’s sophisticated testing equipment, we have been able to set accurate training zones for our pre-season training programmes, individualised for each player.
“We found this was very helpful in getting the teams to maximum fitness last season and plan to increase our use of the sports lab this year.”
Reaseheath Sport Performance course manager Richard Brooke said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to practise and develop their skills by working with local, talented, professional athletes.
“Our students learn sports science and coaching techniques as part of their course and this has been a chance for them to see how critical these skills are in the industry they plan to join.”
Reaseheath College also delivers academic training to Crewe Alex Academy apprentices.
Graduating apprentice and Crewe Alex first team striker George Cooper was crowned “Apprentice of the Year” in a national competition run by the League Football Education.
Some of Reaseheath’s sports performance students complete work experience with Crewe Alex.
In September, Reaseheath is launching Ladies’ and Men’s Football Academies in partnership with Crewe Alex.
(Pic: First team players Ollie Turton, Liam O’Neill and George Cooper join Andy Franks, Richard Brooke and Reaseheath sports lecturer Stuart Fisher in Reaseheath’s gym)
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