World class work experience
Staff and students on Solent University’s Football Studies course have been given a world class opportunity to share their expertise and gain international experience during this year’s World Cup
Keen to continue developing their understanding and knowledge, Alberta Soccer Association has asked researchers, staff, and students from Solent University's BSc (Hons) Football Studies course to help collect and analyse data on Canada's World Cup performance.
The strong, international reputation the University’s Football Studies course has within the industry, coupled with current research being undertaken, was just what the Alberta Soccer Association required to collect and analyse data from this year’s World Cup.
Football Studies Course Leader, Kevin Braybrook, says, “We are delighted to support the Alberta Soccer Association in developing research at such a contemporary event like the World Cup in Qatar. We are proud Solent University was chosen to collaborate on this project and our work will underpin ongoing tournament analysis across the men’s and women’s game moving forward. The staff and students involved are working hard to collate the data and look forward to presenting, where we are confident it will provide a research informed approach to player and coach development for all at the Alberta Soccer Association.”
The data and findings will be presented back to the Alberta Soccer Association and used to inform how coaches within Alberta and Canada can develop their knowledge, enhance coach education, and play a critical role in improving the game.
Canada is placed in Group F, alongside Belgium, Croatia, and Morocco - a competitive group that has been providing challenges for all nations. This research and analysis will not only focus on Canada’s performance at this current World cup but will be used to develop an evidence-informed approach to support the team’s growth, leading into the North America World cup in 2026.
Commenting on the collaboration, Dr Adam Hawkey, Associate Professor and Strategic Lead for Knowledge Exchange at Solent University, says: “This exciting initiative clearly demonstrates Solent’s ability and ambition to establish relationships where all parties benefit from the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and skills. Alberta Soccer and Canada FA receiving dedicated support from staff and students about their teams’ performances and future technical and tactical development, while also providing a fantastic opportunity for our Football Studies students to gain experience working with an international set-up.”
