Book aims to advance women's soccer through science

A new book is championing science-backed research to help develop women's football (soccer).

"Women's Football: From Science to High Performance" provides a thorough, yet straightforward and accessible, analysis of the key physiological, biomechanical and social-psychological issues that can be applied to achieve women's footballing development.

This cutting-edge text puts developing elite women footballers at the front and center of its core aim, through the delivery of evidence-based, scientific information focusing on best practice. As such, each chapter is co-written, where possible, by a scholar and a practitioner or player (e.g., coach, footballer), meaning the scientific principles and research presented within are translated clearly into practice.

The book is edited by co-founders of the Women in Sport and Exercise Academic Network, Dr. Jacky Forsyth and Dr. Claire-Marie Roberts. Dr. Forsyth, Emeritus Professor at University of Staffordshire, is an exercise physiologist, specializing in women's exercise and health.

"The global increase in viewership of and participation in women's football means that to continue with this growth, we need to appreciate the specific scientific and health issues that determine successful performance for women," she commented.

"The aim of our book is to establish a foundation upon which practice, processes and scientific research can evolve so that women's football performance can continue to flourish."

The book is essential reading for anyone who is involved with women's football, including footballers themselves, as well as strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, physiotherapists, medics, nutritionists, sport psychologists, sports scientists, coaches, coach developers, technical directors, general managers, governing body personnel and club owners, from grassroots to elite level. It is also invaluable to students and academics in sport and exercise, who are studying this topic.

Forsyth added, "This book is a call to action. We want more scientific research specifically on women's and girls' football. We want research to be applied to practice and we wish to learn from each other's best practices, sharing ideas to create a better future in the game, and to achieve excellence in performance. We hope this text serves as a foundation upon which to build."

Provided by Staffordshire University