Physiotherapy

Meet Wayne, our Physio

Wayne has worked at Team UCL for 3 years, having graduated from Kings College London in 2008 with a BSc (Hons). Wayne then pursued further Masters study in 2016, achieving a distinction in Advanced Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy, and I am now a member of the MACP (Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists), a specialist group of musculoskeletal practitioners.

Wayne has held posts at the Royal Ballet, Royal Ballet School, British Sailing, British Horse racing, England Hockey, England Athletics, and Saracens Rugby. During these times, I have developed many skills, including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation skills that he has utilised with a variety of different populations. One of Wayne’s favourite career moments was working with Team GB at 2 European Youth Olympic Festivals.

Wayne is a registered member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP). I am Gold Accredited through the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports and Exercise Medicine, being one of few physiotherapists that are registered International Sports Physical Therapist (RIPST).

How to access our Physio

Step 1: complete the webform here

Step 2: email Wayne, who's email address will be sent to you in your form submission confirmation email

Step 3: Wayne will email you to organise a time that is convenient for you both

Step 4: Attend your physio session at the TeamUCL treatment room, Floor 3, 15 Gordon Street (Bloomsbury Fitness)

Strength and Conditioning

Meet Konrad, our Strength and Conditioning Coach

Konrad graduated in 2021 with a BSc in Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation, and is currently studying for an MSc.

Konrad joined the programme in the 2021/22 academic year, and also works at Edgware Town FC.

Gold and Silver athletes will have a weekly or bi-weekly S & C session with Konrad, and Bronze athletes will meet with Konrad between fortnightly and monthly.

Elite Athlete S&C Timetable

Monday
12:00 - 13:00 (Debbie Alawode)
15:00 - 16:00 (Nikhil Koteeswaran)

Friday
13:00 - 14:00 (Harry Zain-Prosser)
14:00 - 15:00 (Amy Westwell)
16:00 - 17:00 (Izzy Whitmore)

Performance Nutrition

Meet Sophie, our Performance Nutritionist

Sophie has been working with the high-performance programme since studying for her Nutrition MSc here at UCL 12 years ago. In that time, she has helped 100s of athletes achieve their performance goals from body composition and safely making weight, to optimising recovery, strength, power and speed, putting you at the top of your game. A trained fitness professional Sophie’s sporting career includes running, cycling, strength and Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, tennis and Movement Culture and so she understands the vital need to fuel and nourish the body in alignment with unique physical demands.

With a background in biomedical science and specialist training in functional medicine, nutrigenomics, mental health and coaching, Sophie’s support extends beyond sports performance nutrition. Whether you are struggling with poor sleep, excessive stress and low energy or you’ve developed digestive symptoms, have a food intolerance or have a diagnosed health condition, Sophie combines sports nutrition with a scientific holistic approach to get you back to full health, as quickly as possible.

How to access Performance Nutrition Support

Sophie is available for consultations and follow-up appointments with all Gold, Silver and Bronze Elite Athletes. Priority will be given to Gold and Silver athletes, but Sophie will do her best to fit in all Elite Athletes that would like her support! You can contact Sophie at [email protected]

Keep an eye for Sophie's workshops too. She delivers them on topics across everything from sleep scheduling to pre-competition nutrition hacks!

Sports Psychiatry

Meet David, our Sports Psychiatrist

David is an executive member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Sport and Exercise psychiatry specialist interest group, and is currently employed as a Psychiatry Doctor (MRCPsych) at UCLH.

David will be delivering a series of workshops for Elite Athletes on topics ranging from self-care to performance and recovery optimisation, with a focus on how to manage the challenges of being a dual-career athlete in 2023/24.

How to access Sports Psychiatry Support

David will be delivering a series of workshops through the 2023/24 academic year on mental health awareness and support for dual career athletes. These will be shared with all Elite Athletes via email.

We are working with David to build a more bespoke Sports Psychiatry service, which we hope to launch in 2024!

Funding

Gold Elite Athlete Funding

All Gold Elite Athletes will receive a bursary of between £500.00 and £1000.00 to be used over an academic year. This funding is to support external competition and travel costs, and can be accessed at any point from September to July.

For more information on this funding, please email Henry Warne at [email protected].

Silver Elite Athlete Funding

We are now able to offer funding opportunities to silver level athletes on the Elite Athlete Programme for non-BUCS affiliated competitions. This funding can go towards entry costs or travel costs.

Applications for this funding will be considered in line with the criteria outlined on the application form here.

Keith Wightman Scholarship (DEADLINE 15 JANUARY 2024)

The Keith Wightman Scholarship is now open for applications, and the deadline for 2023/24 is on 15 January 2024.

Key information for this scholarship:

Value: One award of £1,750 (per year for two years)
Available to: Current second and third year students
Selection criteria: Academic merit
Eligible fee status: UK, EU, Overseas
Eligible programmes: All undergraduate
Additional eligibility criteria: Show excellence in golf or other sports
Deadline: Monday 15 January December 2024.

EUSA and FISU Funding

We will contribute to all representation costs for any Elite Athlete that qualifies to compete at the European or World University Games.

This is up to a maximum of £750 for the World University Games and £500 for the European University Games. For Gold athletes this is in addition to their competition support grant. Please note that the exact contribution depends on the number of athletes qualifying in any year and the overall cost of the event.

We also cover all costs associated with English Universities trials and representative competition for all athletes on the programme and all BUCS competition costs.