University of St Andrews

Performance Team

St Andrews is not renown as a sporting University, yet the network of coaching and support staff includes some of the most experienced, highly qualified and respected young professionals within their field. We take pride in being able to offer a first class education and provide a sporting infrastructure that successfully progresses athletes along their performance pathway The quality of service equals that provided by other more traditional sports universities.

Directors of Sport/Coaching Staff

We have 6 Directors of Sport who have an extended coaching team that deliver the sport-specific programmes that comprise our ‘Focus sports programme’ – Rugby, Tennis, Football, Golf, Water Polo and Ultimate. We are the only University in Scotland and one of only a few UK universities to have these appointments.

START, St Andrews Rehabilitation Therapies

START is a sports medicine clinic which has recently opened working in partnership with the University of St Andrews.  The staff consist of two physiotherapists, a sports medicine doctor, massage therapist and podiatrist. START is located at the University Sports Centre and is open to all members of the public. It aims to get you in the best possible condition to do your job, excel at your chosen sport or improve your comfort in doing day to day tasks. Fitness plus members and talented athletes all receive heavily subsidised treatment costs.

For more information please visit: http://www.startclinic.co.uk/

Strength and Conditioning

Strength and conditioning can have a significant impact on sports performance, producing better performances and reducing the incidence of injury. As such, this type of training should be at the heart of the weekly training schedule for all athletes, whether performing at recreational, performance or elite level. Athletes can improve speed, strength, flexibility, coordination, agility and core strength, by utilising the Olympic lifts, the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk and related lifts.

There are three UKSCA accredited strength and conditioning coaches working within the department and they have a wealth of lifting and coaching experience. They have written plans for a diverse range of athletes competing at the highest level in Scotland, UK and on the European circuit. In addition the department also runs an internship programme that trains and develops junior strength and conditioning coaches who also input into the sports programmes within the University.