- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Order a Prospectus
- Faculties & Departments
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
18 May 2006 16:46:10
A final year sports therapy student at the University of Luton has been snapped up by the Estonian national rugby league team to help them with their first-ever international game, after impressing bosses with his training programme during a recent trip to Tallinn.
Mick Dwyer, from Co Kildare, went to Estonia to put the players through their paces by analysing their strength and conditioning, and to develop a training programme to improve their performance and fitness levels. The student was invited to get involved with the project because of the University’s close ties with the international rugby team, following a trip to its sports science laboratory for initial assessments.
The 26-year-old has already implemented the initial stages of his programme. This will ensure the players will be in peak physical condition for their first international game against Germany on 22 July 2006.
He said: “My work is well under way and there have been great improvements already. I began by initially testing the players’ cardiovascular capabilities and focusing on any skeletal imbalances.
“The training regime is now being implemented with particular emphasis on speed, endurance and strength. Players will be able to increase their weight, power and speed when required. I have tailored the programme around players’ individual strengths and weaknesses for a more specific training programme.”
The scheme has proven so successful that the Head of Development with the European Rugby League Federation, Kevin Rudd, has met Mick and his lecturers to discuss rolling out the programme to other emerging rugby nations such as Serbia, Russia, Holland and Georgia.
John Slade, the President of the Estonian Rugby Federation said: “We are very pleased with the work Mick has done for us. His training has greatly benefited our players. We hope to have a long and enjoyable working relationship with him and the University of Luton.”
During his visit to Tallinn, Mick visited a number of schools as part of a UNICEF programme which aims to educate schoolchildren about drug abuse, HIV and AIDS. The visits were organised by John Slade who recently received a UNICEF award for his work in drug prevention and his youth work initiatives in Estonia.
To find out more about studying Sports Therapy or Sport Science at the University of Luton visit www.luton.ac.uk or call 0800 389 66 33.
Latest news» 2006» Jun» Student touches down to get Estonia off to winning start
