Modern elite footballers are physically better prepared than ever to embark on a new season, thanks to advancements in sports science. With high-intensity runs and agility of movement often setting the best apart from the rest, quality of strength and conditioning (S&C) work has never been more important. From the grassroots up, technique and tactical plans can go out of the window if players don’t have the necessary fitness levels, making pre-season an important time to do the right kind of S&C work.

We are delighted to have brought together three S&C experts to shine a light on pre-season best practices. Each expert presents on a topic of their choice: City Football Group consultant and football scientist for the Scotland men’s national team, Shayne Murphy, considers a principles-based S&C framework; Brighton PDP S&C coach James Hamilton talks through taking a holistic approach; and former Bournemouth academy lead sport scientist Jordan Tyrer focuses on considerations for academy players. All three guests also get stuck into a selection of questions sent in by CV Academy subscribers and posed by host Georgie Bingham. We hope you enjoy the insights!