Oliver Finlay PhD
Founder & Managing Partner at Beautiful Game Group LLC- Claim this Profile
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German, French, Thai, Spanish -
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Bio
David Joyce
I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like Oliver. A modern-day Renaissance man, fuelled by curiosity, driven by purpose and underpinned by ethics and values. The network on which he can draw upon is diverse in professional and personal background, but united by purpose and excellence. He is hyper-intelligent but his gifts are remaining humble, curious and devoted to sharing knowledge. I cannot think of anyone better to run Beautiful Game Group and I am privileged to be a part of it.
Ross Burbeary
I was employed by Oliver to work within the Buffalo Sabres organisation as Head of Science & Conditioning for their AHL affiliate team; the Rochester Americans. My attraction to the role was not just to transition in to North American sport but to work under the umbrella of Oliver's performance vision. Oliver's vast experience and knowledge in high performance sport and business is personified in his humble manner of mentoring my personal development. His endeavour for personal excellence through continual learning and development is not only admirable for a man of such wealthy experience, it is contagious and inspiring to others who are fortunate enough to be around him. His altruistic traits in management, create passionate and loyal behaviours amongst his staff, therefore producing a highly successful, driven and efficient performance environment. I will endeavour to continue my journey with Oliver in my own strive for personal excellence.
David Joyce
I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like Oliver. A modern-day Renaissance man, fuelled by curiosity, driven by purpose and underpinned by ethics and values. The network on which he can draw upon is diverse in professional and personal background, but united by purpose and excellence. He is hyper-intelligent but his gifts are remaining humble, curious and devoted to sharing knowledge. I cannot think of anyone better to run Beautiful Game Group and I am privileged to be a part of it.
Ross Burbeary
I was employed by Oliver to work within the Buffalo Sabres organisation as Head of Science & Conditioning for their AHL affiliate team; the Rochester Americans. My attraction to the role was not just to transition in to North American sport but to work under the umbrella of Oliver's performance vision. Oliver's vast experience and knowledge in high performance sport and business is personified in his humble manner of mentoring my personal development. His endeavour for personal excellence through continual learning and development is not only admirable for a man of such wealthy experience, it is contagious and inspiring to others who are fortunate enough to be around him. His altruistic traits in management, create passionate and loyal behaviours amongst his staff, therefore producing a highly successful, driven and efficient performance environment. I will endeavour to continue my journey with Oliver in my own strive for personal excellence.
David Joyce
I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like Oliver. A modern-day Renaissance man, fuelled by curiosity, driven by purpose and underpinned by ethics and values. The network on which he can draw upon is diverse in professional and personal background, but united by purpose and excellence. He is hyper-intelligent but his gifts are remaining humble, curious and devoted to sharing knowledge. I cannot think of anyone better to run Beautiful Game Group and I am privileged to be a part of it.
Ross Burbeary
I was employed by Oliver to work within the Buffalo Sabres organisation as Head of Science & Conditioning for their AHL affiliate team; the Rochester Americans. My attraction to the role was not just to transition in to North American sport but to work under the umbrella of Oliver's performance vision. Oliver's vast experience and knowledge in high performance sport and business is personified in his humble manner of mentoring my personal development. His endeavour for personal excellence through continual learning and development is not only admirable for a man of such wealthy experience, it is contagious and inspiring to others who are fortunate enough to be around him. His altruistic traits in management, create passionate and loyal behaviours amongst his staff, therefore producing a highly successful, driven and efficient performance environment. I will endeavour to continue my journey with Oliver in my own strive for personal excellence.
David Joyce
I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like Oliver. A modern-day Renaissance man, fuelled by curiosity, driven by purpose and underpinned by ethics and values. The network on which he can draw upon is diverse in professional and personal background, but united by purpose and excellence. He is hyper-intelligent but his gifts are remaining humble, curious and devoted to sharing knowledge. I cannot think of anyone better to run Beautiful Game Group and I am privileged to be a part of it.
Ross Burbeary
I was employed by Oliver to work within the Buffalo Sabres organisation as Head of Science & Conditioning for their AHL affiliate team; the Rochester Americans. My attraction to the role was not just to transition in to North American sport but to work under the umbrella of Oliver's performance vision. Oliver's vast experience and knowledge in high performance sport and business is personified in his humble manner of mentoring my personal development. His endeavour for personal excellence through continual learning and development is not only admirable for a man of such wealthy experience, it is contagious and inspiring to others who are fortunate enough to be around him. His altruistic traits in management, create passionate and loyal behaviours amongst his staff, therefore producing a highly successful, driven and efficient performance environment. I will endeavour to continue my journey with Oliver in my own strive for personal excellence.
Credentials
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LLQP (Segregated Funds & Annuities | Life Insurance | Accident & Sickness Insurance | Ethics & Professional Practice)
Durham CollegeMay, 2021- Oct, 2024 -
Accounting, Bookkeeping & Financial Statements
Udemy: Online CoursesFeb, 2021- Oct, 2024 -
Certified Change Management Practitioner
ProsciApr, 2019- Oct, 2024 -
Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)Mar, 2014- Oct, 2024 -
Registered Acupuncturist
Acupuncture Association of Chartered PhysiotherapistsFeb, 2014- Oct, 2024 -
Therapeutic Thai Massage
Royal Thai GovernmentAug, 2013- Oct, 2024 -
Gold Level Sports Physiotherapist
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports & Exercise MedicineSep, 2007- Oct, 2024 -
Diploma in Sports Massage
Sports Massage AssociationFeb, 2006- Oct, 2024 -
Chartered Physiotherapist
The Chartered Society of PhysiotherapyAug, 1998- Oct, 2024 -
Life and Accident & Sickness Insurance
Insurance Council of BCJun, 2021- Oct, 2024 -
International Registered Sports Physical Therapist
International Federation of Sports Physical TherapyJul, 2014- Oct, 2024 -
Registered Physiotherapist
The Health and Care Professions CouncilApr, 2014- Oct, 2024 -
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)Jan, 2014- Oct, 2024
Experience
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Beautiful Game Group LLC
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Andorra
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Investment Management
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1 - 100 Employee
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Founder & Managing Partner
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Jan 2020 - Present
Beautiful Game Group LLC is a modern sports investment company, that is investing in a network of professional sports teams, with a focus on football.We invest in teams in other global growth sports including esports, rugby & basketball, should the opportunities prove complementary. We employ extensive industry knowledge & research, to seek to achieve sustained sporting success & enhancing brand value, with social responsibility at our core, whilst exploring other revenue streams related to people development, content creation, data, technology & real estate development.Responsibilities:Team Building - create & support a community of collaborative, creative & conscious people committed to contributing their expertise & efforts to enhance the group; create a psychologically safe space promoting inclusivity, accountability, learning, continual improvement, fun & high standardsStrategic Planning - opportunity analysis through evaluation of influencing factors including potential brand value, revenue streams, market demand, sporting impact, community impact, political challenges, real estate development & heritagePartnership Development - create relationships & explore collaboration between local/regional/global stakeholders from the private & public sector, sharing common values, to maximise mutual benefits in people, purpose & profit through joint ventures; Request for Proposal creation & process delivery to engage with (candidate) host citiesInvestment Sourcing - build relationships with potential strategic equity & debt financing partners from institutional, family office, multi-family office & private backgrounds; contribute to deal structure & debt financing strategyGovernance - ensure high standards of governance are outlined & met to meet vision, mission, strategy, value & behaviour objectives related to our impact on people (internal & external stakeholders), environment, community (local/regional/national/international) & sporting ecosystem
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ChopValue
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Canada
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Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Advisor - Sporting
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Nov 2020 - Present
ChopValue was founded with the intention of leading by example in making the circular economy the norm. To date, ChopValue has recycled over 30 million chopsticks into innovative high-performance sustainable products. Through process engineering, design, storytelling, and carbon-neutral micro-manufacturing, ChopValue has created a viable business by transforming the neglected resource into a highly durable material with unlimited applications.Focused on building relationships and brand impact for strategic partners across key verticals, with a focus on the sports industry. Examples include the partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders and the UK master franchise acquisition by Everton FC's Tom Davies.
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Hi Sports Performance
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United Kingdom
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Director
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Oct 2004 - Present
Sporting Director, Performance Director, Physiotherapist, Sports Science and Conditioning Consultant, Various: 2004-currentDeveloped international relationships with elite teams, academic institutions and governing bodies to explore practical synergies, research opportunities or innovations to enhance athlete, coach or team support, including:UK Athletics and Team GB (Track and Field): Combined technical coaching information with therapy/science knowledge to achieve performance peaks at competitions since 2011, including the 2012 Olympic Games.Tottenham Hotspur FC (Soccer): Developing screening tools to inform individualised injury prevention programmes and reduce rates of injuries.Jamie Murray (Tennis): Delivering a comprehensive support service, to enable progression from ATP top 150 to top 30 in the ’06/’07 seasons free of injury.GB Bobsled (FIBT): Introducing an in-competition training, competition and recovery structure to support 6 GB sleds through ’07/’08 World Cup season.Other clients have included Scottish Rugby Union; Pittsburgh Steelers; New York Giants; Cycling Canada; British Canoe Union (GB Slalom Canoe Podium & Development squads); England Hockey; Paul Gascoigne; Loughborough University (elite international athletes & students from various sports); Scottish Swimming; Team GB World University Winter Games 2007 (short track speed skating, figure skating and team HQ).
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Independently Organised Internships and Clinical Interest Visits
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2001 - Present
2020 Carolina Panthers; Charlotte Hornets; Hendrick Motorsports; Florida Panthers2019 Toronto Blue Jays; UFC, Las Vegas; Headspace; Seattle Seahawks; Seattle Sounders; Orreco; Cirque Du Soleil; Leicester Tigers; Montpellier Rugby; Dundee United; Manchester City; NIS Quebec; Philadelphia Phillies; Philadelphia 76ers; Wharton Business School, Neuroscience Dept2018 Arsenal; Formula E; New York City FC; UFC, Las Vegas; Cirque Du Soleil; Las Vegas Lights FC; Tottenham Hotspur; Brighton & Hove Albion2017 Manchester City; Stellenbosch Sports Academy, South Africa; British Cycling; Baltimore Ravens; Manchester Institute of Health & Performance; IMG Academy FL; Eye Gym, South Africa2016 Manchester United; Manchester City; GreaterSport, Manchester; Wigan Warriors; U of Oregon; Stanford U; Pau Rugby, France; Portland Timbers; Vancouver Whitecaps; Canadian Sports Institute - Whistler; Pittsburgh Steelers; UPMC, Pittsburgh; Philadelphia 76ers; U of Minnesota2015 Cuban National Sports Academy, Havana; Miami Dolphins; Brooklyn Nets; Philadelphia 76ers; RedBull Performance Center, Santa Monica; Headspace; Manchester United; Manchester City; P3 Sports Science Laboratory2014 San Antonio Spurs; Fusionetics, Atlanta; FC Barcelona; AC Milan; Brooklyn Nets; New York Giants2013 Gatorade Sports Science Institute, Loughborough; Saracens RFC; New York Giants; Seattle Seahawks; Princeton U2012 New York Knicks; New York Giants; Seattle Seahawks; U of Hawaii2011 Monaco FC; New York Red Bulls ; USOC, Chula Vista; Lennard Funk, Shoulder Clinic; DJO Global2010 Muschaweck Hernia Centre; Müller-Wohlfahrt Centre; Knee Centre Toft; New York Islanders; Philadelphia Flyers; New York Giants ; Pittsburgh Steelers2001-2009 Chicago Bulls ; Steadman-Hawkins, Vail; USOC, Colorado Springs; U of Lausanne; Michael Johnson PC; Dallas Mavericks; Cooper Center; San Francisco 49ers; San Jose Sharks; FC Barcelona; Seattle Seahawks; Glasgow Rangers; Leeds Utd
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Director
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2009 - Present
HiBRIDS Ltd, Hi-Innovation Ltd & Hi-Sports Performance Ltd are British companies involved in developing innovative sports performance, education, rehabilitation, injury prevention & treatment solutions both in terms of technology & service provision to high performing sports organisations around the world. HiBRIDS Ltd, Hi-Innovation Ltd & Hi-Sports Performance Ltd are British companies involved in developing innovative sports performance, education, rehabilitation, injury prevention & treatment solutions both in terms of technology & service provision to high performing sports organisations around the world.
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The University of British Columbia
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Canada
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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PhD Candidate (Experimental Medicine)
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Jan 2017 - Jan 2020
TITLE: Perspectives of change management & dimensions of performance management contributing to achieving sustained success in high performance sports organisationsBACKGROUND: High performance sports organisations (HPSOs) operate in highly complex environments, with multiple stakeholders demanding performance, entertainment & financial results. The sports industry has evolved to create a professional domain characterised by organisational change & demands for sustained success, which has elevated leadership roles to highly skilled positions. Leaders are responsible for building, supporting & empowering multiple-discipline groups, whilst concurrently managing a plethora of change management (CM) & performance management (PM) dimensions.PURPOSE: To determine the objective markers that define sustained success in HPSOs & understand how leaders undertake CM & PM to that end. By comparing current practice with evidence-based research, the investigation sought to identify the skills leaders require to proficiently develop programs supporting sustained optimal performance.THESIS:1: Introduction 2: Identifying the Verticals & Metrics That Contribute to Sustained Success in High Performance Sports Organisations 3: Changing Practice in High Performance Sports Organisations in Relation to External Stakeholders (Total Societal Impact in the Sports Industry)4: Changing Practice in High Performance Sports Organisations in Relation to Internal Stakeholders (Integration of Multiple-Discipline Science & Medical Services Department)5: Investigating the Change Management Process in North American HPSOs 6: Investigating the Change Management Process in HPSOs 7: Creating an Evidence & Experiential Based Practical Guide for Leaders Managing Change & Performance Dimensions in HPSOs 8: General Summary & Conclusions Modules audited from the MBA course at UBC, Sauder School of Business include:Change Management (Dr Wayne Rawcliffe)Organizational Behaviour (Dr Chris Rowell)
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Buffalo Sabres
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United States
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Spectator Sports
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100 - 200 Employee
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Director of Player Performance (Medicine, Science & Research)
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Jun 2015 - May 2016
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). Responsibilities:- Responsible for leading the development and execution of the Company’s long term strategy with regards medical services, performance science, conditioning and research. - Responsible for co-ordinating the medical services, conditioning and performance science provision for all the players in the Buffalo Sabres organization, including the Rochester Americans & drafted players. - Identify and develop potential research projects with world leading organisations in regards to human performance in professional ice hockey - Collaborate with & advise key staff in associated One Buffalo organisations, including the Buffalo Bills, Harbor Center Hockey Academy & Buffalo Bandits in relation to performance science & medical services strategiesAchievements:- Directed the introduction of service systems and processes throughout the department to improve injury risk reduction strategies, performance optimisation, acute injury management, rehabilitation and return to play pathways.- Oversaw the introduction of bio-analytics and development of load management analytics as the foundational pillars of the sports science and medical service lines of service.- Reviewed departmental structure, staff roles and responsibilities and professional development related to personal/professional objectives and interests.- Designed the strategic plan to incorporate performance services expertise in advancing health, wellness and performance metrics in coaching, front office and fan engagement through education.- Established research and development links with centres of excellence in higher education institutions, to ensure that the franchise remained ahead of the curve in performance science and medical services in sports.
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QI Racing
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France
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Spectator Sports
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director of Human Performance, Consultant
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May 2014 - Jul 2015
QI Racing Team’s Mission is a unique and fascinating Racing Team aimed at developing and promoting the future talents of Qatar.- Responsible for leading the development and execution of the Company’s long term strategy with regards performance science, conditioning and medical services. - Responsible for co-ordinating the strength and conditioning, sports science and medical service provision for all QIR drivers and non-driving staff around the world. - Identify and develop potential research projects with world leading organisations in regards to human performance in motor sport and road safety
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Director of Medical Services & Performance Science, Consultant
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Feb 2014 - Aug 2014
Delivered external performance consultancy services leading to the development and implementation of medical services structures and systems allied to sports science support in a high performance basketball team competing in their first season in the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi.Responsibilities: - Directed international departmental structural review, including staff engagement, talent identification and attraction supported by introducing retention strategies including continued professional development programmes and structured appraisals- Developed a culture of empowerment, innovation, reflection and accountability, guided by goal-setting in a team-orientated culture- Designed and implemented strategic operational plans, underpinned by evidence-based policies/procedures to improve performanceAchievements:- Introduced service systems and processes throughout the department to improve injury risk reduction strategies, acute injury management, rehabilitation and return to play pathways.- Supported the team in planning a pre-season that was cognisant of a graduated increase in player load thus reducing risk of overuse injuries whilst achieving excellent player conditioning base.
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Buriram United
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Thailand
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Spectator Sports
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director of Medical Services & Performance Science, Consultant
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2013 - 2013
Delivered external performance consultancy services leading to the development and implementation of medical services structures and systems allied to sports science support in a high performance soccer team competing at the top of the Thai Premier League and in the Asian Champions League.Responsibilities: - Directed international staff recruitment, including talent identification and attraction supported by introducing retention strategies including continued professional development programmes and structured appraisals- Developed a culture of empowerment, innovation, reflection and accountability, guided by goal-setting in a team-orientated culture- Designed and implemented strategic operational plans, underpinned by evidence-based policies/procedures to improve performanceAchievements:- Achieved a 40% reduction in soft tissue injuries; a 30% reduction in average return to play times and a 70% reduction in injury recurrence rates- Supported the team to win the Thai Premier League, the Thai FA Cup and the Thai League Cup
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British Athletics
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United Kingdom
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Spectator Sports
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Consultant Physiotherapist
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Jan 2011 - 2013
Providing physiotherapy services to track & field athletes at UK Athletics North London Hi Performance Centre in addition to camps, IAAF & Diamond League competitions around the World- Combined technical coaching information with therapy/science knowledge to achieve performance peaks at competitions since 2011, including the 2012 Olympic Games. Providing physiotherapy services to track & field athletes at UK Athletics North London Hi Performance Centre in addition to camps, IAAF & Diamond League competitions around the World- Combined technical coaching information with therapy/science knowledge to achieve performance peaks at competitions since 2011, including the 2012 Olympic Games.
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Lacrosse Scotland
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United Kingdom
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Spectator Sports
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1 - 100 Employee
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Performance Director (Men's Lacrosse)
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Aug 2006 - Aug 2008
Conducted a service review, which identified inconsistent coaching and management strategies, leading to inadequate tournament preparation. Led the subsequent restructuring of the national performance operation.- Recruited new team managers and an experienced head coach from the USA - Handpicked an international advisory panel of lacrosse performance and development experts from the USA, Canada, Australia, England and Scotland- Achieved an improved World Championship placing (2010) and the inaugural participation by Scotland in the U19 Championships (2008) - Founded and event managed the inaugural Edinburgh Lacrosse Festival.- Conducted a performance review of the grass roots development programme in association with the Development Officer.
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McLaren Automotive Ltd
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United Kingdom
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Automotive
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700 & Above Employee
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Driver Trainer (Physiotherapist, Physiologist, Strength & Conditioning Coach
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2008 - 2008
- Identified, developed and incorporated innovative approaches to solving performance-based problems by adapting appropriate strategies/technologies employed by high performance teams in other sports/industries- Sports vision training, body cooling systems and unique hydration solutions. - Provided physiotherapy and conditioning services to Formula 1 drivers. - Reviewed all aspects of human performance, in order to design and implement strategies with the aim of optimising the capabilities of an athlete in a high pressure, international competition environment
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Scottish Rugby Union
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Health, Wellness & Fitness
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1 - 100 Employee
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Physiotherapist
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2006 - 2007
Physiotherapist for Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland Teams- Integrated load monitoring systems to correlate coaching, conditioning and injury prevention exertion information, resulting in a decrease in overuse injuries Physiotherapist for Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland Teams- Integrated load monitoring systems to correlate coaching, conditioning and injury prevention exertion information, resulting in a decrease in overuse injuries
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Heart of Midlothian FC
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United Kingdom
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Spectator Sports
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director of Medical Services & Exercise Science
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2005 - 2006
Co-ordinated a medical services and sports science support team in a high performance soccer organisation competing in the Scottish Premier League. - Recruited and managed a team of 25 medical services and performance science professionals - Achieved over 50% reduction in posterior thigh injuries in one season - Reported in the media as being the most athletic team in the league Co-ordinated a medical services and sports science support team in a high performance soccer organisation competing in the Scottish Premier League. - Recruited and managed a team of 25 medical services and performance science professionals - Achieved over 50% reduction in posterior thigh injuries in one season - Reported in the media as being the most athletic team in the league
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The Football Association
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United Kingdom
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Spectator Sports
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700 & Above Employee
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Physiotherapist & Lead Researcher
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2002 - 2004
- Provided regular assessment of athletes’ development through monitoring and communication with players, coaches, medical and science professionals. - Physiotherapy care for international age group teams, research audit and coach education. - Provided regular assessment of athletes’ development through monitoring and communication with players, coaches, medical and science professionals. - Physiotherapy care for international age group teams, research audit and coach education.
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Whistler Physiotherapy
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Canada
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Medical Practices
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Physiotherapist
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Nov 2001 - May 2002
Providing physiotherapy services in a busy private clinic to a client base consisting of professional, elite amateur & recreational skiers, snowboarders, ice hockey players, mountain bikers & skaters Providing physiotherapy services in a busy private clinic to a client base consisting of professional, elite amateur & recreational skiers, snowboarders, ice hockey players, mountain bikers & skaters
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Education
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2017 - 2020
The University of British Columbia
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Experimental Medicine -
2015 - 2017
The Manchester Metropolitan University
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Sporting Directorship -
2004 - 2005
Loughborough University
MSc, Exercise Physiology -
2001 - 2002
Sheffield Hallam University
MSc, Sports Physiotherapy -
1994 - 1998
Queen Margaret University College
BSc (Hons), Physiotherapy
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