Galway United – April 2022

For this case study, we met with Iain Prendergast who is working in the areas of Sport and Nutrition with Galway United. Iain is involved with the under 14s, 15s, 17s, and 19’s teams and has been using Actimet to help improve training, performance, and player wellbeing.

The Opportunity:

The coaches wanted a system where they could monitor players and identify issues, with the aim of reducing player injury. In the 2020 season, a number of players experienced non-contact injuries. Coaches wanted to try to take a proactive approach to reduce injuries caused by factors such as lack of sleep, training overload, and stress.

The Challenge:

The coaches found it difficult to get players to open up about issues and difficulties they came across both in training and also outside training. The ultimate goal of coaches and management is to monitor players in order to ensure players are looked after and their needs are met.

The Solution: 

A monitoring system that:

1. Collects and presents data

The data is important to the managers and coaches as they can access relevant data on a daily basis. All the data compiled in one area makes it easier to track. Iain noted the data import capabilities are great to monitor particular metrics when tracking the players.

2. Is easy to use 
The system provides a seamless experience for players and coaches. Iain added that players are extremely efficient in submitting their information with approximately 90% of players keeping up to date with their inputs.

3. Allows coaching team to control training load distribution The system aids coaches in effectively managing training volume and intensity. This allows them to recognise quickly if the players are at risk of overtraining.

The Outcome:

Since implementing Actimet there have been positive changes to the team, training and environment.  There has been a dramatic decrease in injuries this season, with players logging their sessions and providing feedback. This in turn allows coaches to monitor and alter sessions to ensure players aren’t being overtrained, or carrying out unsuitable training types or loads. Special attention is also going to certain players who are doing exams such as the leaving certificate or college exams. The system also allows coaches to look at players’ inputs and understand why they aren’t performing as well as they usually are, which enables them to help coach & work on these areas. Since implementing the Actimet players have become more aware of their lifestyle habits including sleep, hydration, and stress. This then encourages players to improve these lifestyle habits thus improving overall performance.