Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Using virtual reality to perfect footballers’ decisions on the pitch
What is your PhD all about? And how is your project tying into the wider research taking place with Southampton FC and Leeds Beckett?
My PhD is focused on exploring the potential of virtual reality (VR) in enhancing the decision-making process in adolescent soccer players.
The main aim of the study is to try and improve players on the pitch - and we hypothesise that using VR can be an effective method of improving players’ cognition in the game. The VR system we’re using has been created specifically for this purpose by FuturePerformance, where players are placed onto a virtual soccer pitch. Once comfortable with their surroundings, the simulation begins, where they receive a virtual ball from a teammate and pass it to a specific target. To ensure a greater success rate, the players must scan their surrounding in order to pick up all the necessary information from the environment. One of the big advantages of using VR is we can see exactly where and what they are looking at! This will hopefully lead future research which may potentially impact coaching behaviours amongst others.
It’s an exciting time at Southampton FC at the minute - with two more PhD studies through other universities starting alongside me, to begin ‘The Learning Lab’. These projects are coordinated by Dr Andrew Wilson in the Leeds School of Social Sciences at LBU and are all focused on similar topics in psychology and coaching science.
What attracted you to apply for the PhD collaboration?
During my Bachelors in Sports and Exercise science at the University of Limerick, we had an eight-month placement in the third year. I was selected to assist with the strength and conditioning of the Galway minor hurlers.
It was a fantastic experience which ended up with us winning the All-Ireland championship. During this time, I kept noticing how the players were making all the right decisions. I started asking myself why? And how can we train this?
This brought me onto my undergraduate thesis - where I interviewed nine UEFA B licence coaches in Ireland regarding VEA - visual exploratory activity - or simply known as scanning. The interview focused on what their thoughts on scanning were, how they trained it and so on. There is a positive link between VEA behaviour and decision making.
I received some interesting data from the study, which got me thinking about VR. I then became aware of this project over here and jumped at the opportunity.
What’s the best thing about doing a PhD?
The best thing about doing this PhD is the applied nature of it. Being based in Southampton FC’s academy presents a fantastic opportunity to work with players in the real world while also carrying out my studies.
It’s been fantastic getting the opportunity to learn more about my passion in an environment where there are so many people providing support and being a critical friend.
And what’s been the biggest challenge so far?
The biggest challenge so far is having to learn the programming language MatLab from scratch. This software is essential for interpreting the data which the VR system produces. But, coming into the project without any coding experience, I’ve found this to be a challenging aspect of the programme.
What’s the most useful thing that you’ve learnt so far?
The most useful thing I’ve learnt so far has been perseverance. If you’re trying something and it keeps breaking down, just keep persevering and eventually you’ll find a solution, or you’ll find someone with the solution!
What is your proudest achievement to date?
My proudest achievement to date is raising over €8000 for charity - with the proceeds being split between the Irish Cancer Society and the children’s ward at University Hospital of Galway, Ireland. This was raised through sale of wristbands, Churchgate collections and a charity night at the dogs.
I had intended on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with a friend to raise more money for the two charities, but unfortunately COVID halted these plans with travel restrictions. Hopefully I’ll climb it someday!
The Ecological Learning Lab Interview with Andrew Wilson
What is your top tip for new research students?
Ask questions and put yourself out there! There’s no such thing as a stupid question and always be open to suggestions from others. Often a clear mind can highlight something simple you may have missed.
What do you do to unwind from your studies?
To relax from my studies, I like to go the gym or sit down and watch some football. I’m quite lucky with working in the training ground where I can find a game to watch any time work starts getting too much!
What would you say to someone thinking about applying for a PhD at Leeds Beckett?
Go for it! It’s a challenging experience but you won’t regret it. The people at Leeds Beckett have been fantastic with making sure I’m included in everything even though I’ve been based remotely down in Southampton.
Where do you want your PhD to take you?
I’m still unsure about where I’d like to work long term. I always thought I’d go into research and academia but I’m currently really enjoying working in an applied setting. Who knows where the future will take me!
