Youngsters learning pro tricks of the trade

HARRIS & Ross have launched a programme for local youth sports academies to learn strategies used by professional sports stars to stay at the top of their game.

Poynton based 8By8 Football Academy took 15 under 10s into the clinic’s high performance zone for The Football Session on March 6th.

Jeff Ross, Harris & Ross clinic director said: “Players are getting into high level sport early and those scouted for premier league development squads are training lots but have no support from a physical perspective.”

Alex Brown, head of 8By8 said: “We saw The Football Session as a great opportunity for the team to see how hard players have to work to actually become a footballer.

“A huge effort comes from the individual, but having a great support team takes you far.”

The young players heard from Jake Miller who discussed his daughter Lara’s journey from local league girls football to Manchester City U16 squad, and her work with Harris & Ross on injury rehab & strengthening.

Ex Manchester City physiotherapist Dave Williams, who now works out of Harris & Ross Wilmslow & Wigan talked about the key ingredients needed to make it big in football, and the common growth related issues Harris & Ross see that can occur in young players.

The under 10s then had break out sessions, where podiatrist Tom Johnson ran mini gait analysis, head of high performance Darren Roberts ran dynamic warm ups and Dave Williams took the team through stretching techniques for post match using foam rollers and trigger point balls.

The evening delivered a real insight to all involved about the importance of looking after young players. Harris & Ross are now welcoming applications from clubs & academies from all over the Manchester & Cheshire areas for their own Academy Sessions.