The FA Medical and Exercise Science Department, based at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, is responsible for a wide range of activities from the provision of courses through to doping control.

Medical and Exercise Science Courses

The FA Medical and Exercise Science Department has the responsibility for the medical and exercise science education, training and co-ordination of courses for personnel representing over 43,000 affiliated amateur, youth, semi-professional and professional clubs (over 60,000 teams). 

Medical and Exercise Science Conferences

The Department organises annual FA Medical and Exercise Science Conferences for personnel attached to FA affiliated clubs.

  • FA/RC Surgeons (Edin) International Sports Injury Conference
  • FA Annual Medical Conference
  • FA Annual 'Non-league' Medical Conference
  • FA Fitness and Conditioning Conference

Chartered Physiotherapists in Association Football (C.P.A.F.) Forum

In 1998 The Football Association Medical Division created a specific organization for Chartered Physiotherapists who had a special interest in Association Football. This organization became a sub-group of The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine (ACPSM). It was named "Chartered Physiotherapists in Association Football (CPAF). CPAF has been in operation for four years. Membership is free but members must be a member of ACPSM.

If you require further information or an application form, please e-mail fiona.colley@TheFA.com.

FA Doping Control Programme

The organisation, administration and co-ordination of The Football Association's compulsory Drug Control Programme. This area of work involves the education and awareness of up to 20,000 young and youth players (9-21 year olds) attached to professional club Academies or Centres of Excellence.

The organisation and briefing of professional Club Doctors and Therapists, it involves the liaison and rapport with The UK Sports Council's Doping Control Unit and The FA's own Medical Supervising Officers.  Over 1200 compulsory, unannounced tests are conducted each season, both post game and post training.

Health Education and Awareness for Youth Players

The FA Medical Department is responsible for the production of health education/drug awareness pamphlets, involving extensive liaison with drug education agencies.  The programme involved the administration and co-ordination of regional drug briefing seminars including invitations, venues/facilities and information packs.

The Charter for Quality - 
Football Academies / Football Centres of Excellence

In 1997, The Football Association Medical Department formulated Medical Criteria governing Football Academies and Centres of Excellence. The Department's involvement with Academies and Centres of Excellence is listed below:-  

  • Development, refinement, amendment and monitoring of medical regulations and criteria, in-service training.
  • Assisting Academies and Centres of Excellence with the recruitment of medical and Exercise Science Staff.
  • Devising, co-ordinating and monitoring all aspects of Medical and Exercise Science Research in Academies of Football under the "Charter for Quality".
  • Co-ordinating The Association Football Medical Screening Programme for U17 year old age group players in Football Academies and Centres of Excellence.
  • Co-ordinating The Medical Record Folders for use by Medical staff involved with Academies and Centres of Excellence.
  • Organising 36 hours of annual 'in-service' training for the Continuing Professional Development of Medical and Exercise Staff.

Recruitment of Teachers / Assessors / FA Drug Testing Supervising Officers

Recruitment and briefing of FA Approved Teachers and Assessors for FA Medical Education and Exercise Science and Fitness Trainers' Course extending over different levels.

Course Organisation / Co-Ordination

The liaison and rapport with FA Course Organisers based in;

  • FA County Football Associations
  • FA County Coaching Representatives
  • Professional Club Community Officers
  • Sports Development Officers based in Local Authorities, and representatives of Colleges of Education
Association Football Medical Screening Programme for Youth Trainees

The co-ordination and development of The Association Football Medical Screening Programme for youth players attached to Football Academies and Centres of Excellence.  This involved over 750 youth players (16 years old) attached to professional clubs and new recruits to Academies of Football.

The annual medical screening programmes comprise of a cardiological and orthopaedic assessment based at 18 regional cardiological and 18 orthopaedic assessment centres.

Medical Research

To organise, co-ordinate and conduct Association Football Medical and Exercise Science Research Programmes.  The following projects have been covered previously or are active;

  • An Audit of Injury in Academies of Football
  • FA/PFA "The Possible Long Term Effects on Brain Function through Association Football"
  • Specific muscle injury research - preventative strategies
  • An Audit of Injury and Specific Performance on The New Generation of Artificial Surfaces.

Recruitment of Medical Personnel for England International Teams

The Football Association's Head of Medicine and Exercise Science is responsible for the recruitment and appointment of medical personnel for England Teams, FA, English Schools FA, FA's Women's International teams, Tournaments/Training Camps and FA Coaching Courses

International Medical and Exercise Science Education

To devise, organise and conduct Medical and Exercise Science Education Courses for International Football Associations through the strong links with The English Football Association.

Commercial Activities

Involvement in commercial activities relating to The FA Medical and Exercise Science Department in the form of company sponsorships and funding pathways / opportunities.

Public Affairs

Involvement in public affairs activities relating to The FA's Medical and Exercise Science Remit, including The FA's Doping Control Programme.

Production of Medical and Exercise Science Articles / Education Material

The production of Medical and Exercise Science Education material and articles for pertinent medical professional journals - BASEM Journal, "Insight", PFA Newsletters, in order to enhance the medical and exercise science education and services offered in football from grass-roots to elite levels.

Selected Medical Research

To be involved in selected research projects. To liaise with various companies and/or individuals in this important area

Associate Football Resource and Advisory Centre

To act as a resource centre and advisory service for all FA affiliated clubs. To respond to general enquiries pertaining to the medical and exercise science services and provision of football.

FA Medical Working Parties / Groups 

The Football Association has an FA Medical Working Group to advise on medical matters for Association Football.  In addition, an FA International Team Medical Group meet twice annually for matters specific to the operational aspects involved with International teams.

Production of Specific Directive, Guidelines or Advisory Material for the Professional or Amateur Game

The FA Medical and Exercise Science Department working under the umbrella of The FA Medical Working Group has over several years produced advisory material in the form of guidelines or recommendations for both the professional and amateur game.