NASL FC Edmonton

FC Edmonton, University of Alberta AIM Program Partnering Together for 2016

Published on February 19, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


FC Edmonton's offseason was not just rest and relaxation for its players; it was an opportunity for many to improve their fitness ahead of the 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) season. For the second straight year, the Eddies have partnered with the University of Alberta's AIM Program to create and implement unique player fitness programs.

The AIM Program takes into account what they believe the player needs to improve from a physical standpoint as well as what players have identified as areas they would like to improve upon to develop their programs. Led by head coach, Michael Cook and the Sport Conditioning team features upwards of 20 full-time, part-time and undergraduate and graduate coaches who work with Eddies players throughout the year.

"We take what each player and head coach Colin Miller's goals are and boil that down to biomechanics and physiology," Cook added. "Each player has been working on a program that is unique to themselves throughout the offseason, whether that be more conditioning, vertical leap, horizontal power, speed work or putting on some size. The goal of the program is really to cater to what each player needed in the offseason's short window of just 12 weeks. From there, we continue to develop that program as we get into training camp."

Following a successful first year of partnership, FC Edmonton and the University of Alberta have been working together once again to develop, improve and rehabilitate Eddies players. FC Edmonton's head athletic therapist Jose Jimenez and assistant Brandon Salter maintain daily contact with Cook and his team to ensure the goals of the AIM program are being met. Eddies team physician Dr. Terry DeFreitas and the team's physiotherapist Christina Le and chiropractor Dr. Alan Jeffels are also heavily involved in each player's fitness regime.

"Everyone chips in and gives their outlook on what we need to do with each player," Cook explained. "Even though we don't sit in a room as a group of people, our setup is actually quite an effective forum for addressing player needs throughout the season."

Preseason training with the AIM Program occurs three times per-week, twice falling on afternoons following morning training sessions at Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre (CCRC). Players finish their morning training sessions before heading over to the University of Alberta's High Performance Training Research Centre (HPTRC), a facility reserved for pre-varsity, varsity, national level and professional athletes. Each player is given their respective programs for the session and are paired up with an Eddies teammate before engaging in an hour-long AIM session. As the NASL season gets underway, the AIM Sport Conditioning team will further tailor each program to accommodate the rigours of the season.

"Ultimately, the goal of the AIM Program is to provide Colin and the coaching staff a fresh player on the weekend," Cook concluded. "Someone who is fresh, confident and ready to go."

FC Edmonton opens up the 2016 NASL season, April 2 against Rayo OKC. The team returns to Clarke Field for their Canadian Tire Home Opener, April 10 versus Minnesota United FC. For tickets or information about FC Edmonton, please click HERE or visit www.fcedmonton.com.

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North American Soccer League Stories from February 19, 2016


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