Liverpool FC Women's appoints university sport scientist

Liverpool FC Women has appointed a sport scientist to its backroom staff as the club strengthens its medical and sports psychology set-up.

Dr Francesca Champ, lecturer in the psychology of football at Liverpool John Moores University, joins the club as its first performance psychologist.

Fran is currently part of a research team exploring mental health in the Women’s Super League and the Women's Championship.

Part of LJMU's world-class School of Sport and Exercise Sciences , she has substantial experience in professional football, working at senior and youth level and has delivered performance psychology support to national track and field athletes.

Dr Champ's work has been recognised internationally, including an ‘Excellence in Football Research Award’ from the European Congress of Sports Science in Vienna.

The club has also appointed Amber Whiteley as assistant manager to the first team and Dr Leon Creaney as team doctor.

LFC Women manager Jepson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Amber, Dr Leon and Dr Fran to their new roles at LFCW. 

“I see this as a big positive step forwards for our club. Their appointments help strengthen the team behind the team and ultimately help ensure our players have the best support possible daily. 

 “The psychology element is vital for professional athletes, so having Dr Fran on board is a huge advantage for us in being able to support the team, either as individuals or collectively.

Francesca is a triple-graduate of LJMU, having completed her BSc, MSc and PhD at Liverpool John Moores University.

LJMU’s Sport and Exercise Science Department was recently ranked 12th in the world and 8th in Europe in the Shanghai Academic Rankings of World Universities.