Adam Grainger
Head of Physical Performance and Player Wellness (Next Pro Team Academy) @Chicago Fire FC
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WORK HISTORY
Head of Physical Performance and Player Wellness (Next Pro Team Academy) @Chicago Fire FC
Chicago, IL, US
Leadership and Management• Uphold the common purpose, values, and shared vision for CFFC• Ensure the players’ physical, health and wellness services are aligned with the strategic direction and goals of the Club• Facilitate an environment that promotes player and staff development and wellbeing• Oversee education to the staff, players and parents in the Academy and CF II• Futureproof the Academy and CF II through process, transparency and the exploration and analysis of technology and science-based solutions to advance player performancePhysical Performance and Player Wellness• Recruit, integrate, and manage the Physical Performance and Player Wellness department’s multidisciplinary experts in the Academy and CF II• Supervise physical performance programs, recovery protocols, and training preparation sessions are delivered with elite football Academy standards• Work with the Director of Performance to execute the vision of the club data• Foster a culture of high performance and ensure we are embracing best practices to constantly improve our player availability• Ensure rehabilitation and return to play services enable players to be conditioned in alignment with the playing philosophy of the Coaching department while concurrently reducing the risk of re-injury• Collaborate with the Nutritionist, Club Chef’s, and Team Operations to uphold player nutrition needs and high performance standards• In conjunction with Head of Medical, foster sound clinical reasoning, neuromuscular evaluation, manual therapy, and rehabilitation skills throughout the medical staff to properly diagnose and treat both acute and chronic injuries• In conjunction with Head of Medical, audit emergency responder training and certifications to ensure emergency first aid services are delivered• Create systems to promote and safeguard defensible documentation for player physical performance and player wellness records
EDUCATION
Campbell College, Belfast, Northern Ireland
A Levels
Brunel University of London
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Sports Science
The University of Salford
PhD, Sports and Exercise
Brunel University of London
Master of Science - MS, Sports and Exercise
Brunel University of London
Master of Science (MSc), Sports Science
ABOUT ADAM GRAINGER
Dr Adam Grainger (PhD) has extensive applied coaching and research experience in high performance sport, particularly in team sports. As an accredited S&C Coach (NSCA CSCS), Sports Scientist (CASES HPSA), and peer reviewed author, Adam’s current working role is Head of Physical Performance and Player Wellness at Chicago Fire FC (Academy and MLS Next Pro).Prior to joining Chicago Fire FC, Adam previously worked in professional rugby for 15 years (Saracens, London Wasps, Sale Sharks and Ulster Rugby) across a variety of sports science and athletic performance roles. In December 2017, Adam was appointed Performance Director for Hockey Ireland, leading the women’s teams to a World Cup silver medal and a successful Tokyo Olympic cycle.Adam also recently worked for sports technology leader Kitman Labs between 2022 and 2024 as a Senior Performance Strategist, leading performance planning projects with their National Governing Body client base. Meanwhile, during his tenure at University College Dublin as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach within their Ad Astra scholarship programme, Adam supported Olympians across many sports and their League of Ireland soccer team. In October 2016, Adam was appointed Chair of the CASES Sport and Performance Division, meanwhile more recently, Adam is Chair of the CASES Conference Planning Group and Board member for ISESA. Added to this, Adam is a Fellow at CASES, an Adjunct Assistant Professor at University College Dublin and an External Examiner at Leeds Beckett University.
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