Press Release
6th July 2010
World Class Technology for AFC Wimbledon
Pre-season training started early this year for AFC Wimbledon physiotherapist Mike Rayner who is determined to make sure that tiredness and fatigue won't affect his players in the new season ahead.
Mike has big ambitions for his Blue Square Premier players. He has taken time out of the off-season break to get to grips with using world class performance and recovery technology, under the guidance of leading health and performance company Optima-life. He is determined to give his players that extra edge.
Performance is greatly affected by tiredness and fatigue and provides a continual talking point for managers particularly at Premiership and more recently International level.
Mike, who has been at the club for over 6 seasons was quick to spot the potential of the unique technology, developed in Finland and now being used by international teams across the globe. But he had one big problem. The club did not have the resources to purchase it.
Mike said:
"A physiotherapy colleague told me about the Optima-life technology and I went to investigate. I was really impressed by it but knew that the club budget would not stretch to buy it."
Never one to shun a challenge, the intrepid physiotherapist, together with Kit Manager Robin Bedford, AFC Wimbledon Player Ross Montague and club fans Russell Smith and Tom Woolgar, decided on a fund-raising cycle ride from Waterloo station to Gateshead FC, venue of AFC Wimbledon's last home game of last season. 306 miles later and with generous support from Wimbledon fans, the ride was completed and the funds were raised to purchase the equipment.
For Mike, the new technology will work as an educational tool as well as a performance and recovery indicator.
"The data we get back will provide a personalised physiological assessment on how each player is performing and, very importantly, recovering. We can see what is happening in real time as opposed to a spot check and we can also look at what is happening outside of the limited training hours. We can look at the effects of travel, long coach or car journeys, dealing with family pressures, lack of sleep perhaps because of a new baby, socialising and even late nights on the x-box. The players will hopefully then understand the importance of recovery in their overall performance strategy"
END
Notes to the editor
About Michael Rayner MCSP
Michael is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. He joined AFC Wimbledon having spent two seasons at Hendon FC. He runs a physiotherapy practice in Bayswater.
Michael, 33 is married to Fiona and has two children Oralie who is 3 and a half yrs and Neve 10 months.
About AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon was formed in 2002 following the unprecedented departure of Wimbledon FC to Milton Keynes. Forced to start again, player trials were held on Wimbledon Common. The club began their new existence in the Combined Counties League. They have since been promoted 4 times in the last 7 seasons.
Ground Address
AFC Wimbledon, The Cherry Red Records Fans' Stadium – Kingsmeadow, Jack Goodchild Way, 422a Kingston Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey. KT1 3PB
www.afcwimbledon.co.uk
About Optima Life
Optima-life specialises in technology and services for optimising health and performance in work, sport and everyday life. The company is currently working with international and professional sports teams, world class individual sports players, fitness industry specialists, top FTSE 100 companies and leading organisations and individuals within the private and NHS healthcare sectors.
www.optima-life.com
Tel: 0207 135 2424 Fax: 0207 135 2425 Email: info@optima-life.com
For all press enquiries please contact:
Maggie McNerney, Charles Whitney PR
Tel: 0845 004 1040 Fax:0845 004 1050
Mob: 07738 478204
