GAIS have launched a research collaboration with the University of Gothenburg. The club announced on its website that the partnership aims to increase knowledge about player nutrition and performance capacity.
According to gais.se, the collaboration will last four years and focuses on a project titled "Carbohydrate intake, body composition and performance ability in professional football players". The project is led by associate professor Stefan Pettersson and senior lecturer Dan Fransson from the university. GAIS's own sports nutritionist, Philip Ljung, will conduct the research in practice and will split his time evenly between research and his duties for the club.
How does the collaboration affect GAIS?
The partnership means research results can be communicated faster to the club and studies can be more tailored to GAIS's specific needs. Technical director Magnus Sköldmark confirmed that Philip Ljung is employed 50 percent by GAIS. "We are happy to start a collaboration with the University of Gothenburg and that we have agreed on a cooperation agreement," Sköldmark told the club's channels. He added that the goal is to increase knowledge primarily for the men's A-team, but also across the wider organisation.
What does it mean for the team's performance?
Increased knowledge in nutrition should lead to more professional behaviour that ultimately raises the team's performance level. This is particularly relevant for a team like GAIS, who currently sit ninth in the Allsvenskan with 27 points from 20 games. The team has a goal difference of +7, having scored 25 and conceded 18. Enhanced physical capacity could be a key piece in improving results.
When will the effects be seen?
The collaboration has begun and will run for the next four years. The first practical research will take place alongside the team's ongoing season. GAIS's next fixture is away to Mjällby AIF on September 20th, a team currently in 12th place. The club is also managing the absence of Róbert Frosti Thorkelsson from the squad. To follow the team's continued progress, supporters can check the fixtures and squad pages.
The partnership with the University of Gothenburg is a concrete step to strengthen GAIS's scientific foundation in elite sports.
