Football and Brain Health - Manchester Met Institute of Sport Seminar Day

Join us in person for a seminar day all about the link between football and brain health. Dive into the latest research, hear from experts, and get involved in discussions that matter. Whether you’re a fan, athlete, or just curious, this day is packed with insights and opportunities to learn, and collaborate. Don’t miss out on connecting with like-minded people and expanding your knowledge at Manchester Met!

As this is a free event and spaces are limited, please only register if you can commit to attend. We want to ensure this is a sell-out event and the room is full. If you are no longer able to attend, please cancel your registration on Event Brite or contact us by email on [email protected].

This event is supported by Alzheimer’s Research UK, led Dr Tiago Peçanha

Event Details

• Date: 2nd June 2026 (08:30 – 16:30)
• Location: Room 3.09/3.10, Institute of Sport
• Host: Manchester Metropolitan University

Morning Session

08:30 Registration & Morning Refreshments

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08:45 Welcome & Opening Remarks

Craig Sale, Tim Cable, Paul Morgan, Tiago Peçanha

09:00 Opening Talk: Cognitive ageing in footballers – the SCORES project

Dr. Michael Grey (Loughborough University)

09:45 Session 1: Manchester Metropolitan University Research Spotlight

Heading into the Future: Understanding the Neurophysiological and Biomechanical Consequences of Football Heading

09:45 – 11:00 | Manchester Metropolitan University Research Showcase

- Dr. Greg Wood – Background and heading protocol across all studies

- Holly Holden-Rowley - Resting-state fMRI to examine temporal dynamics of functional connectivity after repetitive sub concussive impacts

- Dr. Johnny Parr - Does a short bout of football heading impair the neural control of balance?

- Dr. Greg Wood - Fixational eye movements reveal subclinical neurophysiological changes following soccer heading

- Dr. Tiago Pecanha – Immediate and Post-24-Hour Effects of Football Heading on Cerebral Blood Flow Regulation

- Dr. Liis Uiga – How female football players perceive the risks of heading: Knowledge, beliefs, and education

11:00 – 11:30 | Networking & Refreshment Break

Midday Session: Detection & Prevention of Football-Acquired Brain Damage

• 11:30 – 12:00: Assessment of Cognitive, Visual and Motor Control Changes Following Head Impact, Speaker: Dr. Genevieve Williams (University of Exeter)
• 12:00 – 12:30: Preventing Football-Acquired Brain Damage in Children, Speaker: Dr. Daniel Walker (University of Bradford)
• 12:30 – 13:00: Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow Regulation During a Football Season, Speaker: Dr. Sophie Carter (York St John University)

13:00 – 14:00 | Complimentary Lunch Provided (Please inform us of any dietary requirements by email: [email protected])

Afternoon Session: Management and Prevention Concussion in Football

• 14:00 – 14:30: Cerebrovascular Function in Retired Football Players, Speaker: Dr. Tiago Peçanha (Manchester Metropolitan University)
• 14:30 – 15:00: Using VR in Heading Training, Speaker: Michael Parsons (Rezzil)
• 15:00 – 15:30: Tactical Heading, Speaker: Jamie Pitman (Professional Footballers Association)
• 15:30 – 16:00: Supporting Footballers’ Brain Health and Preventing and Treating Brain Trauma, Speaker: Dr. Adam White (PFA / Concussion Legacy Foundation)

Closing and Networking

16:00 – 16:30 | Panel Discussion: The Future Direction of Football Brain Health

• Moderator: Dr. Liis Uiga (Manchester Metropolitan University)
• Panellists: All Guest Speakers

We will be taking photos at this event. If you wish for your photograph not to be used, then please let us know.

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Host or Publisher Dr Tiago Peçanha