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

Join us in person for an exciting 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. Don’t miss out on connecting with like-minded folks 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