Proceedings of the 1st International Conference in Science and Football, 15-17 April 2011, Palermo - Italy

Have we had enough of Football...? Well well well!!! As far as this sport is still a source of joy, an inspiration, an educational tool, a recreation, a pleasure and a mass mobilising for some people, we will continue to “bother you with”... ;-) By the way, the International Week of Football (IWF) is new concept, born within a moment of brain storm between the office and the 5-a-side indoor football gym at the University of Greenwich, UK in summer 2010. “Let’s do something international between the UK and Italy”, Monèm said “Oh yeah, why not!” Antonino said “It could great...! the UK is a great nation of football and Italy is well renowned for its footballistic experts” The rest was a just a series of amazing events put together in consultation between experts representing the Italian Olympic Committee (Sicily), the Italian Football Federation (FIGC-LND Sicilia), the University of Palermo and the University of Greenwich. A unique opportunity to engage with football professionals (players and coaches), fitness specialists, students and world famous scientists specialized in football research. The International Week of Football contains two events: International Football Camp 11-15 April 2011 (Catania Football Complex) International Conference Science and Football 15-17 April 2011 (Steri Palace, Palermo) Young coaches’ trainees (students) were gathered together from different parts of the world during the Camp. Staff from three Italian professional Football Clubs (Palermo, Catania, Lecce) and representatives from the English Football Association coached the students in an intensive week, juggling between theoretical ad practical sessions on the pitch and in the gym. The successful students gained Fitness Diplomas enabling them to work with Series A and B football clubs. The International Conference programme was a cocktail of lectures presented by world leading scientists in football. The programme contained also prestigious young investigators awards for poster presentation. Around 200 delegates are expected to attend the conference representing 25 different countries ranging from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin and North America. The participating authors represent 15 countries. We would like to send the two following words to all who contributed to make this first edition a real success: THANK YOU