André Roca

André Roca is an Associate Professor of Skill Acquisition at the University of St Mary's, within the School of Sport, Exercise, and Applied Science. He holds a doctoral degree from Liverpool John Moores University (2011) and completed postdoctoral research at the German Sport University Cologne (2012–2013). His research focuses on expert performance mechanisms, skill acquisition, decision-making, creativity in sports, and effective practice design. He co-leads the Performance and Practice Research Group at St Mary's and serves as an associate editor for the International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, alongside advisory roles for other journals. Recognized as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, he teaches modules in skill acquisition, coaching science, and research methods at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His work has been featured in media outlets like BBC, UEFA, and FIFA, and he provides consultancy to sports organizations and has coached in professional football academies for over 20 years.

Education:

• PhD in Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition, Liverpool John Moores University (2008–2011)
• Postdoctoral Research, German Sport University Cologne (2012–2013)

Research Interests:

His work explores psychological mechanisms behind expertise acquisition, practice environment optimization, and decision-making processes in sports. Key themes include creativity development in athletes, youth talent pathways, and the cognitive foundations of tactical decision-making in soccer.

Key Contributions:

• Co-developed the MIDASS model for anticipation in striking sports
• Published over 60 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Science and Medicine in Football and Psychological Research
• Authored chapters in edited volumes such as Anticipation and Decision Making in Sport

Awards & Recognition:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Advising & Grants:

While specific grants are not detailed, his advisory roles and research group leadership indicate active engagement in collaborative projects. He has supervised research in areas like youth soccer development and creativity in coaching.

Labs & Teams:

• Performance and Practice Research Group at St Mary's