Greg Doncaster

Dr. Greg Doncaster is a Senior Lecturer in Coaching and Sports Performance at Edge Hill University, specializing in applied physiology and youth soccer performance. He joined the university in 2014 and previously served as Lead Sports Scientist at Stoke City FC’s Academy (2012–2014). His research focuses on physical performance analysis, growth/maturity impacts on youth athletes, and the Relative Age Effect in sports. He holds a PhD from Staffordshire University (investigating cardio-respiratory fitness in youth soccer) and degrees from the University of Chester.

His teaching emphasizes scientific principles in athletic performance, with a focus on testing and training methodologies. Current projects include a funded MRes studentship on performance analysis with Saint Helens RLFC. Doncaster collaborates widely, presenting on topics like the Relative Age Effect and co-authoring over 20 peer-reviewed articles. He is affiliated with research groups in Sports Performance and Coaching Pedagogy.