Ffion Thompson

Dr Ffion Thompson is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Leeds Beckett University's Carnegie School of Sport, serving as Module Leader for the Level 4 Young Athlete Development course and holding leadership responsibilities within the Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy.

Her academic foundation includes:

• BSc in Sport and Exercise Science from Loughborough University (UK)
• MSc in Kinesiology from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
• PhD from Leeds Beckett University examining holistic and dual career development in sport school student-athletes

Thompson's research focuses on youth athletic development across the health-performance continuum, with specialized expertise in dual career pathways and holistic development for student-athletes. She pioneers the integration of academic research with practical application through her dual practitioner-researcher model.

As an active strength and conditioning specialist, she serves as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Queen Ethelburga's school, Pathway Strength and Conditioning Coach for Leeds Rhinos Netball, and Women's Head of Athletic Development for Wales Lacrosse. Her prior experience includes elite-level coaching at Wasps Superleague Netball and Warwick University.

Within the Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy, she develops and evaluates movement competency interventions while championing evidence-based approaches to enhance physical activity experiences for young people through collaborative research-practice partnerships.