Sport performance experts at LJMU support former pro footballers

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), through its Performance Sport department and School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, has joined forces with P3RFORM to operate a key regional site in the Professional Footballers’ Association’s (PFA) RECONNECT programme. Designed to help former players manage the physical and mental transition away from full-time football.

LJMU is one of only a handful of university partners chosen by P3RFORM to join the RECONNECT fitness network as a regional provider, leveraging its expertise to deliver monthly sessions and physiotherapy triage services to former professional players.

We’re immensely proud to bring LJMU’s expertise to this impactful partnership with the PFA and P3RFORM. Delivering high-performance training and wellness services to former players is a natural extension of our commitment to innovation and excellence in sports science. This collaboration reaffirms our role as leaders in supporting athletes’ wellbeing beyond their competitive careers.

Conor Heeney, Head of LJMU's High Performance Unit

The RECONNECT programme, fully funded by the PFA and powered by the support of P3RFORM, provides tailored, evidence-based support to help former players maintain their physical health and mental wellbeing as they transition out of full-time football.

This nationwide initiative offers a structured environment for retired players to stay active, build meaningful social connections, and navigate the post-football phase.

LJMU, with its renowned sports science and performance experts, is ideally placed to lead delivery of these services, providing participants with professional guidance in high-performance training, fitness assessments, and physiotherapy.

Maheta Molango, PFA CEO, said: “It’s an opportunity for former players to connect with each other in a social environment, and to speak to the PFA to take advantage of the many services and opportunities that we provide.”

Michael Lea, PFA Accident Fund Executive, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Liverpool John Moores University and our wider partner network for their support with the delivering the RECONNECT scheme. Their facilities enable us to provide genuinely elite support to members and we’re delighted to have them involved in this project.”

Carl Wells, from P3RFORM, said: “LJMU was selected as a regional performance site by P3RFORM due to its exceptional staff and facilities. We’re confident that LJMU’s team will deliver RECONNECT sessions within the P3RFORM framework, meeting the high standards expected by recently transitioned players.”