Royal Lancers participate in sport and exercise science experience day at LJMU

Around 60 members of the British Army recently took part in a sport and exercise science experience day at LJMU.

They participated in a series of mini lectures focused on sport nutrition, physiology and biomechanics, before visiting the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences teaching labs to gain insight into the world-leading research being undertaken by staff and students.

Dr Gus Ryrie, LJMU's Armed Forces Champion and a Senior Lecturer in Sport Coaching, put together the programme of events with Professor of Engagement and Learning, Zoe Knowles, for the personnel from The Royal Lancers - a regiment of the Royal Armoured Corps. The activity forms part of the university’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and was supported by undergraduate and postgraduate placement students.

Gus said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for us to open our doors to these military personnel, to show them something a bit different from their day-to-day duties and for them to enjoy the learning experience.

“Many of our academics have decades of experience working with military and defence organisations, applying the same approaches they utilise when working with elite athletes, to better understand and support the wellbeing and performance of those working in the Armed Forces.

“Our experts have undertaken a range of studies to investigate the impact that intense training and operational deployment can have on soldiers, from immune health, to heat strain and stress fractures.

“It was brilliant to share these findings with members of The Royal Lancers while understanding more about their challenges, sharing knowledge and exploring opportunities for future research collaborations here in our world-class facilities.”

The lectures and practical were a rare insight into elite-level performance and nutrition. By the end of the day, B SQN of The Royal Lancers had gained valuable knowledge that would not only improve their fitness and operational readiness but also contribute to their long-term health and resilience. 

The event was a perfect example of collaboration between the military and academia, fostering greater understanding and performance, and underpins the university’s dedication to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Lieutenant George Wallington, Troop Leader B Squadron The Royal Lancers

50 years of Sport and Exercise Sciences

In 2025, LJMU marks 50 years since the introduction of the world’s first BSc (Hons) degree in sports science. LJMU played a vital role in developing the discipline which remains one of the university’s key strengths. Find out more about 50 years of sport science.

LJMU’s support for the Armed Forces community

Since signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2021, LJMU has appointed its first Armed Forces Champion and formed a cross-university Armed Forces Steering Group, which brings together colleagues across all factions of the university to drive forwards everything from research to HR policy development, all with the aim of better supporting students and staff from the Armed Forces community and creating positive change for the community across the UK.

In August 2024, LJMU was awarded gold status under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in acknowledgement of the work being undertaken in support of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Find out more about LJMU’s pledge to the Armed Forces community.