Researchers from the university’s Center for Education, Health and Wellbeing will work with Wolves’ academy to introduce and implement cutting-edge virtual reality and data-driven analysis.

The project will be led by Associate Professor Ross Cloak and Professor Andrew Lane and will focus on immersive simulations with the aim of improving players’ physical, tactical and technical skills.

In more detail, the technology will be used to improve important gaming metrics such as player reaction times, decision-making skills and cognitive responses under pressure.

Dr Cloak said: “This collaboration illustrates the University of Wolverhampton’s commitment to cutting-edge, impactful research that benefits athletes and the wider scientific community.

“Working closely with Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club and Rezzil, we are positioning our researchers to push the boundaries of sports science, bringing together data that will offer unprecedented insights into skill development, cognitive performance and injury prevention.”

Head of Research at Rezzil, Dr Greenhough added: “We are delighted to be part of this collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.

“The work we undertake together will strengthen the evidence base for virtual reality sports training, benefiting athletes and teams at all levels.

“This partnership not only allows us to leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver real, impactful insights, but it also reinforces our commitment to supporting research that pushes the boundaries of player performance and well-being.

“We are proud to play a role in supporting and encouraging collaboration that will shape the future of the field.”

PhD student Callum Taylor will be based at the club for the next three years, where he will collect data and support the ongoing project. The Wolves Academy coaching team will work closely with university researchers to refine virtual reality-based training protocols and share observations that could reshape traditional football training methods.

The initiative is a continuation of a research collaboration between the University and Wolves for more than a decade.

Stephen Gilpin, Head of Academy Performance Services at Wolves, is looking forward to a unique opportunity which he hopes will support long-term development. The club is also optimistic about its ability to discover and support new rehabilitation methods for injured players.

“This collaboration is an asset for our academy players, as it provides access to advanced VR training that improves tactical awareness, decision-making skills and introduces new rehabilitation methods,” revealed Gilipin.

“This is a unique opportunity to integrate cutting-edge technology into our performance program while benefiting from the academic expertise of the University’s research centers.

“We’re excited to see how this will improve our players’ skills and support their long-term development.”