Alumni Story: Spotlight on Joel Kearney

HSU graduate Joel Kearney studied BSc Clinical Exercise Science before progressing into elite sport performance, biomechanics and strength and conditioning. Following an MSc at LJMU, UKSCA accreditation and a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship PhD, Joel has worked with organisations including Liverpool FC, British Cycling, British Gymnastics and the FA, and is now Head of Strength & Conditioning at Championship Rugby Union side Caldy RFC.

What I did you study at HSU…

I studied BSc Clinical Exercise Science (2015-2018).

Where else have I studied/qualified…

I completed an MSc in Sport and Clinical Biomechanics at LJMU, UKSCA accreditation and in 2023 received the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship to complete a PhD in marker-less motion capture in collaboration with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

 

“…the opportunity and support in exploring a variety of topics!”

I have worked with…

I am Head of Strength & Conditioning at Championship Rugby Union side Caldy RFC and lead S&C for LJMU for our external partners such as the FA (Para), PFA and PGMOL. I have also worked with Liverpool Football Club, British Cycling, British Gymnastics. I also Lecture at St. Mary’s University Twickenham.

What helped me most from my time at HSU…

The opportunity and support in exploring a variety of topics! This was where I had my first introduction to applied biomechanics on our gait analysis module. Interning with Phill (Heritage) was also my first exposure to working with elite athletes and I have continued to amalgamate the underpinning biomechanics of performance with applied coaching.