The players visited the University’s Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation facilities at the Luton campus to undergo pre-season testing of fitness components and injury risk screening.

Students and staff at the University carried out assessments that check for potential musculoskeletal imbalances and strength deficits as well as measures of jump ability, aerobic capacity, balance, body composition and sprint ability that complement the FA required cardiac screening.

Sports Therapy student Caitlin O'Reilly said: “We were trusted to complete the tests ourselves, whilst also being shown new techniques and pieces of equipment that we will no doubt use in the future. It felt like true practice for our development as sports therapists.”

The club will use the findings to assess and monitor their players to enhance their athletic development.

Lead Academy Physiotherapist for LTFC Academy Dan Simm said: “The data collected will go a long way to helping us keep the boys healthy during a long season. It also gives us an opportunity to chart the progress of the boys as they grow and develop. We have enjoyed a very productive partnership with the University and are keen for this to continue to develop and grow in the coming years.

“The Sports Science and Medicine team are keen to offer an innovative programme for all of our players and are grateful for the University for allowing us to use these excellent facilities in order to allow us to achieve this aim.”

Senior Lecturer in Sports Therapy at the University Dr John McCarthy said: “We are delighted to be able to open our facilities to our local football club and assist them in developing their squads physically in order to achieve optimum performance.

“It is also a brilliant opportunity for our students, giving them the chance to work with real clients and put everything they have learnt so far into practice as part of their preparation for future employment.”