In this specialist tutor profile series we caught up with lead nutritionist for the UK Women’s Cricket team, Rob Naughton! Read our blog below as he answers some of our questions:
Introduction
Can you briefly describe your current role at Strength and Conditioning Education?
I am a tutor specialising in sport nutrition.
What led you into the strength and conditioning industry?
I work alongside many S&C professionals in my role as a performance nutritionist. Originally after completing my Master’s degree I was just keen to go into academia, so was applying for anything physiology based – then one popped up that was nutrition in soccer. I decided to go for it and it’s worked out well so far.
What qualifications and certifications do you hold?
– BSc Sport Science
– MSc Sport Physiology
– PhD Sport Nutrition
Can you share a bit about your career journey so far — where did you start, and how did you get to where you are now?
I originally went down the more academic route, but I was fortunate that my PhD in sport nutrition was based in a practical setting with a English Premier League club’s academy. Following the completion of my PhD I went into a career as a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Sciences at The University of Huddersfield, but I was able to also continuing working as an applied practitioner, working as an consultant with Celtic FC. A few years ago more opportunities arose within the practical space and I decided to leave academia and focus solely on my applied work. I really enjoy the flexiability of my roles and that I get to work in multiple sports – it keeps it interesting! Working with people on the ground andworking towards shared goal is what I enjoy most about the job. I would say I got here through a mix of hard work, luck and being in the right place at the right time.
What other roles have you had outside of your work with Strength and Conditioning Education?
Lead nutritionist England Women Cricket, Head of Nutrition Donegal GAA men’s Gaelic Football team, First team Nutritionist at Swansea City FC, Football Lead Consultant at INTRA Performance Group, Consultant to The Blaze Cricket Team and Northants County Cricket Team.
Approach to Coaching and Education
How would you describe your coaching philosophy or teaching style?
I like to keep things simple and practical in both. I’ve found over the course of my career that often the simple practical approach is often the most effective.
What do you enjoy most about delivering practical workshops?
Bringing the idea to life and helping an individual develop their understanding and how to apply it. And hopefully having a bit of fun.
How do you tailor your support to suit students with different learning styles or backgrounds?
I try to ensure that when giving practical examples I use a wide range of sports / scenarios to help students relate to the information I’m providing.
What common challenges do you see students face — and how do you help them overcome these?
I think a big challenges is understanding how to apply your knowledge and developing basic communication skills – this sounds easy, but I found during my time as a lecturer students can struggle with this. My advice is to seek out any experience they can working with people – even if it’s unrelated to nutrition or any aspect of sports science.
Industry Insights
What trends or changes have you noticed in the strength and conditioning field in recent years?
It would be my perception that the industry is growing – and more jobs and opportunities are available.
Are there any myths or misconceptions in the industry that you’d like to set straight?
Nothing that springs to mind – I find often it can be sport / setting specific.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in strength and conditioning?
Learn the academic basics but don’t ignore your practical skills – having any experience of working I feel gives students a real advantage.
Continuing Development and Personal Practice
How do you stay current with developments in strength and conditioning practice or sports science?
I try to keep an eye on the published literature and will look to attend a couple of conferences / workshops each year. I will listen to some podcasts of researchers/practitioners I admire to listen to different viewpoints on topics.
What are your go-to resources for professional growth?
Pubmed for research searches which get sent automatically to my email. I find using Linkedin is a useful way to get a heads up on new published research also.
Are there any particular athletes, coaches, or mentors who’ve influenced your approach?
Professor Graeme Close and Professor James Morton had a huge influence on me at the start of my career.
Highlights and Impact
Can you share a memorable success story from your work — either with a client, team, or student?
There are multiple, I think whenever I’m involved with helping an athlete return from serious injury I take a lot of pride in that. Injuries to athletes can be very cruel, and being part of a process helping them get back to what they love is immensely rewarding.
What’s been your proudest moment as a coach or educator so far?
In my career in sport, I don’t have one set moment if I’m honest – I’m very lucky that I’ve had several great experiences. Though being part of the Donegal team that won the Ulster Championship 2024 was an amazing experience – it was my first season with the team and working in Gaelic football. Seeing the impact it had on the players and supporters in person was very special. As an educator – being a PhD supervisor is a real privilege. I’m been lucky to have been involved now with four successful PhDs -each has been brilliant.
How do you measure your impact on students or athletes?
– For athletes – That is a question I often ask myself and I don’t have yet have an answer! I think it looks different for each individual if I’m honest.
– For students – I guess I would say did I increase their interest in the topic? Did I motivate them to look further into something?
Personal Side
What do you enjoy doing outside of coaching and teaching?
I love spending time with my family, I have a young son and several young nephews and a young niece. My work often takes me away from home for long periods of time, so I really treasure having play time with them. I enjoy keeping active – I enjoy running and playing 5-a-side football when possible.
If you weren’t working in strength and conditioning, what do you think you’d be doing?
Possibly teaching in school or college. I love the idea of being out in nature so I may have pursued something in the great outdoors!
Favourite lift, workout, or recovery method?
– Favourite lift: Calf raises to help keep me injury free!
– Workout: Running intervals
– Recovery method: Playing with my son and nephews and niece – always put me in a good mood and picks up my energy!
What motivates you to keep doing what you do every day?
My family first and foremost. Whilst I love what I do, it is still work – and I do it so I can provide for them. Secondly – the people I work with, helping athletes/clients/students achieve their dreams and goals is a privilege.
Nutrition for Strength and Conditioning Course
I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Strength & Conditioning Education on the creation of their brand new Nutrition for S&C Course.
> Click here for more information on the course and how to enrol <
