Abstract submissions
The World Congress on Science and Football (WCSF) invites submissions presenting original research and applied practice across all codes of football for its upcoming conference in Liverpool held from 2-4 June, 2027.
Submissions can be submitted in two formats:
Scientific symposium: a coordinated session exploring a shared research theme
Free communication: oral or poster presentations of an individual research study
Congress themes
Submissions are welcomed across the following themes in football science:
Performance optimisation (e.g., training design, load monitoring, strength & conditioning)
Player health, welfare, and care (including sports medicine, rehabilitation, and football for health)
Technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence
Leadership, psychology, and culture
Coaching and pedagogy
Talent development and player pathways
Sustainability in football
Research is welcomed across all levels of the game (from grassroots to elite), all football codes, and diverse populations.
These themes reflect the evolving landscape of football science and are intended to encourage interdisciplinary contributions that advance both research and practice.
Symposium
Scientific Symposia bring together researchers and practitioners to present a coherent, high-impact exploration of a shared theme in football science.
Proposals for symposia should demonstrate clear alignment across presentations, international collaboration and relevance to both research and practice.
Format and guidelines
• Session duration: 75 minutes • Presentations: 3–4 linked presentations under a shared theme • Recommended structure: 15–20 minutes per presentation, 10–15 minutes for integrated discussion (panel and/or audience Q&A) • Symposium Chair: one designated chair (who may also present) • All speakers must be registered delegates.
Expectations
Strong symposium proposals will: • Address a clearly defined and contemporary topic in football science aligned with (one of) the congress themes • Demonstrate coherence and connection across presentations • Bring together leading or emerging researchers. Researchers should have demonstrated expertise and knowledge necessary to address the symposium topic • Reflect gender balance and international representation, i.e., presenters represent different countries • Where relevant, include insights across different football codes to encourage knowledge transfer • Engage with applied and/or interdisciplinary perspectives Symposia demonstrating clear international representation and diversity across speakers are strongly encouraged.
Submission requirements
Symposium proposals must include: 1. Symposium title and research theme 2. Overview abstract (max 250 words) This should outline: • Rationale and significance of the symposium • How the presentations are connected • Contribution to football science and practice 3. Symposium chair details: Name, affililation, and country of the chair 4. Individual presentation abstracts (max 300 words each) Each presentation should include: • Title and presenter name • A concise summary of the content and key message
Additional notes
• Each symposium should include 3–4 presentations delivered by different speakers. • All submissions will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee • The Scientific Committee may limit the number of accepted symposia to ensure programme balance. • All presenters must register by 19 April 2027 (early bird registration deadline) to confirm the symposium in the scientific programme.
Symposia proposal submission:
Download the template for the submission here
Call opens: 1 September 2026
Deadline: 15 November 2026
Send your proposal to: wcsf2027@ljmu.ac.uk
Free Communications
Free communications are delivered in either an oral or poster format on an individual research study.
Format and guidelines
Oral communication: • PowerPoint presentation (16:9 format) • 10-minute oral presentation • 5-minute chaired Q&A Poster communication: • Printed poster in portrait • 4-minute presentation • 2-minute chaired Q&A Interdisciplinary and applied research with clear practical relevance to football is strongly encouraged.
Expectations
• The research is original and has not been presented elsewhere or published or accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal at the submission deadline • The research has relevance for football and is aligned to (one of) the congress themes • Abstracts can be reviewed during the submission process, but not amended after being submitted • Presenting authors must register for the conference by 19 April 2027 (early bird registration deadline) to confirm the abstract for the scientific programme
Submission requirements
• Abstract submission must include: - Abstract title - Presenter details: name, affiliation, and country - Structured format (max 300 words): Background – Methods – Results – Conclusions – Reference(s) • Statements such as “results will be discussed” will not be accepted • Abstracts cannot contain tables, graphs, or images • Ethical approval must be stated where appropriate
Additional notes
• The first author is considered the presenting author • A presenting author may submit a maximum of two abstracts. They may appear as co-author on other abstracts • All abstracts will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee, and accepted abstracts will be allocated as either an oral or poster presentation
Abstract submission:
Call opens: 1 December 2026
Deadline: 24 January 2027
Young Investigator Award
The Young Investigator Award (YIA) recognises outstanding research contributions from early-career researchers in football science. The award aims to showcase emerging scholars whose work demonstrates scientific excellence, innovation, and clear relevance to the game.
Eligibility
Applicants must: • Be a current postgraduate research student (MRes/MPhil/PhD) or • Be within two years of completing their highest degree at the time of submission • Be the first and presenting author of the submitted abstract • Submit a Free Communication abstract per the guidelines • Indicate “Young Investigator Award” during submission.
Procedure
• YIA applicants will be shortlisted during the abstract review process • Shortlisted applicants will be judged live by an appointed panel from the Scientific Committee during the conference
Award
The winner will receive: • A formal certificate presented during the WCSF 2027 closing ceremony • Price money sponsored by Science & Medicine in Football
Review process
All abstracts will undergo peer review by the Scientific Committee and will be evaluated based on scientific quality, originality, and relevance to football science and practice. We aim to ensure that all submissions are evaluated fairly and transparently.
We recognise that differences in language proficiency, access to resources, and academic background can influence how research is communicated. Therefore, reviewers are explicitly instructed to prioritise the scientific merit of submissions over writing style or linguistic polish, particularly for authors for whom English is not a first language.
To support fairness and reduce bias, the review process will adopt bias-aware practices, including (where feasible) blinded review, clear and standardised evaluation criteria, and guidance for reviewers on inclusive and equitable assessment.
We actively encourage submissions from underrepresented groups, diverse geographical regions, and across all levels and codes of football, alongside traditional academic approaches.