Oliver Mercer
Chorley,Lancashire
Summary
A professional with over a decade’s experience providing holistic, specific support to athletes of all ages and experience. I am a proactive, energetic, passionate coach, taking pride in giving the best support possible to everyone I work with.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Lead Academy Sports Scientist
Bolton Wanderers FC
Bolton
2024.10 - 2026.03
- Individualised PDP & YDP plans using Valid testing, biomechanics, ILP targets, injury history, biological maturation and more.
- Created daily, weekly & monthly GPS reports on all U18s players. Informing training loads and rehab for coaches and physios.
- Delivered specific, engaging pitch/gym sessions to U15-U21 groups.
- Learned how to flexibly operate in a successful, full-time PDP/YDP environment within an MDT, across the 5 oldest academy age groups.
Lead YDP S&C Coach
Blackpool FC
2021.10 - 2024.01
- YDP: Managed gym schedule, testing, and LTAD plans for all 12–16-year-old academy players. Conducting frequent performance reviews using this information..
- Developed engaging, challenging gym/pitch sessions, tracked completed sessions.
- U18s: Managed programmes, GPS, prehab and warm-ups, full time for training and matches.
Lead Lecturer in Strength & Conditioning
Myerscough College
2022.10 - 2023.08
- Teaching and assessing advanced S&C modules to 18–22-year-old University students.
- Leading Level 4-6 practical’s while coaching the Myerscough Rugby League teams S&C.
- Organisation, research, marking assignments and practicals, developing presentations with the most modern research in our profession.
Academy Fitness Testing Officer
Premier League Pro Football Support
2021.12 - 2022.10
- Testing EPL & Cat 1 academy players, at Manchester City, Liverpool FC, Everton and more.
- Assessing acceleration, COD, CMJ & VO, Max from U9 – U21s.
- Learned how to conduct efficient, high standard EPL testing procedures.
Women’s Academy Lead S&C Coach
Wigan Warriors
2022.01 - 2022.09
- Experienced the Women’s Super League. Testing, preparing and delivering LTAD plans in the academy.
- Assisted the S&C training for Women’s First Team and shadowed the Men’s Academy.
- Developed a deeper knowledge of female athlete physiology; accommodating for this in micro/meso/macrocyles.
Self Employed S&C Coach / PT
Oli Mercer PT
2017.07 - 2021.01
- 1200+ hours of tailored, bespoke 1-1 and small group private training.
- Delivered Plyo/Speed workshop & a 3 weekend Olympic Lifting workshop based on UKSCA/BWL frameworks.
- Improved my coaching style, organisation skills, consistent time management habits and more.
Wigan - Inspire - Gym & Sport Coach
Wigan & Inspire Youth Zone’s
2016.03 - 2024.02
- Early S&C experience with small group sessions with young people.
- Developed coaching cues over 8 years of weekly coaching experience.
- Trained 7 staff members, managed gym, CPD in safeguarding and first aid.
Education
MSc - Strength and Conditioning
Loughborough University
2020.01 - 2021.01
BSc - Strength & Conditioning
University of Central Lancashire
2014.01 - 2017.01
Skills
- A consistent, proactive, realistic, positive attitude
- Programming experience in force development, plyometric, weightlifting & running skills
- Experienced with Vald, Statsports, Excel, Powerpoint and Microsoft Word
- Experience of PMA & Cat 1 academy football
Websites
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Certification
UKSCA:
- 2020/2021 S&C Football Conferences
- Speed, Agility & Plyometrics Workshop
British Weightlifting:
- Level 2 Instructing
- Level 2 Coaching
Sports Coach UK:
- Safeguarding & Protecting Children
- Behaviour Approach Training
The FA:
- The Safeguarding Children Course
- Prevent Training
- First Aid
- Defibrillator Training
Fitness Leisure Management:
- Level 3 Personal Training
- Level 2 Instructing Exercise & Fitness
VOLUNTARY S&C EXPERIENCE
- Chorley Ladies FC, First Team & U18s, S&C Coach, 2019-07, 2020-04, Provided 1-1 and team training plus advice to youth and senior players, Led warm-ups, cool downs, testing, conditioning drills and rehab plans on training and match days
- Chorley FC U18s, S&C Coach, 2016-06, 2017-04, Field based S&C, created individual diet plans for 16 players, Led warm-ups, cool downs and testing. Working closely with 3 UEFA B Pro Coaches
Early Work Placements | 2014-2016
- S&C Coach - Manchester International Football Academy | 09/2016
- Bolton Wanderers FC U18s, Academy | 09/2015
- S&C Lead - NL Evolution Overseas Football Academy: 01/2015 - 02/2015
- Manager / S&C Coach – UCLan SU 11 a-side Football Team: 09/2014 - 05/2016
- Assistant Coach – Astley & Buckshaw FC: 04/2014 - 08/2014
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead Academy Sports Scientist
Bolton Wanderers FC
2024.10 - 2026.03
Lead Lecturer in Strength & Conditioning
Myerscough College
2022.10 - 2023.08
Women’s Academy Lead S&C Coach
Wigan Warriors
2022.01 - 2022.09
Academy Fitness Testing Officer
Premier League Pro Football Support
2021.12 - 2022.10
Lead YDP S&C Coach
Blackpool FC
2021.10 - 2024.01
MSc - Strength and Conditioning
Loughborough University
2020.01 - 2021.01
Self Employed S&C Coach / PT
Oli Mercer PT
2017.07 - 2021.01
Wigan - Inspire - Gym & Sport Coach
Wigan & Inspire Youth Zone’s
2016.03 - 2024.02
BSc - Strength & Conditioning
University of Central Lancashire
2014.01 - 2017.01