St Mary's University, Twickenham (SMU) alumnus Hailu Theodros is leading the physical preparation, performance, and recovery of the England Men's Senior football team during the UEFA European Championship (Euros) 2024.
Hailu completed his undergraduate degree in Sport Rehabilitation at SMU, before returning to the University to do a master’s degree in Strength and Conditioning.
Throughout his time at SMU, Hailu worked at the Chelsea FC Academy across all age groups as the Lead Athletic Development Coach.
In 2023 Hailu joined the Football Association (FA) as a Physical Performance Coach, working with the England Men’s Senior players on their physical performance.
The Euros is taking place in Germany from 14th June to 14th July, and is the primary tournament organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
The England Men’s team are looking to bring home the trophy after coming second in the previous Euros in 2021. The team lost to Italy in penalties at the final.
Speaking on Hailu’s role in the tournament SMU Associate Professor in the School of Sport Exercise and Applied Sciences Michael Ayres said, “Hailu was an outstanding student during his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at St Mary's. He was able to combine his academic studies with working in the football industry, and he went about his studies in a humble and studious way.
“It has been a privilege to observe his progress within the football industry and we’re excited to see him play an important role in the England team’s pursuit of becoming the European Champions.”