A FORMER Worcester student has a plan to get the national paintball squad to the top.
Alex Dowson graduated from Worcester University in 2016 after completing his degree in sports and exercise science, and is now assembling a team of experts to provide GB paintball squads with the strategic and technical support they need.
The 29-year-old has been working with GB Paintball for almost two years and has been appointed strength and conditioning coach.
He said: “A lot of people don’t realise that there’s a national team, a lot of people think it’s a classic outdoor hobby rather than an action sport but there’s a seriously competitive side to it.”
The fast-paced, competitive game sees teams of around five to seven players competing in specially designed arenas featuring various obstacles which provide cover for players to shoot from, giving the game strategic depth.
GB train at CPPS in Penkridge, just north of Birmingham, where many competitive events are also held.
Alex continued: “GB is up there in terms of paintballing nations. Our teams often get into quarterfinals, or the top six, and our women’s squad won a bronze medal last year while our men’s team won a silver, losing out on the gold to the USA.”
Alex has been able to use the skills he gained at university and his postgraduate studies to look at gaps in the team’s performance and help them achieve their full potential.
He explained: “I came into the team two years ago as a volunteer and they took me on full time soon after that. I look after five teams of five to seven players, taking care of their needs and working with the head coaches.
“It’s the first time that a sports science team has been formulated for paintball. I’ve recruited a sports therapist, a sports psychologist, a performance nutritionist, and even an expert in decision making.
“The team members are elite athletes and we’re going to help them get to the highest level they can.”
As well as striving to put Great Britain at the top of the table for the international game, Alex is keen to encourage more people to try their hand at the competitive sport.
Visit GBpaintball.org to find out more.
