UEW Lecturer Wins Grant to Study Young Footballers Abroad
Dr. Richard Samuel Kwadwo Abieraba, a lecturer at the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports (HPERS), University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has secured a competitive research grant to undertake a study stay at the Department of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise, University of Münster, Germany.
The research stay forms part of an international academic collaboration aimed at advancing interdisciplinary research in sports science and cognitive performance between the two institutions.
Dr. Abieraba’s project, titled “Investigating the Impact of Cognitive Small-Sided Games on Cognitive Flexibility in Young Footballers,” explores the intersection of cognitive science and sports training. The study focuses on assessing how a structured six-week Cognitive Small-Sided Game (CSSG) intervention can influence the cognitive flexibility of adolescent footballers aged 17 to 18 years.
The innovative research examines whether integrating cognitive challenges such as dynamic rule changes, decision-making cues and multi-tasking demands within football drills can enhance players’ adaptability and decision-making skills during play. By embedding cognitive tasks into traditional football training, Dr. Abieraba seeks to uncover new insights into how cognitive enrichment affects executive functioning, particularly cognitive flexibility.
The study’s overarching goal is to generate empirical evidence supporting the integration of cognitive training principles into conventional sports practice. It is expected to contribute to the understanding of how sport-specific cognitive interventions can optimise both cognitive and performance outcomes in youth football.
Speaking on his selection, Dr. Abieraba expressed appreciation to the University of Education, Winneba and the University of Münster, Germany for their supportive academic environment and commitment to advancing applied research in sports and exercise science. He noted that the research stay in Germany would provide fruitful opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaborative enquiry and the development of evidence-based training methodologies for young athletes.
Dr. Abieraba’s achievement reflects UEW’s growing international research profile and its dedication to fostering innovative scholarship that bridges theory and practice across disciplines.
The University of Education, Winneba continues to celebrate and support faculty members who secure international research opportunities that align with its mission of producing globally competitive educators and researchers.
