Dr Adam Grainger (PhD) has extensive applied coaching and research experience in high performance sport, particularly in team sports. As an accredited S&C Coach (NSCA CSCS), Sports Scientist (CASES HPSA), and peer reviewed author, Adam’s current working role is Head of Physical Performance and Player Wellness at Chicago Fire FC (Academy and MLS Next Pro).
Prior to joining Chicago Fire FC, Adam previously worked in professional rugby for 15 years (Saracens, London Wasps, Sale Sharks and Ulster Rugby) across a variety of sports science and athletic performance roles. In December 2017, Adam was appointed Performance Director for Hockey Ireland, leading the women’s teams to a World Cup silver medal and a successful Tokyo Olympic cycle.
Adam also recently worked for sports technology leader Kitman Labs between 2022 and 2024 as a Senior Performance Strategist, leading performance planning projects with their National Governing Body client base. Meanwhile, during his tenure at University College Dublin as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach within their Ad Astra scholarship programme, Adam supported Olympians across many sports and their League of Ireland soccer team. In October 2016, Adam was appointed Chair of the CASES Sport and Performance Division, meanwhile more recently, Adam is Chair of the CASES Conference Planning Group and Board member for ISESA. Added to this, Adam is a Fellow at CASES, an Adjunct Assistant Professor at University College Dublin and an External Examiner at Leeds Beckett University.
