The daughter of the late England and West Brom footballer Jeff Astle has visited Lancaster, to discuss the growing links between degenerative brain disease and sport.
Dawn Astle was at the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Health, meeting students and staff, as part of the ‘Contemporary Issues’ module that students on the university's BA (Hons) Sport Coaching and Physical Education programme are completing this semester.
‘Heading in football’, ‘transgender participation in sport’ and ‘Is school PE in crisis?’ are the three mains areas being explored, with students also able to opt to research their own area of interest.
Dawn led a talk and Q&A session about the research and work of The Jeff Astle Foundation and other organisations.
Goals of The Jeff Astle Foundation are to raise awareness of brain injury in sport, work with authorities to deliver research into the links between brain injury in sport and degenerative brain disease, and to support sports people living with the effects of dementia or chronic neurological impairment.
Since the foundation was formed in 2015, increasingly studies show links between head injuries and neurodegenerative disease. New heading guidance has also been introduced across all levels of football by the sport’s authorities, and there is a trial ban in some children’s competitions and leagues.
Dawn Astle (pictured, below right) said: “I was so delighted to join Mark and the students to talk about Dad’s life, his death, and the work of The Jeff Astle Foundation.
“I hope all who attended has a better understanding now of the serious implications around head injury and repeated head impacts for not just football, but sport as a whole. We must make the game we know and love safer for everyone across all levels of the game.”
Dr Mark Christie, senior lecturer in sport at the University of Cumbria, invited Dawn to Lancaster to speak to 50 students and staff members who had come together from the university's Institute of Health bases in Cumbria and Lancashire.
Dr Christie said: “The Jeff Astle Foundation is doing incredibly work and Dawn is at the forefront of a movement happening across football and sport on this issue. We can’t thank her enough for her visit and enriching our students’ experience in this way.
“Dawn’s contribution enhances the work we are doing as a university to help inspire and equip our students and graduates with knowledge and skills, ready for the positive impact they will go on to make in their careers and communities.”
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's most memorable Morecambe moments
Meeting will rally business community together after shock Lancaster bakery closure
INTERVIEW: Award-winning festival set to celebrate Italy in Lancaster
Lancaster MP welcomes return of mobile phone coverage
INTERVIEW: Historic Heysham pub to reopen as new management aims to 'bring community together'
Traffic diverted as Lancaster quay closed for rail bridge works
Caravan fire in Morecambe spreads to two other vehicles
Morecambe's two bathing beaches receive Seaside Awards amid calls to improve water quality
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
