As an accredited S&C Coach (NSCA CSCS), Sports Scientist (CASES HPSA), and peer reviewed author, Adam Grainger, PhD, arrives at Chicago Fire FC after most recently combining his Lead Academy Athletic Development role at Ulster Rugby with consultancy work at sports technology leader Kitman Labs.

Dr. Grainger (PhD) has extensive applied coaching and research experience in high performance sport, particularly in team sports. He is a Fellow at CASES (The Chartered Associated of Sport and Exercise Sciences), an Adjunct Assistant Professor at University College Dublin and an External Examiner at Leeds Beckett University.

Prior to working in Ulster Rugby, Dr. Grainger also worked in English Premiership Rugby for 12 years (Saracens, London Wasps and Sale Sharks) across a variety of sports science and athletic performance roles. In December 2017, he was appointed Performance Director for Hockey Ireland, leading the women’s team to a World Cup silver medal and a successful Tokyo Olympics cycle. Meanwhile, during his tenure at University College Dublin as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach within their Ad Astra scholarship program, he supported Olympians across many sports and their League of Ireland soccer team.

In October 2016, Dr. Grainger was appointed chair of the CASES’ Sport and Performance Division. He is chair of the CASES Conference Planning Group and Board member and Events Committee Chair for ISESA.