Alex Danson-Bennett is backing the NGO and charity committed to reducing sports-related injuries in 11 to 18-year-olds after becoming Podium Analytics’ first female ambassador.
Having retired prematurely from hockey in 2020 due to the long-term impact of concussion, Danson-Bennett joins the foundation advocating for more research into the cause and effect of injury, and will support Podium in its efforts to collect data on injury and sporting activity in young people.
Danson-Bennett said: “Experiencing the consequences of a head injury first-hand has made me acutely aware of the impact injury can have on players and athletes. Aside from physical symptoms, injury can have lasting psychological impact which can lead to feelings of social exclusion at school or lead to a player feeling stripped of their identity.
“Three years on, I’m still experiencing daily symptoms. That’s why I am excited to be working with Podium to help protect young players against injury and the long-term impact it can have on their lives.”
Former F1 team boss Ron Dennis launched the foundation last September, partnering with England Hockey and other major sports with a multi-million pound investment over the next decade.
Podium Analytics has linked up with the University of Oxford to forge changes in sport and physical education and will directly address the severe lack of data relating to youth sport injury.
Podium has developed a cost-free injury insight platform which is currently being provided to schools across the UK and is designed to help teachers, coaches and sports medics log and monitor injury data.
Andy Hunt, CEO of Podium Analytics, said of Danson’s appointment: “Having experienced the devastating long-term effects of concussion, Alex has changed the way she now coaches hockey to young people.
“With our Insights Platform, we want to help hockey coaches, like Alex, to better protect and manage injury in young players so that they can continue teaching with confidence.”
