Football is Medicine 2025

Name: Football is Medicine 2025
Start: 2025-01-14T06:00:00
End: 2025-01-16T14:00:00

Football is for All, Football is for Life

The 7th edition of the Football is Medicine conference was held on January 14–16, 2025, at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland.

FIM2025, Photos (Free to use)

Info

Event date

14.01.2025 08:00 - 16.01.2025 16:00

Event type

Congresses and conferences

Event language

English

Event accessibility

Event space is accessible for all

Event address

Liikunta, Keskussairaalantie 4
Jyväskylä 40600
Finland

Event payment

A paid event

Show location on map

Registration period

1.10.2024 - 6.1.2025

This multidisciplinary international conference will bring together researchers and practitioners to present and discuss the growing body of research on the effects of football and other team sports on health and well-being.

The conference's core themes are:

Football for all across the life span
Implementation and impact: Bridging the gap between science and practice

The core themes are intended to prompt discussions about the growing evidence showing the potential of football and other team sports in getting people of all ages and abilities to be more physically active in safe and enjoyable ways. This also aims to support healthy ageing and prevent and manage non-communicable diseases. By involving stakeholders ranging from coaches through researchers to representatives of municipalities, discussions will also revolve around opportunities and barriers to translating a large body of research evidence into practical applications.

The conference is part of the Football is Medicine platform, established by Professor Peter Krustrup and a group of colleagues in 2018. FIM is a global scientific forum organising various activities, including an annual conference, workshops, coaching courses and events. FIM has approximately 250 scholars from 22 countries on five continents researching and contributing to the generation of evidence about the health benefits of recreational sports. Learn more about the platform

Business Corner

As part of the Football is Medicine conference, the City of Jyväskylä's Business Development Services will organize a Business Corner, where conference guests will have the opportunity to learn more about Finnish start-ups and their business know-how that can be applied to the football markets. Find out more about the companies in the Business Corner in advance:

The City of Jyväskylä leads the Nordic Health, Sports and Wellbeing Ecosystem (HHub) that brings together research, businesses, experts and investors in physical activity, performance and wellbeing. The Jyväskylä International Growth project, part of the HHub ecosystem and co-funded by the European union (ERDF), will enable the Business Corner implementation and business cooperation in the Football is Medicine conference in January 2025.

Important dates

Start of abstract submissions: 12 June 2024
Deadline for abstract submissions: 30 September 2024
Acceptance of abstracts: Early November
Early bird registration: 1 October 2024 - 9 December 2024

More information

Mihaly Szerovay | Professor of Practice, University of Jyväskylä / Football Association of Finland

Johanna Ihalainen | Senior Lecturer, University of Jyväskylä

Kasper Salin | Associate Professor, University of Jyväskylä

Iiris Kolunsarka | Doctoral Researcher, University of Jyväskylä

Enni-Maria Hietavala | Senior Lecturer, University of Jyväskylä

Henri Louste | Coordinator, University of Jyväskylä

Mikko Julin | Senior Lecturer, Laurea University of Applied Sciences

Lasse Keski-Loppi | Grassroots specialist, Football Association of Finland

Mikko Huhtiniemi | Assistant Professor, University of Jyväskylä

Eero Savolainen | Doctoral Researcher, University of Jyväskylä

Elias Martikainen | Project Researcher, University of Jyväskylä

Kasper Salin | Associate Professor, University of Jyväskylä (Chair)

Peter Krustrup | Professor, University of Southern Denmark

Felipe Lobelo | Associate Professor, Emory University, Atlanta, United States

Katrine Kryger | Medical Specialist, UEFA

Susana Póvoas | Associate Professor, University of Maia, Portugal

Magni Mohr | Professor, University of the Faroe Islands

Mihaly Szerovay | Professor of Practice, University of Jyväskylä / Football Association of Finland

Johanna Ihalainen | Senior Lecturer, University of Jyväskylä

Enni-Maria Hietavala | Senior Lecturer, University of Jyväskylä

Mikko Huhtiniemi | Assistant Professor, University of Jyväskylä

Malte Nejst Larsen | Assistant Professor, University of Southern Denmark

Paula Carroll | Senior Lecturer, South East Technological University, Ireland

Iiris Kolunsarka | Doctoral Researcher, University of Jyväskylä

Mikko Julin | Senior Lecturer, Laurea University of Applied Sciences

Travel to Jyväskylä

Facilities and services

Maps and visitor information

Add to calendar

Call for papers

Abstract information

The Call for Abstracts is closed

The Organising and Scientific Committees of the 7th Football is Medicine Conference invite scholars, students, coaches, practitioners in sport clubs, physical education teachers, physicians, and providers in the sport service chain to submit abstracts that explore the conference’s core themes (1) Football for all across the life span and (2) Implementation and impact: Bridging the gap between science and practice.

We welcome presentations on academic studies as well as best practices related to these main themes, but we also encourage contributions from a wide range of topics and contexts related to football and other team sports. Early career researchers are invited to submit abstracts as well. Further, we hope football practitioners in different roles across all football formats will share their experiences and good practices.

Abstracts must be written in English and submitted via the Kongressi online platform. You need to provide the following details:

Title
Contributor names and affiliations
Preference for an oral presentation (10 minutes), pitch oral presentation (4 minutes) or symposium (approx. 75 minutes). A symposium is a session delivered by 3-6 participants on a certain topic or theme.
A 200-word (oral/ pitch oral) or 400-word (symposium) abstract
Positioning the abstract along five categories, selecting a maximum of 2 areas per category. If none of these apply, select ‘Other’.

Life span |What stage(s) of life does your paper focus on?
children; youth; adult; senior; other
Approach |What perspectives and/or design inform your research?
physiological; psychological; social; cognitive; management; implementation; intervention; piloting new activities; other
Objective | What are the goals of the football activities you are studying?
prevention; treatment; rehabilitation; performance; other
Context | In what setting does your study take place?
special population; recreational; competitive; elite; other
Type | Will you present an academic paper or a practical case?
scientific; best practice

If you submit a scientific abstract, please follow this structure:

Background and relevance of the study
Purpose
A brief description of the methods used
A summary of the results obtained
A discussion / conclusion
Potential practical implications

If you submit a best practice abstract, please structure your text as shown below. Best practice papers highlight and present good practices, new solutions and answers to various themes or questions.

The context and relevance of the case or project
Purpose and target group of the case
A brief description of the case
Discussion and learning points

If you submit an abstract for a symposium, please follow these procedures.

A symposium is a lecture room or practical session organised and delivered by 3-6 researchers or practitioners on a certain topic or theme.
It is scheduled for approx. 75 minutes. One possible structure of the symposium: The Chair of the symposium introduces the symposium background and theme (15 min), three presenters each have 15 minutes to present, and, in the end, the Chair leads an open discussion (15 min).
Please submit the entire symposium by preparing a 400-word overarching abstract summarising the proposed topic’s nature and significance, as well as providing a preliminary structure for the symposium, a brief description of each talk, and name of presenters.
If you're interested in the symposium, please feel free to contact the conference coordinator (footballismedicine2025@jyu.fi) for more information.

Please note:

The Scientific Committee reserves the right to decide on the presentation type and suitable session for the talk. There will be no opportunity to present remotely/virtually in as the conference is held fully on-site.

To get the abstract published in the abstract book, the participant is required to pay the registration fee and participate in the on-site conference.

Submit your abstract (click here)

The receipt of your abstract submission will be confirmed by e-mail.

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Henri Louste
Conference Coordinator
footballismedicine2025@jyu.fi

Kasper Salin
Scientific Committee Chair
kasper.j.salin@jyu.fi

Mihaly Szerovay
Conference Chair
mihaly.m.szerovay@jyu.fi

Call for Abstracts, Football is Medicine 2025.pdf

Programme

Conference programme

FIM 2025 Programme at a glance.pdf

FIM 2025 Detailed programme.pdf

Tiistai 14. tammikuuta / Tuesday 14 January

Koko päivä on Englannin kielellä / All sessions are held in English

10:00–14:45 | Kuntojalkapallokoulutus seurojen ohjaajille/ Football Fitness course for sport club instructors (Jyväskylä Steiner School & Vehkahalli football hall)

Professori Peter Krustrupin vetämä koulutus järjestetään seurojen edustajille osana Suomen Palloliiton Kuntofutis-hanketta. Tilaisuus on avoin myös kaikille muille konferenssin osallistujille. / The course, taught by professor Peter Krustrup, is organised for club representatives as part of the FA of Finland’s Recreational Football project. The event is also open to all other conference participants.

Kokoontuminen / Meeting point: In front of Jyväskylä Steiner School (Wilhelm Schildtin katu 2, 40720 Jyväskylä). Please also see our website for the map. Click “Venue”.

Lounas n. klo 12.00 / Lunch approx. at 12.00 (Ravintola Ykkönen)

Koulutuksen jälkeen siirrytään Liikunta rakennukseen, jossa ohjelma jatkuu. Sovitaan yhteiskyydit osallistujille Gradiasta Liikuntaan. Mahdollisuus käydä suihkussa Gradialla tai Liikunnalla. / Transfer from Gradia to Liikunta building. We will organise a ride to Liikunta for everyone. Opportunity to take a shower in Gradia or at Liikunta.

15:15–16.00 Kahvitauko / Coffee and refreshments

PLEASE NOTE -> Paikka/ Location: Liikunta building (Kolmas kerros / 3^rd floor)

16:00–17:00 Paneelikeskustelu: Hyvät käytännöt ikääntyneiden harrastejalkapallon toteuttamisessa: eri sidosryhmien rooli / Panel discussion: Good practices in recreational football implementation for elder age groups: Role of different stakeholders

Paikka / Location: Liikunta building (L304)

Paneelin vetäjä/ Chair: Mikko Huhtiniemi |Apulaisprofessori / Associate professor

Paneelin jäsenet/ Speakers:

Hanna Valkeinen |Asiantuntija, Ikäinstituutti / Expert, Age Institute, Finland

Paula Carroll | Yliopistonlehtori / Senior Lecturer, South East Technological University, Ireland

Leena Lassila |Liikuntasektorin edustaja / Sport sector representative

Stephen Clark |Liikuntakasvatuksen asiantuntija / Sports education and Development specialist

17:00–17:45 Keynote puheenvuoro: Työkalut liikunta- ja terveysinterventioiden väestötason terveysvaikutusten laajentamiseen / Keynote speech: Implementation science tools to expand the population health impact of sports and health interventions

Associate Professor Felipe Lobelo (Hubert Department of Global Health & Rollin School of Public Health, Emory University, United States)

Paikka / Location: Liikunta building (L304)

Yhteenveto: Implementaatiotieteellä on keskeinen rooli näyttöön perustuvien "Jalkapallo on lääkettä" (FIM) -ohjelmien skaalautuvuuden parantamisessa. Noudattamalla tehokkaita toimeenpanostrategioita voidaan varmistaa, että nämä ohjelmat mukautuvat erilaisten yhteisöjen konteksteihin, mikä maksimoi niiden vaikutukset kansanterveyteen. Implementaatiotiede tarjoaa näyttöön perustuvia malleja, jotka ohjaavat FIM:n integrointia olemassa oleviin alueellisiin terveys- ja koulutusjärjestelmiin arvioimalla systemaattisesti prosesseja, tuloksia ja esteitä. Tämä lähestymistapa edistää paitsi kestävää kehitystä myös laajempaa osallistumista ja sitoutumista, mikä lopulta johtaa parempiin terveysvaikutuksiin ja yhteiskunnallisiin hyötyihin yhteisöissä.

Summary: Implementation science plays a critical role in enhancing the scalability of evidence-based football is medicine (FIM) programs. Following effective implementation strategies can ensure these programs are adapted to diverse community contexts, maximizing their impact on public health. By systematically evaluating processes, outcomes, and barriers, implementation science provides evidence-based frameworks that guide the integration of FIM into existing regional health and education systems. This approach not only fosters sustainability but also promotes broader participation and engagement, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and social benefits within communities.

19:30-21:30 Local futsal derby

Paikka / Location: Monitoimitalo

Jyväskylän paikallispeli #derbyjkl on tapahtumana perinteinen Futsal-Liigan vetonaula. Moninkertainen Suomen mestari Kampuksen Dynamo isännöi ottelussa Jyväskylän yliopiston liikuntatieteellisen tiedekunnan omaa ylpeyttä Liikunnan Riemua, ja tunnelma on varmasti tälläkin kertaa tärkeässä ottelussa huipussaan. Syksyllä Riemun vastaavassa kotipelissä nähtiin tuhatpäinen yleisö./

The Jyväskylä local derby #derbyjkl is a traditional highlight of the Futsal League. Multiple Finnish champion Kampuksen Dynamo hosts the match against the pride of the University of Jyväskylä's Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Liikunnan Riemu. The atmosphere is sure to be electric in this important match. In the corresponding home game for Riemu in the fall, a crowd of a thousand was in attendance.

Wednesday 15.1.2025
9.00	Conference opening
9.30	Keynote \| Katrine Kryger
10.15	Coffee break & Business corner
11:00	Parallel sessions \| Symposia
12.15	Lunch (Syke, Lozzi, Ilokivi)
13.45	Parallel sessions \| Pitch oral, Best practices, Symposium
15.00	Invited speakers \| Christiana Schallhorn, Johanna Ihalainen
15.45	Coffee break & Business corner
16.15	Keynote \| Maysa Vieira de Sousa
17.15	Self-organised ball games
19.00	Conference dinner (Ilokivi Venue)

Thursday 16.1.2025
9.00	Parallel sessions \| Oral presentations
10.00	Coffee break
10.30	Parallel sessions \| Oral presentations
11.30	Keynote \| Peter Krustrup
12.15	Closing session
12.30	Lunch (Syke, Lozzi, Ilokivi)
14.00	Snow football

Small changes to the programme are possible.

FIM2025 Programme at a glance

Speakers

Keynote speakers

University of Southern Denmark

ResearchGate profile

Football as Prevention and Treatment – past, present and future.

The beneficial impact of recreational football has been investigated for 20 years now. It has been revealed that small-sided drills and games are an effective multicomponent type of physical activity that combines endurance training, high-intensity interval training and strength training, and it is fun and social, too. Along the years, we have concluded that football training can be used as multi-facetted prevention (2010) and treatment (2014) for non-communicable diseases and that football is medicine (2018). On that basis we formed the international Football is Medicine platform (2018) to promote Football for Global Health Promotion. Our research has been used to develop and implement evidence-based recreational football concepts for participants across the lifespan and across the globe, like Football Fitness, 11 for Health, FIT FIRST, Football for the Heart and FC Prostate. We are currently comparing football training, as a non-pharmacological treatment, against pharmacological treatment of hypertension, pre-diabetes, sarcopenia, osteopenia, and we are investigating to what extent football can slow biological ageing. There is a growing number of projects that highlight the social benefits of participating in football, too. Where are we right now and what are the next steps to take in relation to Football as Prevention and Treatment?

Sports nutrition researcher, Karolinska Institutet & University of Sao Paulo

ResearchGate profile

Combining recreational sports training and diet in the treatment of diabetes

Diabetes is the most prevalent diseases in the world with high rates of comorbidities and mortality, triggered by genetic and environmental factors, such as the adoption of a lifestyle with excessive caloric intake, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, among others. Sedentary lifestyle and inadequate nutrition increase oxidative stress favouring the inflammation state and insulin resistance, alter contractile functions of the muscle and aerobic capacity, decreasing mitochondrial function, leading to muscle frailty and atrophy, among other complications of type 2 diabetes. Thus, by means of less costly treatment strategies as changes in lifestyle, we show some regulatory aspects by which regular practice of physical exercises associated with a moderate calorie restriction diet can influence the hormonal responses; the reduction of cardiometabolic risk factors; and the expression of genes that contribute to prevention of atrophy.

Hubert Department of Global Health & Rollin School of Public Health, Emory University

ResearchGate profile

Implementation science tools to expand the population health impact of sports and health interventions

Implementation science plays a critical role in enhancing the scalability of evidence-based football is medicine (FIM) programs. Following effective implementation strategies can ensure these programs are adapted to diverse community contexts, maximizing their impact on public health. By systematically evaluating processes, outcomes, and barriers, implementation science provides evidence-based frameworks that guide the integration of FIM into existing regional health and education systems. This approach not only fosters sustainability but also promotes broader participation and engagement, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and social benefits within communities

Medical Specialist, UEFA

ResearchGate profile

Women’s football - how we make the traditional football environment more inclusive

Women’s football has in recent years seen a tremendous growth in participation across all levels of the game. Clubs are, therefore, introducing women’s and girls’ football teams and expand the number of teams. However, a simply ‘copy-paste’ of the methods applied for the men and boys may not always be a satisfactory solution for women. This keynote and following conversation will cover reflections based on both research and lived experiences gathered from practitioners from women’s football on key considerations for women and girls in the football environment including factors such as kit, footwear and facilities.

Invited speakers

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

ResearchGate profile

More than a Game: The Social and Cultural Impact of Football on Fans

Football is more than a game; it represents a social and cultural phenomenon. In particular, major international football events bring together people of different genders, ages and nationalities. Public viewing events foster community spirit, while the inclusivity and authenticity of women’s football highlight its unique appeal. The sport disrupts daily routines and creates opportunities for shared experiences, acting as a global connector. By examining fan motivations and gender dynamics, football emerges not only as a source of entertainment but also as a reflection of shared values and identities. Its unifying power demonstrates that football is for all and for life.

Sport Scientist Senior Lecturer, University of Jyväskylä

ResearchGate profile

Health monitoring in female football

This presentation addresses the importance of monitoring female health in female soccer players, focusing on the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraception. Monitoring these cycles is critical to recognizing patterns, alleviating symptoms and addressing issues related to low energy availability, overtraining and stress. The presentation emphasizes the need to educate athletes, coaches and multidisciplinary health teams to effectively utilize female health data. Practical approaches to monitoring in practice will be suggested, aimed at improving athlete care and ultimately enhancing performance and overall well-being.

Registration

Registration is closed.

Participation fees

VAT 0%

Regular participant, early-bird	250€
Regular participant, normal	300€
Participant co-organiser and collaborator, early-bird	150€
Participant co-organiser and collaborator, normal	200€
Student / PhD Student, early-bird	100€
Student / PhD Student, normal	150€
Only stakeholder day (January 14th)	70€

The participation fee includes the conference program, lunches and coffees.

Conference dinner (15th January evening) 70€

Note:

For their speech to be included in the academic programme, accepted speakers must register for the conference by December 9th, 2024, at the latest.

The invitation letter can be sent only to a person whose abstract has been accepted.

The registration fee (0€) for JYU Staff (Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences) does NOT include lunches and the maximum number of participants in this category is 20.

Venue

Conference venues

Main conference location: Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences (Liikunta building, aka L-building). The information desk is in Liikunta, learn more here: The Liikunta building.
Football Fitness course for sport club instructors (14 Jan at 10.00-14.45) Jyväskylä Steiner School & Vehkahalli football hall. The meeting point is in front of Jyväskylä Steiner School (Wilhelm Schildtin katu 2, 40720 Jyväskylä).

Course participants will be provided lunch in Gradia (building next to Steiner School, included in the registration)
Please note that Vehkahalli football hall is an air dome and not heated, so please wear proper clothing. The temperature can be around zero degrees Celsius. There is an opportunity to have a shower afterwards.
If you take part in the course, it is fine to pick up your conference badge at Liikunta in the afternoon where the programme continues.
Distances in Jyväskylä are short and mostly within walking distance (approx 2. km from the centre to the university and Steiner School). For public transport, click here.
Parking at the conference venues
- Jyväskylä Steiner School: You can park for free. There will be no parking control that day, so you may use any available free parking spaces. Please also see the map above.
- Liikunta: You need the eParking application to park on campus (More information). Please note that parking spaces are limited, and parking is subject to a fee.
Conference guests can enjoy lunch at any of the following three restaurants, all of which are located in the immediate vicinity of the conference venue:
The futsal derby Kampuksen Dynamo - Liikunnan Riemu will be played on Tuesday at 7:30 PM at Monitoimitalo.

Accommodation

Accommodation discount codes

When booking accommodation, please use the following discount codes for local hotels:

Finland Hotel Alba Booking code: FIM2025

contact: info@hotellialba.fi OR phone: +35814636311

Accommodation prices from January 12th to 18th

Single standard 100€ / night
Twin standard 122€ / night
Single economy 97€ / night
Single superior 111€ / night
Jr Suite with Sauna single use 163€ / night
Jr Suite with Sauna twin use 183€ / night

Urban Hotel Verso Booking code: FIM2025

contact info@hotelliverso.fi OR phone: +35814333999

Accommodation prices from January 13th to 16th

Standard, 1 person 120€ / night & 2 people 135€ / night
Superior, 1 person 135€ / night & 2 people 150€ / night

Greenstar Hotel Booking code: FIM2025

contact: jyvaskyla@greenstar.fi OR phone +358 10 423 9391

Accommodation prices from January 14th to 16th

Standard 1 person 84€/night & 2 people 96€ / night
Standard 2 people + additional bed 108€ / night

All prices include VAT. You can find more information about the hotels and other accommodations information from the link "accommodations" below.

Accommodation options in Jyväskylä

Travel to Jyväskylä

Football is Medicine 2025

Business Corner

Important dates

More information

Local Organising Committee

Scientific Committee

Conference contact information

Add to calendar

Abstract information

Abstract guidelines

Conference programme

Stakeholder day / Sidosryhmäpäivä (14 January)

Conference schedule (15-16 January)

FIM2025 Programme at a glance

Keynote speakers

Professor Peter Krustrup

Dr. Maysa Vieira de Sousa

Associate Professor Felipe Lobelo

Dr. Katrine Kryger

Invited speakers

Professor Christiana Schallhorn

Dr. Johanna Ihalainen

Registration is closed.

Participation fees

Conference venues

Accommodation discount codes

When booking accommodation, please use the following discount codes for local hotels:

Finland Hotel Alba Booking code: FIM2025

Urban Hotel Verso Booking code: FIM2025

Greenstar Hotel Booking code: FIM2025