We're thrilled to bring you the second edition of our special series, where we dive deeper into the world of sports technology through the eyes of our experts and partners!
In this edition of Fitogether Voices, we sit down with Charles Cullen (ASCC) , our Product/Education Director, where he shared about his journey in sports science, his experience in elite football, and how he’s helping shape the future of sports education through innovative approaches.
Q: Charles, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and what led you to your current role at Fitogether?
“Of course! I have a background in sports science with both an undergraduate and a master's degree from Liverpool John Moores University. I’ve always had a passion for working in elite sports, particularly football.
Along the way, I completed internships at clubs like Everton and West Bromwich Albion and worked with other sports like GB Basketball and England Rugby.
I secured my first full-time role when I joined Norwich City Football Club , where I spent over a decade working with the first team. I’ve always been interested in how data can inform decision-making, especially around injury prevention and performance optimization. That’s what attracted me to Fitogether — the opportunity to shape a system that helps clubs maximize the use of data to make better decisions.”
Q: You spent over 10 years at Norwich City. How did that experience shape your approach to education and product development at Fitogether?
“Working in football for so long, I learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every team, coach, and scenario is different. My role involved using data to inform training and rehab decisions, but it was also about building relationships with the coaching staff to ensure they understood how to use that data effectively.
I always try to educate people to understand that it's not just about the data. Having a GPS system and offering insights sounds great, but without a good relationship, the coaching staff might not listen or fully engage.
At Fitogether, I aim to pass on that philosophy: understand the people you’re working with, understand the system, and then use data to enhance performance. It’s about balancing the science with the art of coaching.”
Q: Ah, that’s really interesting! And how do you stay motivated and inspired in your role?
“I think when it comes to working in this industry, it’s more than just a job. It's a lifestyle. I always tell people, especially in elite sports and football, you have to love the sport you're working in. It’s not just about having a career; you need to have a passion for it. And yes - that's something I've always had!
At first, like many, I wanted to be a player, but I wasn't good enough haha. After realizing that, my goal shifted. I still wanted to be part of the industry. I think that's where my passion comes from, the desire to help as many people as I can. At Fitogether , I have the chance to impact multiple teams and practitioners, and that keeps me motivated!”
Q: What do you think are some of the biggest challenges you face in sports education today?
"I think it goes back to what I mentioned earlier. Some people may think they need a step-by-step guide—like if X happens, then you respond with Y. From an education standpoint, yes, there are many sources of information, but it's important to learn from different people, different sports, and different practitioners. So, I regularly reach out to others for help and to learn as much as I can, and that knowledge ultimately shapes my philosophy.
That’s probably one of the challenges because people often want an ultimate 'how-to' guide. But that doesn’t really exist. For example, if you're working with an under-21 team, who generally have a lower risk of injury and can tolerate more load, your approach will be different from working with a squad that has an average age of 32, who have different injury risks and load tolerance.
The other challenge is the sheer volume of data. With so much information available, it’s easy to be overwhelmed and this can lead to with analysis paralysis. My job is to help filter that data, be strategic, adding the context and focusing on the metrics that will have the most significant impact."
Q: What innovative training methods have you introduced at Fitogether, and how have they improved player development and education? Can you share any success stories that highlight this impact?
"Yes, I’ve developed a blend of educational content — both general overviews on how GPS data can be impactful and more personalized, client-focused training. I’ve done this through our technical blogs, where I share insights from my own experiences and academic research.
Along with this, I’ve also focused on giving a very individual, client-centric approach to education. I’ve had one-on-one meetings with clients to help them visualize and make the most of their data. Whether they’re using Fitogether analytics dashboard or other tools like Excel, Power BI, or Tableau, the goal is to help clients improve their systems & dashboards so that their data can have a greater impact on their day-to-day operations."
Yes, that's amazing what he works so far!
His extensive experience in sports science and genuine passion for helping teams truly stand out. It's evident that he cares deeply about the success of the teams we work with and the people behind them.
At Fitogether, we wholeheartedly believe in the power of personalized support. As Charles Cullen (ASCC) said, we prioritize one-on-one consultations with our clients. We want to ensure you not only understand your data but also know how to leverage it to enhance your team's performance effectively.
Your goals and challenges are unique, and we’re here to help you navigate them every step of the way.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your team's training and performance, why not become one of our valued clients? We’re here to provide personalized training that fits your unique needs.
