Ballymena United boss David Jeffrey has revealed how Strava has helped him keep fit and in virtual touch with his players during the coronavirus lockdown.
Jeffrey has used the GPS tracker to chart his own regular 5k walks, while players have also been recording their running regimes since football was suspended on March 13.
Asked how he has helped retain a sense of changing room camaraderie in recent weeks, the Sky Blues manager said: “There’s a running app called Strava.
“We were setting little targets and it was very much around making sure the players were still in touch. They weren’t training or anything, it was simply to keep them active.
“I’m 57 now and unfortunately I can’t run but I thought I’d join in with the group and make sure that at least I’m out walking.
“The biggest buzz I get is when I get a ‘kudos’ (thumbs up on Strava) from the players because they like the fact I’ve walked three or four miles or whatever else.
“The key in all of this (at this time) is treating people and seeing them much more than just a footballer or the athlete. It’s that you see them holistically as a person.
“There are things you can continue to do which are not necessarily sport related but it is about you valuing yourself as a person.
“Get yourself out, get yourself exercising and take good care of yourself. It’s surprising how all of that helps your mental and emotional wellbeing.”
