The high intensity demands of elite soccer predispose players to recurrent episodes of acute inflammation, and during periods of frequent match play recovery time may not be adequate for the resolution of the inflammatory response. Given the link between chronic inflammation and a host of sport specific medical problems, the monitoring of blood biomarkers of inflammation in athletes may be a medical and performance objective for protecting player health, recovery and adaptation.   Dr Diarmuid Daniels (NUI GalwayInsight/Orreco PhD) undertook the first longitudinal study with Newcastle United Football Club to examine biomarkers of inflammation in the English Premier League to examine inflammation in English Premier League players and to provide strategies which may reduce inflammation during the competitive season when the ability to recover in sufficient time may be compromised.