Sunderland, ENGLAND – Will Royall, a University of Hartford alum and former member of the men's soccer team, has recently taken on the role of Sunderland AFC's head fitness coach.

Royall left Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2009 to take on the role as the head fitness coach for Sunderland AFC, one of the world's top football programs. Royall plays a key role in the preparation of the players prior to matches, both on and off the field.

Specifically, Royall oversees the conditioning of the first-team squad, including personalized plans for each player to ensure that all of their needs are met and to make sure each player approaches upcoming games in the best possible way. Additionally, he is involved with installing personalized nutrition and hydration programs both before and after games as well as assuring that players follow proper post-game recovery procedures.

Sunderland AFC is an English professional association club that competes in the Premier League. Since its formation in 1879, the club has won six First Division titles and has captured the FA Cup twice.

Royall was a four-year member of the men's soccer team from 1990-93. During his tenure with the Hawks, Royall saw action in 51 games, making 30 starts, and recorded 10 points on three goals and four assists. The midfielder put up career-best numbers during his final stint at Hartford when he scored a pair of goals and dished out three assists in the 1993 season. Royall graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in English literature.