Mark Atkinson

Mark Atkinson has a diverse work experience spanning various industries. Mark began their career at Deakin University as a Sports Science Researcher, where they conducted research on agility and change of direction in sport. Mark then worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for several organizations including the AFL and various Australian football clubs.

In 2012, Mark joined the Australian Institute of Fitness as a Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator, where they developed and delivered training to future personal trainers and fitness business leaders. Mark was recognized as the Victorian coach and course coordinator of the year in 2012.

Mark later transitioned to Bath Rugby, where they held multiple roles, including Strength and Conditioning Coach and Academy Performance Manager. During their time at Bath Rugby, they achieved the highest Academy category through the Academy Audit, resulting in increased funding.

Mark also served as the General Manager of Bucharest United Football Club, where they were responsible for the on-field and off-field performance and growth of the franchise. Mark successfully established best practices, developed a professional team, and implemented strategic culture and well-being initiatives.

Mark then joined England Rugby as the Manager of the Talented Developing Player Project, where they managed the national delivery of the project and implemented research and innovations across the regional academy system. Mark collaborated with research institutions and played a key role in the development and evaluation of an athlete monitoring and injury surveillance system.

In their most recent role at Sparta Science, Mark served as a Senior Performance Scientist and was later promoted to Director, Customer Outcomes, APAC | Global Research and Innovations. Mark led the technical strategy, implementation, and support of Sparta Science solutions and services, and collaborated with various departments to drive business development, customer success, and product innovation.

Throughout their career, Mark has consistently delivered results and developed innovative approaches to performance and talent development. Mark has a strong background in research and is skilled in applying data-driven insights to improve decision-making and future innovations.

Mark Atkinson obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Deakin University, which they pursued from 2008 to 2011. Following this, they completed an Honours Research Degree in Biomechanics at the same university from 2011 to 2012. Mark then attended the University of Bath from 2017 to 2021, where they obtained a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Health Research & Development. In terms of additional certifications, Mark became a Certified Customer Success Manager from SuccessHACKER in January 2023. Prior to this, they obtained certifications in Ethical Decision Making in Sport and Level 2 Anti-Doping Accreditation from the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority (ASADA) in November 2019. Mark also received a certification in Good Clinical Practice in Research from the University of Bath in March 2019. In January 2013, Mark became an Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach (Lv2) through the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA). Finally, they obtained a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE) from Aspin Group Pty Ltd in June 2012.