Ludo Rademaker is a current student on the MSc in Sprts Injuries & Return to Performance Management and a graduate of our BSc in Strength & Conditioning. Ludo is a Strength & Conditioning Coach at SPARK Athletic Centre. Below, Ludo provides an insight to his coaching journey and career.

Finding a Passion for Coaching 

“My passion for training and coaching started during my first bachelor’s in sports management,” he explained. “I had the pleasure to train and coach different groups of people, varying from youth football teams to the elderly, during sports events.” 

As a footballer himself, Ludo took an active interest in improving his performance off the pitch, dedicating extra hours to the gym. This curiosity soon developed into something deeper. 

“I became increasingly interested in improving my performance with strength training and optimising nutrition and recovery,” he said. “This passion led me to take various Personal Training courses after completing the degree. I stopped playing football and put all my energy into developing myself as a coach.” 

That same drive eventually led him to Setanta. 

“After repeatedly asking which course was next, my colleague gave me a tip about looking at Setanta,” he said. “Consequently, I started the BSc programme in S&C. This helped me to intern at a Dutch professional football club and eventually move to Kuwait to work in the largest and most advanced performance centre I have ever seen.” 

Coaching at SPARK Athletic Centre 

At SPARK, Ludo works with a wide spectrum of clients—ranging from the general population to professional athletes and individuals returning from injury. 

“We work with our own base of clients and athletes with whom we train and coach,” he said. “This ranges from recreational athletes to clients returning from injury, sedentary people, and sometimes professional athletes.” 

SPARK’s collaborative environment means Ludo can work alongside coaches with different specialisations, contributing to a rich learning environment. He’s also a member of SPARK’s performance team, where science meets real-world application. 

“We test and measure athletes in our SPARK Performance lab,” he explained. “This lab contains a variety of testing equipment, such as a complete line of VALD performance, a COSMED VO2 max testing machine, an anti-gravity treadmill, a cryo chamber, etc.” 

Whether it’s testing national-level athletes or the general public, the role is diverse and demanding—but deeply rewarding. 

Programming for Progress and Safety 

 With a wide variety of clients, Ludo takes an individualised and collaborative approach to training programme design. 

“For me, training programme adjustments always involve collaboration with the client or athlete,” he said. “It starts with my own framework and philosophy, but I need feedback and evaluation from the athlete to see how the process develops.” 

This feedback-driven approach allows for real-time modifications to prevent injury and ensure consistent progression. 

In his role, data plays a key role in tracking progress and tailoring interventions. 

“Testing and measurement are essential for me to track progress over time and see if I need to adjust the programme,” he said. “The testing and measurement process is all based on the athlete’s goal—whether it’s to improve vertical jump, muscle mass, strength imbalances, or anthropometric values.” 

Each assessment begins at intake, where Ludo develops a baseline and determines the appropriate testing battery. 

“This can vary from an anthropometry test, handgrip strength measurement, or vertical jump test,” he explained. “Always in the sequence of non-fatigue to fatigue and dependent on the stage of periodisation we are in.” 

Choosing Setanta

Ludo credits much of his coaching development to the BSc in Strength & Conditioning at Setanta College. He was drawn to the programme for its practicality, reputation, and flexibility. 

“When I decided to stop with football and focus on coaching, I constantly looked for ways to improve myself,” he said. “After looking for the next course, my colleague pointed me to Setanta. This was the ideal opportunity to develop myself further in training and coaching—and perhaps pursue a career in professional football.” 

Unlike traditional classroom-based degrees, Setanta’s blended learning format allowed Ludo to apply his knowledge in real time. 

“The most beneficial part of studying with Setanta is the direct application of knowledge within daily coaching practice,” he explained. “This was completely different from my first Bachelor’s degree. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be at the point of my coaching career that I am now without it.” 

The network of like-minded coaches has also been a highlight of his studies. 

“You meet a lot of coaches with the same goal: to be the best they can be. These interactions gave me valuable connections that benefit me throughout the rest of my coaching career.” 

Advice for Aspiring Coaches 

For those just starting out in strength and conditioning, Ludo encourages patience, humility, and a commitment to learning. 

“Don’t start for yourself right away but choose a work and/or internship where you can develop,” he advised. “Try to pull yourself up by coaches who are further in their development. Discuss and ask them as many questions as possible.” 

Looking Ahead 

For now, Ludo is focused on continuing to grow in the field and complete his MSc in Sports Injuries and Return to Play. 

“I really enjoy coaching and training, and I love the work I do. I will have to see what the future brings and in which country this will be,” he said. “Whether this will be at a professional football organisation, commercial gym, or another setting—the future will decide.”