Voices from our programmes
Hear from the athletes, coaches and parents involved in our sport psychology pilot programmes.
“It wasn't a presentation, it was an interaction. That made it both powerful and enjoyable.”
Our pilot programmes at a glance
Pilot programmes
4
Workshop and development sessions
15
Sports represented
4
Athlete development
Preparing with purpose and performing with confidence
What we covered
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Introduction to Sport Psychology
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Pressure Mindset
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Confidence in Critical Moments
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Performance Self-Care
What athletes developed
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Greater confidence in pressure moments.
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Practical psychological strategies to use in competition.
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Consistent preparation routines.
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Greater awareness of performance self-care.
In their words
“I loved the strategy for getting excited before a match and enjoying playing. When you enjoy the game more, you actually play better.”
“I learnt how to mentally prepare the night before competition—it's something I'll definitely use.”
“The sessions felt personally relevant, and the discussions were positive and collaborative.”
Coach education
Supporting confidence through everyday coaching
Our coach education sessions focused on creating psychologically informed environments where athletes can develop confidence, adapt to challenges and take ownership of their learning.
Coaches reflected on how their own behaviours influence athlete performance and wellbeing, alongside practical approaches they could take into training and competition.
What we covered
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Developing Flexible Thinkers
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Coaching Confidence
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Athlete Confidence and Engagement
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Psychological Safety
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Game Day Coaching Behaviours
What coaches developed
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Practical strategies to build and protect athlete confidence.
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Greater awareness of how coaching behaviours influence performance and wellbeing.
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Approaches that encourage independent thinking and ownership.
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Tools to help athletes respond positively to pressure, mistakes and setbacks.
In their words
“It wasn't a presentation, it was an interaction. That made it both powerful and enjoyable.”
“It was reassuring to see that we were already using many of the approaches discussed, while also coming away with practical tools we can immediately use in our build-up to tour.”
“I loved the 'look at the wall' strategy. It was something I could immediately see myself using with my athletes.”
Performance Parents
Supporting the person behind the performance
Our parent sessions explored the psychological demands of talent development and the important role parents play in supporting confidence, enjoyment and long-term development.
The focus was on understanding the athlete journey and recognising how everyday communication and game-day interactions can shape a young athlete’s experience.
What we covered
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Understanding the Athlete Journey
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The Developing Athlete Brain
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Becoming an Effective Game Day Parent
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Communication, Confidence and Emotional Support
What parents developed
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Greater confidence in supporting their child before, during and after competition.
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Practical strategies to create calmer, more supportive game-day experiences.
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A better understanding of how everyday interactions shape confidence, resilience and motivation.
In their words
“It's their journey, we're there to support them, not take it over.”
“I've learnt that sometimes it's simply part of the game. Some things are beyond your control, and that's okay.”
“As a parent, you feel it 100 times more than they do.”