Players: The Mental Game

Research shows that 90% of a player’s performance is mental. Eli Straw is a leading sports performance coach in the USA. View his videos: Optimistic Thinking Mental Toughness Relaxation Under Pressure Calming Your Mind Optimistic Thinking You need More Optimistic Thinking as an athlete. 7:31 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpYRN0dVGF4&t=146s Mental Toughness. 7:35 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac8OQAyYW2s&t=3s 3 […]
Parents: The Gritty Footballer

Grit is about determination, resolve, resilience, discipline, self-control, persistence and a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve important goals. Research leader Angela Duckworth defines grit as the combination of perseverance and passion for the pursuit of long-term goals. Enthusiasm is common but endurance is rare. Being gritty is hard work, but it […]
Players: Goal Setting

It is essential that you set clear goals, as your talent alone does not guarantee that you will achieve your football dream. Goals act like a road map for your football future. Goal setting is essential for several key reasons: Focus and Motivation: One of the primary benefits of goal setting is that […]
Parents: Player Mental Health

The aim of the club community wellness program is to promote and maintain the mental health and wellness of players and parents. The program has been developed in the belief that having good mental health is essential for your son/daughter to enjoy their football and achieve their potential. Mental health is a continuum that […]
Players: Achieving Your Football Dream

A talented youth footballer achieves their football dream through relentless, self-motivated training, mastering technical and tactical skills, building mental toughness, embracing sacrifices, having a strong work ethic supported by sound nutrition and lifestyle choices. Success isn’t just talent; it’s consistent, intelligent application and overcoming adversity. Here are the mental qualities you need to […]
Parents: Sport Performance Anxiety (SPA)

What is anxiety? It’s important for your son/daughter to know that it’s normal to feel anxious about their football from time to time. Anxiety is their body’s response to threats, either actual or perceived. Their breathing rate might increase, their heart might start pounding, they could feel butterflies in their stomach and they might […]
Parents: Wellbeing Maintenance

As your son’s/daughter’s No 1 supporter you are making a sustained effort to help them realise their football dream. My experience as a parent of talented footballers is that your effectiveness in supporting your son/daughter will be greatly enhanced if you work (daily) on your own wellness. By working on your own wellness, you […]
Players: Positive Self-Talk

Using Positive self-talk will act as your mental superpower that will build your confidence, sharpen your focus, boost your resilience to mistakes, and ultimately improve your performance by replacing self-doubt with self-belief. The Benefits to You of using Positive Self-Talk. Builds Confidence & Self-Esteem: Using affirmations like “I’ve got this” reinforces your belief in your […]
Players: Coachability

One of the greatest skills for success as a football player is being coachable. When a player is coachable, they consistently show: Receptiveness: Openly listening to feedback without defensiveness. Proactivity: Actively seeking out feedback rather than waiting for it. Application: Taking the advice and consistently putting it into practice to change behaviour. Humility: Recognising there’s always room […]
Parents: Parent Wellbeing Maintenance

As your son’s/daughter’s number 1 supporter you are making a sustained effort to help them realise their football dream. My experience as a parent of talented footballers is that your effectiveness in supporting your son/daughter will be greatly enhanced if you work (daily) on your own wellness. By working on your own wellness, you […]