Players: Handle Hard Better

Being able to ‘Handle Hard Better’ is a skill that separates elite players from the rest. Building mental and physical resilience is a process that can be broken down into actionable steps. Here are the steps to help you ‘Handle Hard Better.’ Reframe Your Mindset The way you perceive perceives difficulty changes how […]
Parent: 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 psychologist 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 […]
Parent: Self-Care

Helping your son/daughter achieve their football dream is a marathon, not a sprint. Practicing self-care will help you avoid the risk of ‘parental burn-out’ and enhance your ability to support your son/daughter on their football journey. What is Self-Care: Self-care is the deliberate, ongoing practice of taking actions to maintain and enhance your […]
Players: Self-Care

To perform at your best you need to practice self-Care. A talented youth football player can practice self-care through a combination of physical recovery, mental well-being strategies, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. What is Self-Care: Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health […]
Parents: The Well Rested Footballer

Research has demonstrated that sleep is paramount for a footballer to be healthy in mind and body. The Importance of Sleep for a Youth Football Player: 1. Physical Recovery and Performance Enhancement Sleep is crucial for the physical recovery of football players. During sleep, the body undergoes various physiological processes that promote healing and muscle repair. Human […]
Parents: Fuelling the Footballer

Football is a sport that demands peak physical performance. To achieve and sustain this, proper nutrition is paramount. Parents are pivotal to ensuring their son/daughter receive the right nutrients to support their performance and overall well-being. Well-planned eating practices help Football players to train hard, stay healthy and injury-free, and compete at their best. Nutritionists advise […]
Parents: Player Emotional Regulation

A Players’ emotional regulation acts as a foundational skill that directly influences their performance, decision-making, and long-term enjoyment of the sport. It helps young players manage stress, bounce back from mistakes, and maintain focus, reducing anxiety. It is a critical component of mental toughness and long-term development. Tips to help your son/daughter stay composed […]
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 […]