PERFORMANCE HABITS

"People do not decide their futures; they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures"

What is it?

Performance Habits is a six-week clinically-proven programme designed specifically to help elite academy footballers optimise their mental wellbeing and performance by maintaining healthy routines and schedules.

Find out more

THE PROBLEM

Transition into elite-level sport can expose young athletes to risk factors that affect mental wellbeing and performance

38% of active players have experienced symptoms of poor mental wellbeing (FIFPRO) but stigma, fear of deselection and being seen to be 'mentally weak' means problems are rarely reported

Proactive programmes are needed to help elite young footballers develop the skills to stay well, handle setbacks, and build mental resilience early in their careers

THE PROBLEM

Transition into elite-level sport can expose young athletes to risk factors that affect mental wellbeing and performance

38% of active players have experienced symptoms of poor mental wellbeing (FIFPRO) but stigma, fear of deselection and being seen to be 'mentally weak' means problems are rarely reported

Proactive programmes are needed to help elite young footballers develop the skills to stay well, handle setbacks, and build mental resilience early in their careers

The Performance Habits Solution

Guided self help, overcoming stigma

Players receive an eManual and journal and work through a 5-step programme over a 6 week period.

Tailored specifically for elite academy footballers

Focus on developing healthy habits and problem-solving skills to tackle the challenges in the transition to elite sport that can affect mood & performance.

By footballers, for footballers

Support and guidance is provided in 6-8 one-to-one phone calls by our trained behavioural coaches who are current or ex-pro footballers.

Evidence-based

Clinically-proven approach, developed by world-leading academics and clinicians in partnership with current Cat 1 academy players, with funding provided by Movember.

PLAYER PERSPECTIVES

Alex Cairns

First-team goalkeeper, Leeds Utd

“It can be a lonely place, sometimes being in your own head a little bit and not knowing what is right and what is wrong. When things aren’t going so well, you always need something to fall back on and I think them habits and being consistent, helps you mentally get through things a lot easier."

JOE SNOWDON

Academy scholar, Leeds Utd

"It is important to have something away from football if we need to get stuff off our chests. If it can make us stress free, we can focus on our performance rather than stressing on little things that might affect it. It is brilliant speaking to those that have been in our shoes and know what it feels like."

Jovanni Sterling

Former academy scholar & Performance Habits Coach

"A programme like this supporting the players coming through is a great initiative because it is a way for the lads to keep themselves accountable, check in with themselves and focus on their habits and routines. It is a way for them to maximise their performances and their day-to-day lives, to become aware of what is working for them and what is not."