Sally Needham; (Audio) Overcoming Cognitive Challenges in Sports: Insights from Neuroscience
Sally Needham, Human Development and Performance Lead at Sheffield United Academy, discusses the role of psychology and neuroscience in elite football. She emphasizes the importance of mental health and wellbeing in high-performance sports and the need for early intervention and education. Sally explains the application of polyvagal theory in understanding player behavior and the impact of child development on coaching. She also shares her own experiences and challenges in implementing neuroscience in elite sport. Overall, Sally highlights the significance of understanding the individual and promoting wellbeing in the pursuit of athletic excellence. The focus on well-being and transition in elite sport, particularly football, is not enough of a priority. There is a need for more understanding and knowledge in the football industry regarding the challenges faced by players during and after their careers. The goal is to optimize the body and brain's functioning together, emphasizing team resilience and fundamental relationships. The red zone, where individuals can experience fight, flight, or freeze responses, can impact performance and behavior in football. Self-care practices such as exercise, yoga, and nature can help manage stress and maintain well-being, but life can sometimes interfere with these practices. Understanding oneself, including thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, is crucial for players to cope with the demands of the game and life. Developing a "window of tolerance" allows players to be high performers and handle the challenges they face. Consultancy work is done to apply psychological and social principles in different contexts, such as working with vulnerable children. Various tools and strategies, such as podcasts, journaling, and relaxation techniques, are used to help players understand and manage their mental states. The integration of neuroscience and child development in football can provide a deeper understanding of player behavior and inform interventions and support systems.