Sports
Psychology
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trouble getting ‘into the zone’? Fluffing the big moments?
Choking when you need to be your best? We can help. After successful
work with individual players and teams in Lancashire and across
the North West we will show you techniques that will help you focus,
relax and achieve more in competition. It doesn’t matter
if you want to master the pitch, the course, the field, or the
court, we will help you control the mental aspects of your game.
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Steve's
work with Fleetwood Town FC
Fleetwood Town manager Micky Mellon
called for his players to exercise mental strength and concentrate
for the full
90 minutes during the club’s debut season in the Blue Square
North. Mellon has now taken this a step further by recruiting
the services of sports psychologist Steve Pope.
Sport psychology is all about matching mental strength with on-the-field
skills and body conditioning. The process is about how people overcome
confidence and the barriers that stand in the way of peak individual
and team performance.
Pope, a former solicitor in the port, brings Premiership experience
in the sports psychology field and has worked with top names from
the world of football. “I’ve worked in Scotland
with Rangers and in the Premiership with Manchester United and Tottenham
Hotspur in team settings. During my time working
at the Priory I’ve
worked individually with some legends of the game. Locally, I’m
involved with Burnley and most recently have just spent two months
with Northwich Victoria in the Conference National.
“
Although Northwich didn’t escape relegation I’d like
to think I had some input in their recent run of four wins, one draw
and a single defeat. Prior to my arrival they had only won two games
all season. With all the problems at the club – the players
hadn’t been paid for three months – I like to think I
helped their manager Andy Preece in preparing those players properly.”
The psychologist feels Fleetwood Town are already in a good position
but thinks an extra edge can be added to team performance. “I’ve
worked on many clubs over the years and the spirit at all the way
through Highbury is amazing. From a psycho-therapeutic perspective
the atmosphere at the club is first class and this goes from the
chairman through the playing staff and into rest of the club. “
Although Pope’s work concentrates on making players ready for
kick-off, it also looks at everyday factors which may affect performance. “My
work will embrace putting focus on match day readiness and building
confidence. It’s also to do with dealing with every day issues.
“
Modern sport, not just soccer, has realised participants are all
human beings. Whilst we see players on the football pitch on a Saturday
afternoon but we forget they have lives like the rest of us. This
brings the issues the rest of us face such as family problems or
finances. Part-time players also find themselves with work
problems as well. These issues can and do stand in the way of peak
performance.
“
I’m not here to give out psycho babble. I’m here
to work with Micky Mellon, his coaches and the players. The manager
introduced me at training and the lads were quite receptive. Hopefully
I can add to that by ensuring the players are prepared for every
game. It’s been shown that proper mental preparation can increase
performance by 10 to 15%. It’s all about ensuring players have
an advantage before they even step out onto the pitch.”
Micky Mellon feels any step which gives his players an advantage
is worthwhile. “The facility is there if a player needs to
realign their mind before a game. It’s totally up to
them to decide. If it helps a player just 1% then it’s worthwhile.
We are always looking at new ways of trying to get better as a football
club and if it is good enough for Premiership teams then good enough
for us. Steve will be there if the lads need him. They will know
he is available to talk about anything they want. Outside the football
they have lives and things sometimes become complicated. Steve is
there to help unravel things and if we take the benefit then it’s
a positive for the club.”
Pope worked with the team before the Stafford Rangers game and
will travel with the players to Droylsden on Saturday for Town’s
final game of the Blue Square North campaign.
Steve's
work with Fleetwood Town FC's Steve Connors
Steven Connors, Fleetwood Town’s combative midfield
player, could be forgiven for not dancing to celebrate completing
his first year at the club since his move from Bradford Park Avenue
in February 2009. Following a settled period in which he has
played some of his best football for Town, Steven is currently sidelined
with a muscle problem behind the knee which is restricting movement.
‘
I’ve been working closely with the club’s physiotherapists,
Danny Moore and Ian ‘SOS’ Liversedge, who have both been
brilliant. I’ve been doing pretty well until training last
Tuesday when it sort of went on me again, not as severe as before
but a bit of a setback. Not too sure when I’ll be back – it
depends on how it reacts.’
Steven has had plenty of opportunity to reflect on the season
and his recent good form.
‘
Obviously I’ve been in and out of the team since moving to
Fleetwood and that makes it hard to get some form. Up to the
injury, however, I had been doing well in the games I played and
showing a bit of what I can do.’
A highlight was his opening goal of the season in the New Year’s
Day victory over Southport. Immediately after scoring Town’s
first with his back post header, Connors ran to celebrate with the
club’s Sports Psychologist, Steve Pope.
‘
Popey’s been brilliant with me, and with all the lads, but
has really helped me when I’ve been short of confidence. I
took a bit of stick from the fans and obviously it gets on your mind.
Steve’s been with me all the time and helped me to put negative
thoughts to the back of my mind. In the end you can only do it for
yourself but Steve gives you ways of working on your focus and determination. He’s
been absolutely brilliant behind the scenes.’
Connors has matured a great deal of late under the wing of
Pope and manager, Micky Mellon. Rash on arrival, he collected
several
red
cards but is now calmer and building a more positive attitude.
He is in a good place to learn his trade but understands that
when he
does return to action he will need to work hard to stay in
the team. He is quick to acknowledge the exciting developments
at
the club.
‘
The squad’s getting bigger and I’ve got to do it for
myself in order to get regular chances. With Anthony Barry
signing recently, it’s getting better and better. Having
a large squad can only benefit the club. Others, such as Southport,
have smaller numbers and this may count against them over the remainder
of the season.’
Turning to the run-in, Connors was not fazed by the prospect
of playing two thirds of the matches away from Highbury.
‘
I don’t mind away games. It’s good to be at home in front
of your own crowd and on a pitch you know but with the squad that
we have our lads can perform anywhere. I’m looking forward
to it to be honest.’
Despite his recent setback, Connors remains one of the most
popular members of Town’s squad, with his cheery humour and ability
to put smiles on faces. He always finds time for the young mascots
on match days and is happy to support the club in other ways, kindly
agreeing to present medals and certificates at a Fleetwood primary
schools festival at Fleetwood Sports College on 11th March.
All
at the club will hope that as Steven’s second year
begins, he will soon be free from injury and back showing the fans
that
he is a player to watch for the future.
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