High Performance, Medical 1 min read

Dr Jennifer Lace on Embedding Mental Health into Coaching Systems

Written by MOS Editorial Team

Published on 19 November 2024

The Ministry of Sport proudly presents an exclusive video interview with Dr Jennifer Lace, a distinguished lecturer at the Global Institute of Sport and Head of Psychology and Mental Health at the League Managers Association. With over a decade of experience working alongside elite football clubs, managers, and players, Dr Lace offers invaluable insights into embedding mental health practices within coaching frameworks.

In this engaging discussion, Dr Lace emphasises the importance of integrating psychological education into coaching systems to create a supportive environment for athletes. She discusses the evolution of mental health in professional football, touching on systematic changes like mandatory safeguarding roles and the rising emphasis on athlete wellbeing as a core component of performance.

To learn more about how coaching can shape the future of mental health in sports, watch the full interview below.

Key Highlights:

01:00 – Evolution of wellbeing in sport over the past decade
08:14 – Importance of embedding mental health education into coaching programs
12:31 – “Winning Well”: A framework for sustainable and healthy performance.
21:20 – Addressing maladaptive coping behaviours in athletes and staff.
28:05 – Early psychological development for long-term resilience.
39:23 – Stigma and challenges around mental health disclosure in sports.