GFC Girls’ Centre of Excellence players enjoy the benefits of Sports Psychology
Gillingham Girls’ Centre of Excellence welcomed Sports Psychologist Mark Healey, of Plega Sport Psychology to their training session on Monday night, ahead of this coming Saturday’s home fixture against Norwich.The U-11’s, U-13’s, U-15’s and U-17’s each worked with Mark for fifteen to twenty minutes, breaking down into small groups and focusing on the session topic of Supportive Communication and Positive Body Language.
The session gave the girls the opportunity to think about a side of their game that can often be overlooked, but in the modern game, particularly at the development stage working towards elite level, can be immensely beneficial.
Mark outlined the importance that psychology can play in modern football, saying, "As a footballer you are in constant communication with your teammates and coaches. The way in which you communicate must be interpreted as positive and helpful, to maintain motivation, concentration and confidence within the squad. Great squads communicate in a clear and helpful way."
Centre Manager Henry Willard gave his thoughts on the session adding “It was a privilege to welcome Mark to our Centre of Excellence and get the girls thinking more about the psychological side of their game.
“Mark works with both professional and amateur athletes nationwide, and I’m delighted to be able to offer our players the opportunity to develop and enhance their game through other channels and avenues.”
“Sport psychology is fast becoming an integral part of sporting performance, particularly at elite level, and as an FA Centre of Excellence our ultimate goal is to produce elite English female players for international recognition, and to eventually compete on the world stage.”
Thank you again to Mark for running the workshop