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THE BENEFITS OF MENTAL PREPARATION IN FOOTBALL

In sports, mental preparation has reached new heights and is now seen as equally important as physical training. For athletes, it has become a key factor in improving performance and managing the pressure of competition. These skills can be used throughout different stages of an athlete’s career to handle both the highs and lows more effectively.

Integrated seamlessly into the unique PSG methodology, our mental preparation program is central in our approach to developing youth players in overcoming adversity.

The PSG Academy Pro goes beyond tactical training sessions and academics. Our commitment to excellence includes building mental fortitude and strength of character to prepare them for all types of challenges on and off the field.

Expert Leadership

EMMANUEL HEUSSNER

PSG Academy Pro Mental & Resilience Coach, brings his professional tennis career and 15 years of experience as a mental coach for high-level sports to the PSG Academy Pro Residency. His expertise ensures players receive world-class guidance in mental preparation.

WHY IS MENTAL
PREPARATION ESSENTIAL?

Mental preparation is crucial for optimizing performance and managing stress during preparation, training and competitions. It helps athletes:

Football is a demanding sport, both physically and psychologically. Proper mental preparation can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. By focusing on mental resilience, athletes can:

Performance is deeply influenced by a player’s mental and emotional state.

A player’s confidence, focus, and emotional control directly impact their individual performance and, by extension, the overall level and success of the team.

HOW DOES
THE PROGRAM WORK?

The PSG Academy Pro mental development program is structured into three main components:

1

Proving that mental development is as vital a physical training.

Recognizing the direct impact of mental strength on performance.

2

Discover techniques to address common mental challenges.

Learn and cultivate the PSG mindset (values, principles of success, rules).

3

Collaborate with coaches to engage in practical exercises to apply these strategies effectively.

Integrate mental preparation techniques into training sessions.

Use specific drills to reinforce learned concepts in real-game scenarios.

Additionally, one-on-one meetings allow players to assess their mental performance, address challenges, and chart a personalized path for improvement.

 

Individual coaching sessions are available to our athletes, providing personalized guidance and coaching tailored to each young player’s unique needs (upon request).

PSG Academy coaches also undergo continuous training in mental preparation to ensure a cohesive approach.

OUR
APPROACH

At PSG Academy Pro, we focus on eliminating negative influences like fear, doubt, and external pressure, while also balancing the athlete and the individual. By strengthening both their competitive edge and inner harmony, we help players thrive on and off the field.

TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES
TAUGHT AT THE PSG ACADEMY PRO

Throughout the season, players receive consistent support and tools to achieve both their personal and team goals. Key techniques include:

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PROGRAM
TOPICS

Our mental development program focuses on real-world challenges players may
encounter during their football journey.

Understanding mental strength and its role in achieving success.

1

Creating positive and productive thought patterns inspired by elite athletes.

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3

Embracing the 20 values of excellence as a foundation for success.

4

Becoming confident, courageous, and self-assured.

Fostering cohesion and unity within the group.

5

Learning to channel “toxic” emotions constructively.

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Using relaxation and breathing techniques to stay composed.

8

Designing routines to ensure mental readiness.

Establishing a focused plan before competitions.

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Navigating various match scenarios mentally.

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Maintaining concentration and managing distractions.

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Sustaining focus over extended periods.

Developing consistent actions for long-term success.

13

Achieving peak performance with optimal intensity and energy.

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Controlling internal dialogue to maintain clarity.

16

Establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives.

Stimulating intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

17

Embracing resilience and viewing setbacks as opportunities.

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Maintaining mental strength during recovery periods.

By focusing on these principles, the PSG Academy Pro mental program ensures athletes
are not only prepared to excel in football but are also equipped with tools for lifelong success.

Tryout Now!

Join the #1 Pro Residency Academy in Europe

Humanities Teacher (History, Geography, American Government)

Claire Watts

Claire holds degrees in Archaeology, French, and Biological Anthropology from the University of Oregon, along with a linguistics minor and an SLAAT certification. She has been teaching in international schools and privately in France for the last decade.

Since September 2021, she has served as Head of the Humanities Department at PSG Academy Pro.

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ESL Teacher

Simone Thompson

Simone is a native English speaker from Australia, residing in France since 2023. With over 10 years of experience in education, she has a diverse teaching background, working in schools, zoos, community outreach programs, and private tutoring.

At PSG Academy Pro, she utilizes her broad skill set to support students through tutoring and English lessons, helping them succeed in their core subjects.

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French Teacher

Héloïse Evans

Heloise is a native French speaker, who studied French language and literature at University in France before moving to the UK.  While living in the UK, Heloise pursued a teaching qualification at Brighton University and went on to teach languages in a variety of schools in the south of England.  Heloise has 15 years of experience teaching students from a young age through to the end of high school as well as taking on pastoral roles.

Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Junior Science Teacher

Emma Newman

Emma is a British teacher with 20 years of teaching experience across all phases of education. Her background includes 10 years teaching high school and junior school in London, where she held Pastoral and Departmental Leadership roles. She then spent 9 years at a London university, training graduate and postgraduate students to become teachers themselves.

Emma relocated to France in 2021 and joined the PSG Academy Pro teaching team in 2023.

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Math, Physics & Chemistry Teacher

Hans Kolster

Hans Kolster, from the Netherlands, has had a long and distinguished career in teaching. His passion for education started during his student years when he tutored mathematics, leading to a lifelong commitment to helping young people achieve their goals.

He served as Head of the Dutch School in Cobham, England, an institution created for Dutch expatriates in London. Later, he became Head of Mathematics at the British School Muscat in Oman, a prestigious British international school with over 50 nationalities.

Since September 2022, Hans has been supporting student-athletes at PSG Academy Pro in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

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English Teacher

Barbara Hill

Barbara is a native British English speaker with 20 years of international teaching experience. After earning her Bachelor of Education from Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, in 2005, she taught in the United Kingdom, Australia, and now France. She has worked in diverse school environments, including public, private, and international schools, as well as both single-sex and co-educational institutions.

Academic Director / Spanish Teacher

Leandro Cruz

Leandro, a native of Brazil, had a professional career as a football player before transitioning into education. With 15 years of experience in the French school system, he has dedicated his career to guiding student-athletes toward both academic and athletic excellence.

Beyond the classroom, he plays a crucial role in securing college placements for high school graduates, ensuring they successfully transition to higher education while balancing their sports commitments.

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