Almost 2500 students have now enrolled on the new Online Psychology for Soccer Level 1 course, in the 2 years since the course went live.

This is a great achievement and proves that football psychology is growing in importance and becoming an integral part of individual development for anyone involved in the game.

These developments are part of a much wider game plan. In November 2002, the ‘Psychology for Football’ strategy was launched at a Conference in Pride Park, Derby.

This long term plan was designed to raise awareness and meet the needs of all those involved in the game; the players, managers, coaches, clubs and support staff as well as psychology professionals.

Snce then, the development of psychology in football continues to build on the FA’s overall game plan: ‘Using the power of football to build a better future’.

Sports Psychologist, Dr Andy Cale said, ‘The major barrier that I have come up against has been a lack of understanding as to what psychology actually is and its pertinence to the game’.

His recent developments have tried to dissolve these opinions and raise the awareness and importance of psychology to the game.

Having an understanding of football psychology is an excellent way to build communication between clubs and counties in relation to individual players needs.

It also builds links between the theory and practice surrounding the game and helps to ensure quality control amongst coaches in the UK.

FA Learning has raised awareness and improved the accessibility of football psychology by organising several successful psychology courses over the last two years.

These courses range from levels one to five and so assist coaches and sports psychologists are all levels of the game, covering a range of topics including:
- Understanding the performance environment,
- Interaction with players,
- Communication skills 
- Motivating players to maximize performance,
- The importance of team performance.

For more information on the psychology courses including details on how to enrol on the online course 'Psychology for Soccer Level One' click here.