The Diffusion and Adoption of Sport Psychology in Elite Academy Football; Integration and Application.

The overall aim of this project is to examine the integration and application of sport psychology into elite academy football through the use of Rogers (2003) Innovation-Decision Process. Specifically, by the end of the project, it is intended that we will be able to illustrate those factors which inform and influence staff and players’ attitudes and perceptions towards sport psychology and how to move individuals from cognitive adoption to behavioural implementation.
This aim is supported by five objectives;
1. Critically examine current perceptions of players, coaches and support staff and attitudes towards sport psychology through the use of the SPIKES questionnaire.
2. Undertake semi-structured interviews with players, coaches and support staff to establish what provision of sport psychology is required
3. Implement an experimental design to assess the impact of a structured sport psychology intervention programme
4. Utilise thematic analysis to examine players, coaches and support staff’s perceptions of an integrated application of sport psychology.
5. Reassess players, coaches and support staff’s perceptions and attitudes towards sport psychology in order to examine changes and evidence impact of the intervention.
The design choice serves to guide the methodological process and entails a multi-strand phased mixed methods design. Phase one; one strand entails quantitative questionnaires to establish current perceptions and levels of use. Phase two is divided into two strands. Strand one; qualitative semi-structured interviews to establish the working constraints and desired delivery of sport psychology. Strand two; an intervention programme designed to enhance player performance. Phase three; a quantitative based questionnaire to establish impact of the intervention and evidence variables which have led to positive or negative changes in perceptions.
Achieving these aims and objective will change the way sport psychology is delivered in academy settings and, ultimately, produce more psychologically resilient, robust players through the use of a structured framework of delivery.

How to apply:

Applications are made via our website using the Apply Online button below. If you have an enquiry about this project please contact us via the Email NOW button below, however your application will only be processed once you have submitted an application form as opposed to emailing your CV to us.

Candidates for funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years.
Studentship candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic potential with a 1st class honours degree and/or a Master’s degree with distinction. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6 in each component) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.
Additional Eligibility
• at least one seasons experience of working in an Premier League Football Club delivering sport psychology
• the desire to undertake BASES supervised experience.
In addition to satisfying minimum entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.
Applicants will be asked to submit an online application form and a proposal (c. 1500 words) outlining their understanding of the project for which they are applying, the approach they would envisage taking and what qualities they will bring to the research community.