How Soccer Coaches Can Support Mental Health

by Jon Scaccia September 19, 2024

Imagine being a coach, working hard to get your team ready for the next big game, when one of your star players starts to withdraw. Their energy fades, their focus wanders, and their performance drops. You’re frustrated, maybe even a little angry—this isn’t what you trained for. But what if that dip in performance isn’t laziness or lack of discipline? What if it’s a silent struggle with mental health?

In today’s high-pressure world of soccer, coaches are often the first to notice when something is off with their players, but they may not know what to do next. As mental health concerns rise, coaches find themselves on the front lines of a growing issue. Yet, many feel unprepared. A recent study reveals just how common it is for soccer coaches to encounter athletes with mental health challenges—and how crucial it is for them to have the right tools to support their teams.

Mental Health and Soccer: An Unseen Challenge

Mental health issues in sports aren’t new, but they’ve gained more visibility recently, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. According to research, about 60 million people in the U.S. are dealing with mental health problems, and athletes are no exception. In fact, they often face additional stressors: the pressure to win, balancing academics and sports, dealing with injuries, and, in some cases, perfectionism. This mix can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, and more.

The U.S. Soccer Federation conducted a study examining the experiences of coaches who have supported players facing mental health challenges. The results were eye-opening:

• 82% of coaches have supported athletes with mental health challenges, yet 57% of them have never received training on how to recognize or manage mental health issues.
• Nearly all coaches (98%) believe that mental health training would be valuable for their role.

The study made it clear that mental health isn’t just an athlete’s issue; it’s an issue for the entire team. Coaches play a pivotal role in recognizing early warning signs and fostering environments that support mental well-being.

Why Mental Health Training Matters for Soccer Coaches

Imagine a player who feels isolated because they’re dealing with anxiety or depression. They may not know how to communicate their feelings, fearing that their struggles will be seen as weakness or that they’ll lose their place on the team. This is where a coach can make a life-changing difference.

Mental health training equips coaches with the skills to notice changes in their athletes’ behavior. Subtle shifts—like a player who is suddenly less engaged or more irritable—can be early warning signs of a mental health issue. With the right training, coaches can step in early, offering support or directing the player to resources that can help.

In the U.S. Soccer study, participants overwhelmingly expressed the desire for more training. They want to learn how to better manage these issues—not just to improve their players’ performance on the field, but to ensure their well-being off it.

The Real-World Impact: Stories from the Field

Take Coach Emily, who worked with a youth soccer team. One of her players, Sarah, began showing up late to practice, often making excuses to leave early. Her performance on the field was lackluster, and she seemed withdrawn from her teammates. At first, Emily thought Sarah’s behavior was due to a lack of commitment. But as the weeks went on, Emily noticed more troubling signs—Sarah stopped laughing with her teammates and spent more time alone.

Thankfully, Emily had attended a mental health awareness course that taught her to recognize these signs as possible indicators of depression. Rather than reprimanding Sarah for her behavior, Emily pulled her aside for a private conversation, asking if everything was okay. This simple act of care opened the door for Sarah to talk about her struggles. Emily connected Sarah with the school’s counselor, and over time, Sarah’s situation improved.

Stories like this aren’t rare. Coaches are in a unique position to notice when something’s wrong, but without proper training, they may miss the signs.

Mental Health in Youth Soccer: An Urgent Need

While mental health affects athletes of all ages, the study highlighted that coaches who work with youth athletes are particularly likely to encounter mental health issues. Youth sports can provide a positive outlet for stress, help build friendships, and foster personal growth. But they can also create intense pressure—whether it’s from parents, teammates, or even the athletes themselves.

Youth soccer, like other sports, comes with its own set of challenges. The constant push to perform, combined with academic demands, can lead to burnout. This is why it’s so critical for coaches working with young athletes to receive mental health training. They need to be able to foster environments where mental health conversations aren’t just accepted—they’re encouraged.

Breaking the Stigma: How Coaches Can Lead the Way

There’s a long-standing stigma in sports about mental health. Athletes are often expected to be tough, both physically and mentally, which can discourage them from asking for help when they need it. This “mental toughness” culture can be harmful, preventing players from reaching out when they’re struggling.

But coaches have the power to shift this culture. By creating an environment that encourages open discussions about mental health, they can help reduce the stigma. When athletes feel comfortable sharing their struggles, they’re more likely to seek help, which can ultimately improve both their mental and physical performance.

Consider Coach Alex, who runs a high school soccer team. Alex noticed that his players were hesitant to talk about their stress and anxiety. So, during a team meeting, he opened up about his own experiences with stress and how he manages it. This act of vulnerability created a safe space for his players to start talking about their own struggles. Over time, Alex saw a marked improvement not just in his players’ emotional well-being, but in their performance on the field as well.

Applications: How to Put This Research into Action

For Coaches:

• Get trained: Mental health training for coaches is essential. Learn to recognize the early signs of mental health challenges, such as changes in behavior or mood.
• Foster open communication: Create a team culture where players feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear of judgment.
• Know your limits: Recognize when to refer a player to a professional. You don’t need to be the expert, but you should know where to direct them for help.

For Player Development:

• Prioritize well-being: Encourage players to take care of their mental health just as they do their physical health. Remind them that it’s okay to ask for help.
• Monitor stress levels: Monitor how players handle pressure. Address performance anxiety early to prevent it from becoming overwhelming.

For Club Management:

• Implement mental health resources: Ensure that your club has access to mental health professionals or resources that can support both players and staff.
• Promote awareness: Incorporate mental health discussions and training into regular team meetings or staff development sessions.

Conclusion

Mental health isn’t just a side issue in soccer—it’s central to a player’s overall success. Coaches, often the closest adults to young athletes outside of their families, are in a powerful position to support players who may be struggling. With the right training and awareness, coaches can foster healthier, more resilient teams, both on and off the field. And in the long run, that benefits everyone.