Coaches' role and getting 'boots muddy'

Check out MSC Coaching eBooks: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/shop Most clubs agree psychology matters. The challenge is turning that belief into daily practice. In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen is joined in person by sports psychologist Dan Abrahams, alongside coach and coach developer Kevin Leahy, to explore how psychology can be implemented properly inside football environments. Rather than treating psychology as a one-off workshop or a classroom-based add-on, the conversation focuses on performance psychology — the often-missed layer that directly influences how players learn, decide, and perform on the pitch. Dan breaks down the difference between performance psychology, wellbeing, and mental health, and explains why coaches are already delivering psychology every day, whether they intend to or not. Together, they discuss how clubs can embed psychological support through coaching behaviors, session design, and shared language — while also supporting coaches who are operating under increasing pressure. Topics include: Why clubs struggle to scale psychology across teams and age groups How psychology can live on the training ground, not in PowerPoint slides Supporting players through failure, confidence dips, and transitions Helping young players navigate pressure, social media, and expectations What realistic, coach-led psychological support actually looks like This is a practical, honest conversation for coaches, directors, and leaders who want to build environments that develop better decision-makers, more resilient players, and more supported coaches.