Friday Jun 06, 2025

#044 Sports Psychology Series - Transitions and critical moments with Louis Ross

🎙️ Women's Football Hub Podcast – Sports Psychology Series: Transitions & Critical Moments 

🎧 Hosted by: Dr. Ian Cookson
🎤 Guest: Louis Ross (Sports Psychologist | Loughborough DICE Program | Formerly with Bristol City Women)

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Women's Football Hub Podcast, Dr. Ian Cookson sits down with Louis Ross, a sports psychologist with experience working in academy football and elite women's football. They dive deep into the psychological impact of transitions in sport, from moving between teams to career-ending injuries, and how athletes can prepare for and navigate critical moments in their journey.

🔹 Topics Discussed:

  • Louis Ross’s background in football and psychology
  • The role of Go Again, a charity supporting mental health in football
  • Working with Bristol City Women and the Loughborough DICE Program
  • What transitions in football really mean: youth-to-senior shifts, career-ending injuries, being dropped, coaching changes
  • The concept of critical moments – unexpected wins/losses and their impact on mindset
  • Athletic identity and its effect on performance and mental health
  • The role of sports psychology in helping athletes adapt to change
  • Practical strategies for coaches, parents, and players to support transition periods

🔹 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Transitions in football aren't just about retiring or being released – they include injuries, coaching changes, and moving teams
✔️ Critical moments shape an athlete’s mindset – learning to navigate pressure, setbacks, and identity shifts is crucial
✔️ Athletes should develop multiple identities (beyond just footballer) to maintain well-being
✔️ Clubs and coaches play a huge role in easing transitions, but external support (e.g., mental health charities) is key
✔️ Planning ahead can make transitions smoother – athletes should build roadmaps to manage career changes

📢 Join the Conversation!

💬 What challenges have you faced during a transition in sport? Share your thoughts on social media. 

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#WomensFootballHub #SportsPsychology #TransitionsInSport #FootballMentalHealth #CriticalMoments #AthleticIdentity #LouisRoss #GoAgain #ACLInjury #FootballMindset

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