PhD & Trainee Talks
These sessions showcase emerging research and applied practice from PhD researchers and trainee sport psychologists working across a range of performance environments. Each talk bridges theory and application, offering fresh perspectives and practical insights relevant to coaches, practitioners, and those working in athlete development.
The sessions are delivered across two parallel strands, allowing attendees to select the topics most relevant to their interests by joining their chosen breakout room.
Further details, including the full event schedule, can be found on the Itinerary page.
Strand 1: Athlete Development, Wellbeing & Support
Time: 14:35 – 14:50
Sterling Kerr
The Misunderstood Mental Skill: Self-Compassion and Sustainable Athlete Performance and Well-Being
Exploring self-compassion as a powerful yet often overlooked mental skill, this session highlights its role in supporting athlete wellbeing, motivation, and long-term performance.
Jodie Dodds
Developing the Inner Coach: What Does It Take?
Focusing on self-awareness as a foundation for development, this session provides practical strategies for helping both coaches and athletes build their “inner coach”.
Leon Popplewell
Environmental Effects on Self-Regulated Learning in Female Football Academies in Scotland
This session explores how sporting environments shape athletes’ ability to self-regulate and learn, with a focus on female football academies.
Strand 2: Coaching Practice, Communication & Performance
Time: 14:50 – 15:05
Eamon Devlin
Half-Time Team Talks in Elite Sport – What Works / What Doesn’t?
Drawing on PhD research and applied consultancy work, this session explores how communication at half-time influences performance in high-pressure environments.
Antonin Suilen
Adaptive Posture in Individual Athlete Support: Aligning Methodology to the Athlete’s Profile
This session examines how practitioners can adapt their approach to better support individual athletes through flexible, context-driven psychological practice.
Gérard Jones
Beyond Instruction: How Coaches Can Use Verbal Feedback to Shape Perception, Decision-Making, and Learning
Focusing on coach communication, this session explores how verbal feedback can be used more effectively to support athlete learning and performance.
