Can Sports Psychology Help Your Child?

Confidence, focus and calmer performance under pressure

Young athletes can look confident in training but struggle when competition pressure kicks in. Sports psychology helps them understand those reactions and develop practical skills to manage nerves, recover from mistakes and trust themselves when it matters.

My approach combines evidence-based performance psychology with simple techniques young people can actually use in training and competition.

It can be particularly helpful if your child:

✓ gets anxious before matches or events
✓ loses confidence after mistakes
✓ overthinks or worries about letting others down
✓ performs better in training than competition
✓ struggles to bounce back after setbacks

Not sure whether it’s right for your child?

Book a Consultation Today

Who Is Youth Sports Psychology For?

The sport may be different, but the mental challenges are often surprisingly similar.

I work with young athletes aged 9–16 across football, rugby, boxing, martial arts, athletics and other individual and team sports.

Whether your child competes at academy level, represents a local club or simply wants to enjoy their sport with greater confidence, the programme is adapted around their individual needs.

17 and over? Explore the adult Sports Psychology page, designed to help athletes and performers reach their highest potential.

“The change in his confidence has been massive.”

“He is enjoying sport again, backing himself more, and we're seeing a much happier and more resilient version of him. As a parent, that means everything.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review. Samantha — Parent of Youth Sports Program client

25+ Years Building Confidence & Performance

I’m Neil Sunley, a Youth Sports Psychology Consultant and Hypnotherapist with more than 25 years’ experience helping people build confidence, resilience and performance under pressure.

Before specialising in therapy and sports psychology, I ran a successful martial arts academy and delivered confidence, anti-bullying and self-defence programmes for children and young people across the local community — work that was regularly featured in the local press.

Today, I combine that real-world coaching experience with postgraduate study in Sport & Exercise Psychology and evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, imagery and hypnotherapy.

My work with young athletes is practical, individual and focused on helping them manage nerves, strengthen confidence and perform more freely when it matters.

Image of Neil Sunley smiling sitting in a green therapists chair with a white background

Neil Sunley | Sports Psychology Consultant & Hypnotherapist

Neil Sunley | Youth Sports Psychology Consultant & Mindset Coach

✓ Certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy

✓ MSc university studies in Sport Psychology, CBT & ACT

✓ DBS Certified (Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service checked)

✓ Specialist in youth & teen mindset coaching

✓ Evidence-based, measurable results

✓ 5-Star rated in East Yorkshire by parents & young athletes

✔ 5-Star Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Youth Sports Mindset Program (Ages 9-16)

A structured six-session programme for young athletes who want to build confidence, manage pressure and perform more consistently.

Each session is tailored to your child and combines practical sports psychology tools with confidence-building strategies they can use in training and competition.

Your child will learn to:

✓ stay calmer under pressure
✓ recover more quickly after mistakes
✓ build confidence and self-belief
✓ use focus, imagery and breathing techniques
✓ develop routines for training and competition

What’s included

✓ Six individual mindset sessions
✓ Personalised goals and mental performance plan
✓ Practical strategies for nerves, confidence and setbacks
✓ Sport-specific focus and pre-performance routines
✓ Tools to practise between sessions

Choose the option that suits:

Full 6-Session Programme — £390

Most parents choose the full programme because it gives their child time to practise the techniques between sessions and build consistency over several weeks.

✅ Book The Full Program 

Prefer to start with one session? You can book a standalone youth sports psychology session.

Single Session — £70

👉 Book a single session

Free 15-Minute Consultation

Not sure which option is right? Book a short, no-obligation call to talk through your child’s situation.

👉 Book a free consultation

What Parents & Young Athletes Say

My son came out of his shell, his confidence has grown so much , since having the sessions with you! He has more believe in himself and he’s growing in confidence rapidly! We can’t thank you enough, you helped him break through , he was very shy and anxious, now we believe he can shine! We are forever greatful for that !

Chris & Ibolya ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cannot recommend Neil enough he really helped my son to believe in himself again, his confidence and self belief in the boxing ring was low after a few bad decisions, he now has the fight and fire back in the sport he loves and his confidence and self belief is back, Neil was very professional and kept me updated on my sons progress, highly recommended

Sarah S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Our 9yr old has really found his sessions with Neil valuable. They’re really helping with his sense of confidence and belief while playing both rugby and football.
Would highly recommend.

Dave R ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"We honestly can’t recommend Neil enough. Stanley has been seeing him for sports therapy, and the difference it has made has been incredible.

When he first started, Stanley was really struggling with sports anxiety and a lack of confidence, both on and off the pitch. Neil has been so patient, understanding, and supportive, and he has given Stanley the tools to believe in himself again..."

Samantha O ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Been going for a couple of months and found it really helpful and seeing improvements in my rugby performance. Would definitely recommend"

James J - mid teen - rugby pathway⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book a Free Consultation

Not ready for coaching yet? Try my Youth Sports Hypnosis Audio £17.95

A professionally recorded hypnosis audio for young athletes aged 9–16, designed to help calm pre-performance nerves, strengthen confidence and improve mental focus.

Use before competition, at bedtime, or as part of a regular mental preparation routine.

✓ Confidence & self-belief
✓ Pre-performance calm
✓ Focus & visualisation
✓ Instant access

Download Now