Football

Most sports are quite unique and have their own specific culture. Football certainly has a unique culture. Many experts (coaches, physios, fitness instructors and support staff) working in the game have a strong background in football, having played to a high level. Thus, not only managers and coaches, but also support staff generally have a long association and a love of the game, and most importantly, an understanding of the sport.

Performance coaches / sport psychologists working in football also benefit from a background in the game. Roberto played to a semi pro level, before beginning his coaching career in the mid 80′s, at the age of 25. He has coached and been involved at every level of the game including non-league (Croydon, Chipstead and Dulwich Hamlet), Youth Academy (Crystal Palace and Charlton), Professional (Brentford, Brighton and Crystal Palace) and International (England Youth).

Roberto’s background is in football coaching. Having studied sport psychology to help improve the teams he was coaching, the psychology ended up being in so much demand that Roberto began focusing on this aspect of performance.

At the elite level it is the mental difference that makes a difference. In modern sport, most top teams and players now use some form of psychological support to help enhance performance and lead to more consistent performance.

Photo above: Roberto alongside two excellent managers, Alan Curbishley and Steve Coppell