A different approach: Sports psychologist Michael Caulfield visits Berkhamsted

Michael Caulfield, an experienced sports psychologist who works with elite football players at Brentford F.C, does not have an office. In fact, his office is a park bench. Michael believes that elite sport has become ‘too professional’ and overwhelmed with data, which ultimately strips the joy out of playing sport. It’s his job to bring it back to basics and support professional players on a human level.

Berkhamsted School was delighted to invite Michael to deliver presentations to A Level Psychology and PE students, as well as Sports Scholars from Years 10-13. His fascinating talk detailed his own career from a professional jockey to receiving a degree in Psychology when he was 40 – despite, as he said, being ‘terrified’ of school. Michael’s own passion for sport underpins his dedication to his career, and he encouraged pupils to ‘hang on to your love of sport’.

Michael’s ethos is driven by a piece of advice he once received: ‘you are at your best when you are at your simplest’. In our modern, technologically advanced world, professional sport has become obsessed with perfectionism. Players are treated like ‘scientific specimens’, keeping track of every micro detail of their lives. VAR has changed the face of football so the match can be analysed and replayed, taking the joy out of the moment. From Michael’s perspective, sport is about more than just marginal gains.

On a park bench at Brentford F.C, Michael invites players to ‘just sit, and talk. Or just sit.’ In all the noise of meetings and analysis, Michael’s approach is to focus on players’ wellbeing. He often brings his dog to the pitch and invites players to join him on a walk, rain or shine, to get some fresh air and unwind. He says the most important thing is to make people feel valued and wanted, which is why he encourages coaches to not shy away from celebrating individual moments: ‘Well done’ and ‘thank you’ should be frequently expressed.

After the talk, pupils were given the chance to ask Michael questions about his career. One pupil asked about the most prominent psychology issue he sees in his players. ‘Doubt’, was his response. Perfectionism is failure intolerant, but if we only ever play it safe, we will never take risks. Even the most elite players still ask themselves ‘am I good enough?’ Michael offers a safe, trusted space for players to express their self-doubt so they don’t take it onto the pitch.

Michael’s talk gave pupils an insight into the practical application of psychology and how they can combine it with their other passions. It was also a chance to think about their own wellbeing and the importance of taking time away from the stress of school and sporting commitments.

Thank you Michael for delivering such an interesting presentation!