Mind management will be the topic for the next Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy workshop, the last of the Academy’s second year.

Leonie Lightfoot from the famed Chimp Management organisation will join the students for the workshop on Friday to explain the importance of understanding and managing the functioning of the mind to achieve success in sport.

Chimp Management has been a leader in this specialist field for more than a decade and the Academy’s young athletes will benefit from that experience as they learn how to manage their inner ‘chimp’ to better perform during training, periods of rest and competitions.

Chimp Management was founded by Professor Steve Peters and has worked with Team Sky, Team GB and Liverpool Football Club amongst many others.

In addition to the 70 students enrolled in the Academy, the workshop will also be attended by parents and coaches who are instrumental in helping the next generation of Manx sportspeople.

The Sport Aid Academy, a partnership between Isle of Man Sport and sponsors SMP Partners and Newfield, aims to equip the Island’s young sportspeople with the support, skills and knowledge to work towards becoming elite athletes.

The workshop on 7th July is the fourth and final of year two of the Academy.

Isle of Man Sport Aid Sports Performance Co-ordinator Chris Quine said: ‘How often do we see someone fall apart in sport because the red mist descends and they cannot control their emotions? ‘Learning how and why you think in a particular way will be a huge benefit to our athletes. It’s often only after a big setback, that many sportspeople take on this vital lesson. Some never do. It’s a privilege to be able to bring over experts such as Leonie so that our students can get the most from the workshops and hopefully take these messages to heart.’

Mark Denton, Managing Director at leading independent trust and corporate services provider SMP Partners, added: ‘The last two years of the academy have been absolutely fantastic and we are delighted to see the positive impact this training has had on our young athletes.
‘For the final workshop of the year the team at Isle of Man Sport has once again secured the services of a leading expert to come over to the Island to help the students. Mind management is an important lesson to learn which will be invaluable to them in their sport, school life and future careers.’

Mark Reynolds, a Director at eGaming firm Newfield, concluded: ‘Understanding your mind, especially during challenges or after setbacks, is really important in helping to achieve success, get over difficulties and turn them into positives, so I’m sure the workshop will help the students tremendously.

‘We’re delighted to have supported the Academy over the last two years and to have seen the athletes develop and grow, ready to represent the Isle of Man on the international stage.’

Photo - Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy students and mentors.