Thursday , March 28 2024

AFC launches new Emotions in Football Project!

A new AFC’s Emotions in Football Project was introduced in the latest technical online session that focuses on the emotions of coaches and of footballers and how it influences their performance on the pitch as well as their personal well-being.

AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh set the tone in the session, that was attended by 98 participants from 37 Member Associations (MAs), by introducing the concept of the project.

Roxburgh said in his opening address: “Football is a game of human interaction and emotions. The ability to control your emotions is fundamental in football and it is often related to failure or success on the pitch.

“The emotional well-being of people is currently a hot topic, especially in the middle of this pandemic. However, many experts are saying the new generation is currently living in the age of anxiety. So, it is important for us as coaches and coach educators to understand the emotions of our players and why it matters in football.”

The session highlighted the work of the AFC Emotions in Football Working Group, and with the help of the MA Technical Directors and Coach Educators, they will contribute to the implementation of the AFC project.

The new project will focus on two aspects – Grassroots and Elite Football – and two pilot MAs, the Japan Football Association (JFA) and the Qatar Football Association (QFA), presented their activities to the online session participants.

To further enhance the knowledge of coaches, a programme about players emotions will also be added in MA Coach Education Courses to give coaches a better understanding of how to manage the emotional health of players.

Additionally, the session also focused on the importance of discussing topics relatable to footballers such as how to handle winning and losing; dealing with disappointment, stress, pressure or anger; developing self-awareness, resilience and trust; staying focused and calm; overcoming fear and learning how to collaborate and control expectations.

The inspiring session paid tribute to former Liverpool, Lyon and France coach Gérard Houllier, an original member of the AFC Emotions in Football Working Group, who sadly passed away in December last year.

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