Psychological safety: why it's so important

Throughout my coaching journey, at semi-professional and professional clubs, I have witnessed the transformative power of psychological safety, especially in young female athletes entering the senior game.

 

Beyond tactics, training sessions, and gameday, fostering a safe, supportive environment is what truly helps players unlock their potential.

 

For young athletes stepping into senior environments, psychological safety is essential – it is the difference between playing with fear and playing with freedom. 

 

It’s a responsibility shared by coaches, senior players and young players themselves...

 

Coaches: Set the standard

The role of a coach goes far beyond teaching technical skills – it’s about creating a culture where players feel valued and respected, no matter their performance on the day. 

 

I have focused and developed my constructive feedback, clear communication, and genuine empathy, because it can transform not just a team’s results, but its spirit.

 

A safe environment allows players to ask questions, take creative risks, and learn from mistakes, without fear of judgement.

 

Senior players: be leaders, on and off the pitch

I have seen the impact that senior players can make when they step up as mentors, particularly Amy Goddard – formerly of my old club Bridgwater United, but now at Sunderland – and Laura Holden and Lois Edwards, at my current club Aberdeen.

 

Those who take time to guide and support younger team-mates – through encouragement, advice, or simply leading by example – play a critical role in fostering psychological safety. 

 

It is a reminder that leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about connection.

 

Young players: Take active roles

One of the most rewarding parts of coaching is watching young players embrace their own role in shaping a positive team culture.

 

By speaking up, showing vulnerability and supporting their team-mates, they not only grow as players, but also contribute to an environment where everyone can thrive.

 

Why psychological safety matters

When psychological safety is prioritised, teams don’t just perform better, they become better over a sustained period of time.

 

In my coaching life, I have seen how a safe and trusting environment fosters creativity, resilience and unity, helping players flourish, both on and off the pitch.

 

On the other hand, I have seen a culture which is full of blame, and one where everyone found it difficult to navigate and sustain their developmental path.

 

The need for education

I firmly believe that we need to educate every participant in the game in order to truly make everlasting change.

 

Coaches must be equipped with the tools to build trust and lead with empathy. Senior players should be trained on how to mentor. Young players need to learn the importance of collaboration and how to contribute to a safe environment.

 

By raising awareness, and providing the right resources, we can ensure psychological safety becomes a cornerstone of soccer development.

 

 

Building psychological safety isn’t a one-person job; it’s a team effort. If coaches, senior players and young athletes align, we create a game that’s not just about winning, but about growing – and growing together.