Not What You Want, But What You Might Need
Before the course even began, I’d sent out emails to local clubs hoping to secure some sport psychology experience. I was fortunate one of my first emails got a response. The Head of Sport Science at Coventry City FC’s men’s academy offered me a position. But it wasn’t for psychology, it was an unpaid internship as a sport scientist.
Not what I’d hoped for, but it was something.
It’s easy to turn down opportunities that don’t perfectly align with your goals. But sometimes the roles you don’t want are the ones you need. This internship gave me invaluable insight into elite youth sport and exposed me to a side of performance I hadn’t previously considered.
Starting around the same time as my master’s, the internship involved weekly visits to the academy training ground. My tasks ranged from entering GPS tracker data to visualising training loads, metrics like heart rate, acceleration, and distance covered. I also helped with performance testing, using counter-movement jump equipment to assess explosive and anaerobic power.
I was amazed at how much data was used in decision-making, everything from S&C programmes to physiotherapy interventions was influenced by this info. It gave me a real appreciation for how psychology fits into the wider performance picture.
Jumping At Chances
From the outset, my supervisor was open to integrating research into the role. We discussed a collaborative idea that combined his interest in injuries with my background in psychology. Eventually, my dissertation focused on how psychological factors like stress might influence injury risk a perfect blend of both our interests.
By seizing this opportunity, I gained access to an elite environment, real performance data, and a chance to build something meaningful. I was working with purpose, not just ticking academic boxes. The exposure I got, both in terms of environment and responsibility, shaped the entire trajectory of my training.
And yet, it all started with a role that had nothing to do with psychology on paper.
Keep Asking and They Shall Come
Over time, I became more proactive about shaping my role into one that aligned with my aspirations. I consistently asked for more responsibility, sometimes I got it, sometimes I didn’t.
When I asked to begin 1:1 sessions with athletes, my supervisor declined but allowed me to informally chat with injured players. When I asked to present a team-wide session on sport psychology, he said no but agreed I could design a psych resource pack for new scholars.
Eventually, I was allowed to run psychometric testing, but only after submitting a formal proposal backed by research. It was fair and a great lesson in professional communication and stakeholder management.
None of these opportunities were offered to me. I created them. Through persistence, assertiveness, and being prepared to meet halfway, I was able to develop real experience in applied sport psychology, even within a role that wasn’t labelled as such.
This is essential if you want more relevant experience.
Written by Natasha Bains
Stay locked in and subscribe to receive notifications when the next post is published
Beyond Better 
Leave a comment