The New Saints are proud to announce the launch of a new player care programme designed to put mental health, wellbeing & mindset at the heart of player development across all levels of the club.
This forward-thinking initiative introduces a dual-approach model that combines expert human support with cutting-edge technology to provide players with personalised tools to help them perform and feel at their best, both on and off the pitch.
At the centre of this new provision is Tristian Griffiths, a trauma-informed practitioner and Mindset Coach. Tristian’s unique skill set enables the Saints to offer both mental health support and mindset coaching as part of a single, joined-up approach.
In partnership with Your Empowered Mindset (YEM) – the company founded by Tristian – the club is also using AI-driven insights to create individualised wellbeing plans based on player data across the YEM Pillars:
• Resilience & Mental Strength
• Confidence & Self-esteem
• Motivation & Goal Setting
• Wellbeing & Mental Health
Players will also have access to independent one-to-one online support, offering a safe, confidential space to seek help or guidance when needed.
This initiative comes at a crucial time for player welfare in football. According to the PFA, over 530 players accessed Sporting Chance’s mental health services last season, with the most common concerns being low mood (24%), addiction (15%), anxiety (13%), and gambling (8%).
Meanwhile, research from FIFPRO reveals that 38% of active players have experienced symptoms of depression during their careers.
Despite this, only 38% of male players and 26% of female players said they would feel comfortable raising mental health concerns with their club – highlighting the importance of independent, accessible support.
By taking these proactive steps, The New Saints are proud to be leading the way in prioritising player wellbeing and providing the kind of independent care that players themselves say they want and need.
“Our aim is to create an environment where players can truly thrive, not only as athletes, but as people,” said academy manager Kieran Lee-Birch.
“Development is about far more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about helping players build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose that carries them through every part of their lives. This partnership gives us the tools, expertise, and support to make that vision a reality.”
You can learn more about the programme, and hear directly from Tristian Griffiths and Kieran Lee-Birch, in our latest interview which is available to watch below.
