What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to understand how executive functioning influences player development in a football academy setting.

March 6, 2026Sport & Exercise Psychology Review0 citations

Understanding the role of executive function in the development of players in a football academy

IJIan A. JamesBurnley College JAJill AlexanderUniversity of Lancashire JCJames CopeBurnley College

Key Points

This research aims to understand how executive functioning influences player development in a football academy setting.
Reviewed literature on executive function and its relevance in sports
Introduced the MET training framework focusing on mental aspects
Piloted the MET framework at Burnley FC Academy
Enhanced players' tactical and technical skills through improved executive functioning
Showed that better focus under pressure correlates with executive function training
Improved communication and teamwork among players following MET training

Abstract

This paper explores the value of having an awareness of executive functioning (EF) within a football academy. EF refers to the mental processes associated with frontal lobe functioning. In everyday life, people use these skills to solve problems, make decisions, engage in social interactions, and manage emotions. In relation to sports, such as football, EF supports the learning of the tactical and technical skills, enhances focus under pressure, and improves communication and teamwork. Drawing from sports psychology and neuropsychology, this article introduces an EF-informed training framework known as the MET (Mentality, Emotion and Togetherness) which is currently being piloted at Burnley FC Academy. The MET takes account of maturation processes and the deficits in EF observed in neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD and those with autistic traits.

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