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AbstractThis article provides an overview of a mental skills intervention program in an elite sport school for student-athletes. Initially, we describe the context of mental skills in youth sport and schools. After outlining the background of the authors and subsequently describing the context of an Estonian elite sport school, we will outline an intervention program conducted with 10th grade student-athletes with a specific example of one workshop. We conclude by reflecting on experiences of the program and the importance of working within the environment, developing flexibility and patience, practicing ongoing self-reflection, and being open to asking and receiving feedback to work effectively in an elite sport school.

ABSTRACTProfessional soccer is big business and high politics. The primary concern of professional clubs is achieving good results and winning the next game. Integrating sport psychology is a lengthy process, and in order to succeed in professional sports, there is a need for a stable environment. For practitioners to be effective in professional sports organizations, they need to understand various levels of organizational culture. This article provides an overview of a sport psychology program in a Danish professional soccer club and personal experiences, as well as professional reflections on integrating self-reflexivity and cultural sensitivity into the practitioner's philosophy.