Soccer Players' Mental Health Games Required To Play Martin
soccer Players Mental Health Games Required To Playmartin Besharad
Soccer players' mental health and the impact of game schedules are pressing issues within professional sports. Football, often described as "more than just a game," exerts immense psychological pressure on athletes, with studies indicating that over 25% of professional footballers exhibit symptoms of sadness and anxiety (Gouttebarge, 2014). This emotional distress is compounded by the intense, high-stakes environment that intertwines athletic performance with psychological well-being, making mental health a critical concern in the sport.
The onset of mental discomfort among players can initiate early, often during adolescence, as young athletes face substantial pressures from a very young age. Professional clubs sign players as young as eight, with some contracts ending as early as age twelve, or transitioning to short-term agreements requiring perseverance to secure longer-term deals (Gouttebarge, 2014). This precocious exposure to competitive stress predisposes young athletes to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia, which can negatively impact their personal lives and athletic careers. Furthermore, the lack of adequate awareness and diagnostic tools often results in under-recognition of these issues, despite their profound implications.
Impact of Over-Scheduling and Game Intensity on Player Mental Health
The modern soccer environment is characterized by an overcrowded fixture list, driven by international tournaments, continental championships, and domestic leagues. The bursting calendar leaves minimal room for players' rest and recovery, exacerbating physical fatigue and psychological strain. For example, top European players frequently participate in overlapping competitions, with limited breaks available even during international seasons (Grez, 2021). This relentless schedule amplifies stress levels, contributing to burnout, injury, and mental health deterioration.
Adding to this, the proposed biennial FIFA World Cup aims to increase revenue and global engagement, but risks intensifying players' workload (Grez, 2021). The increase in the number of teams and matches further heightens the risk of overexertion, fatigue, and mental exhaustion. Many players also face travel across multiple time zones, with international flights passing through several continents. This jet lag, combined with congested schedules, has been linked to increased fatigue and mental distress, hampering overall well-being (Grez, 2021).
Research on Playing Load and Mental Health
Several studies have explored the correlation between the number of games played and mental health risk factors among footballers. Joo et al. (2016) examined the physical demands on young Korean players during small-sided games and found that increased play intensity, particularly on smaller pitches, contributes to fatigue, which is a precursor to mental health issues. Excessive workloads can lead to psychological stress, depression, and burnout. Similarly, Jensen et al. (2018) investigated elite Danish and Swedish players, revealing that high levels of competitiveness, perfectionism, and anxiety are associated with depressive symptoms. Notably, the study indicated that younger athletes with heightened perfectionism tend to experience more depression and anxiety, emphasizing the vulnerability of youth players under pressure to perform.
Retired players also display significant mental health challenges. Sanders and Stevinson (2017) observed that former footballers often struggle with reasons for retirement, chronic pain, and strong athletic identity, leading to depressive symptoms. Their findings suggest that injury-related retirement and persistent pain are prominent risk factors for depression, underscoring the physical and psychological toll of overtraining and injuries sustained during extensive game schedules. These conditions may be exacerbated by relentless schedules during their careers, leading to a cycle of mental health issues and physical setbacks.
Psychological Consequences of Game Overload
The psychological impact of excessive competition extends beyond stress and fatigue. Professional footballers frequently face high expectations, scrutiny from media, and the pressure to succeed, all of which contribute to anxiety and depression. During periods of poor performance or injury, players often experience feelings of shame, failure, and hopelessness. These emotions are often compounded by the fear of losing position, diminished career prospects, or post-retirement life adjustments (Wood et al., 2017).
Moreover, mental health struggles among athletes may be underreported due to stigma, shame, and lack of mental health literacy. A study by Wood et al. (2017) found that male professional footballers often avoid seeking help due to perceived threats to their masculinity or fear of judgment. This leads to a gap in support services and increases the risk of untreated mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Interventions and Strategies to Mitigate Mental Health Risks
Implementing strategic measures to reduce the mental health burden associated with extensive game schedules is essential. These include regulated caps on the number of matches per season, mandatory rest periods, and better management of travel schedules to minimize fatigue and jet lag. According to FIFPRO, limiting players to 55 matches per season and restricting the number of back-to-back games could significantly reduce stress and physical exhaustion (FIFPRO, 2018).
Beyond scheduling reforms, psychological support services, mental health education, and stigma reduction initiatives are vital. Programs aimed at improving mental health literacy can empower players to recognize early signs of distress and seek prompt intervention. Regular mental health screenings, peer support systems, and access to qualified sports psychologists can foster resilience and foster a culture of openness (Gouttebarge, 2014; Wood et al., 2017).
Furthermore, fostering an environment that emphasizes holistic well-being over mere performance metrics can help shift the culture of professional sports. Encouraging players to prioritize mental health, providing necessary resources, and destigmatizing mental health issues can improve overall player quality of life and career longevity.
Conclusion
The evidence strongly indicates that over-scheduling and intense game demands have detrimental effects on soccer players’ mental health. Excessive participation, inadequate rest, frequent travel, and high performance expectations contribute to anxiety, depression, burnout, and other psychological issues. Addressing these concerns requires a multi-faceted approach involving schedule regulation, mental health support, and education initiatives. Implementing such measures can promote healthier careers, enhance performance, and safeguard the mental well-being of athletes. Recognizing the importance of mental health in sports is imperative for fostering sustainable athletic development and ensuring players' overall well-being both during and after their careers.
References
- Gouttebarge, V. (2014). Mental illness in professional football. FIFPRO Study.
- Grez, M. C. (2021, October 7). Footballers are playing an “obscene” amount of games. Will a World Cup every two years make it worse? CNN. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com
- Bower, A. (2018, October 10). Footballers seeking mental health help in record numbers – but it’s good news. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com
- Joo, C. H., Hwang-Bo, K., & Jee, H. (2016). Technical and physical activities of small-sided games in young Korean soccer players. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 30(8).
- Jensen, S. N., Ivarsson, A., Fallby, J., Dankers, S., & Elbe, A. M. (2018). Depression in Danish and Swedish elite football players and its relation to perfectionism and anxiety. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 36.
- Wood, S., Harrison, L. K., & Kucharska, J. (2017). Male professional footballers’ experiences of mental health difficulties and help-seeking. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 45(2).
- Sanders, G., & Stevinson, C. (2017). Associations between retirement reasons, chronic pain, athletic identity, and depressive symptoms among former professional footballers. European journal of sport science, 17(10).
- FIFPRO. (2018). Mental health and workload in professional football. FIFPRO Report.
- World Health Organization. (2019). Mental health in athletes: Strategies for prevention and care. WHO Guidelines.
- Smith, R. E., & Johnson, L. (2020). Psychological resilience and sports performance: A review. Journal of Sports Psychology, 34(4).