Developing a Sport Psychology Unit in Elite Football: From Reflective Practice to Operational Structure
Date and time: Wednesday May 27th, afternoon
Abstract: Over the past decade, elite European football has increasingly incorporated the psychological dimension of performance within its training academies and professional teams. Now recognized as a critical performance factor, integrated psychological support encompasses a wide range of practices—such as injury recovery support, recruitment processes, team dynamics, and the development of psychosocial skills. This integration requires a structured framework and methodologically sound practices to ensure both effectiveness and long-term implementation. This workshop aims to present the organizational model and methodological approach developed by the Sport Psychology and Mental Skills Unit of Olympique Lyonnais and OL Lyonnes. It will also guide participants through a reflective process designed to help them envision and tailor the structuring of a sport psychology unit within their own professional contexts. Anchored in the interplay between scientific inquiry and field application, this workshop promotes the co-construction of knowledge where research, innovation, methodology, and practitioner expertise converge to support both performance optimization and mental health.
Biography: The Sport Psychology and Mental Skills Unit was established in the early 2010s and has progressively evolved by drawing upon various theoretical and applied frameworks. Today, the unit consists of seven professionals with diverse academic backgrounds and specialized expertise, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to supporting elite athletes. At Olympique Lyonnais, the team includes Mathieu Hessels (Mental Performance Coach, U13–U15), Alessandro Catarsi (Mental Performance Coach, U19), Joan Piera (Sport Psychologist, U17 and Pro2), and Pauline Charrier (Clinical Psychologist, OL Academy). For OL Lyonnes, the unit is composed of Clément Manière (Clinical Psychologist, First Team) and Corentin Gonzales (Mental Performance Coach, OL Lyonnes Academy). Both teams are coordinated by Charles Spitéri (Sport Psychology Scientist, Olympique Lyonnais and OL Lyonnes). Positioned as a pioneering force in elite football, the unit plays a leading role in promoting innovation, structuring, and the everyday integration of sport psychology practices to foster both performance excellence and mental well-being.
Who Is This Workshop For?
Designed for professionals working in and around sport, including:
- Sport psychologists
- Performance and Mental Skills Consultants
- Coach educators and developers
- Sport coaches
- PE teachers and practitioners working in performance and development contexts
About the Workshop Leaders :
Joan Piera is a Sport Psychologist at the Olympique Lyonnais Academy, where he provides individual and group support focused on mental skills and psychological health. He holds degrees in Psychology, Sport and Exercise Psychology, and High-Performance Team Optimization, and plays a key role in the development of the academy’s sport psychology unit.
Charles Spitéri is the Head of the Sport Psychology and Mental Performance Unit at Olympique Lyonnais and OL Lyonnes, where he designs and oversees psychological support protocols for athletes and staff. He is also a PhD candidate in Sport and Social Psychology at the Universities of Montpellier and Grenoble-Alpes, specializing in socialization processes in elite football
Alessandro Catarsi is the Assistant Coach in charge of mental performance for the U19 team at Olympique Lyonnais, where he supports players in their transition to professional football by fostering autonomy and self-regulation. He combines his football coaching credentials with specialized training in mental performance from the University of Clermont Auvergne.
Clément Manière is a Clinical and Sport Psychologist supporting the OL Lyonnes professional team and academy. He also works with Culture Perf and several French sports federations.
Corentin Gonzales is a Sport Psychology student at the OL Lyonnes Academy, supporting players and staff on mental performance, group dynamics, and psychosocial development. He holds a Master’s in Sport and Coaching Psychology and conducts research on leadership and youth athlete flourishing.
Pauline Cherrier is a Clinical Psychologist at the Olympique Lyonnais Academy, supporting U13 to U15 players through psychological assessments, individual follow-up, and mental health prevention. She holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a diploma in High-Performance Team Optimization.
Maxime Campenet is a Mental Performance Coach at Olympique Lyonnais, supporting players and staff in mental skills development and group dynamics. He holds a Master’s in Sport and Coaching Psychology from the University of Montpellier.
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