3 October 2024 – New research project will explore mental health challenges in young people experiencing sporting injuries.

The University of Bath in collaboration with Podium Analytics – a charity committed to reducing injury in youth and grassroots sport – have launched a new study, "Young Voices in Sport", aimed at understanding the mental health challenges young people face following sports injuries. This project will explore how injuries impact young people's mental wellbeing, self-identity and journey back to competitive sport.

The study seeks to fill a critical gap in research: understanding the emotional and psychological impact of sports injuries on young people. While the physical aspects of recovery are well documented, little is known about the mental health challenges young athletes face after being sidelined and when on the road to recovery. This is especially important for young people, as they are already dealing with the pressures of adolescence.

The research is co-led by Dr Lee Moore, a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Performance Psychology and co-lead of the Stress, Anxiety, Resilience, and Thriving (StART) research group at the University of Bath, and chartered health psychologist Dr Catherine Wheatley at Podium Analytics, who specialises in sport, physical activity, and mental health.

Dr Lee Moore said: “Research among elite adult athletes shows that injuries often lead to a loss of self-identity, fear of re-injury, and anxiety about losing their place on the team. Until now young people’s voices have been overlooked. By better understanding their experiences, we can better inform coaching practices and help families provide the right support for young people during their recovery from injury.”

By hearing young athletes’ stories, Podium Analytics aims to develop peer-to-peer support tools and bespoke training for coaches and families, ensuring young people get better psychological help when they are injured and as they return to sport. The insights will guide future programmes, helping athletes, coaches and families better handle the mental challenges that come with sports injuries.

Dr Catherine Wheatley said: “Young athletes are navigating the complexities of adolescence alongside the pressures of competition. Their mental health needs during injury and recovery are unique, and this project will shine a light on how best to support them, ensuring they feel mentally as well as physically prepared to get back in the game.”

Real-life experiences of young people facing sporting injuries

Rachael Debenham is a 20-year-old third-year Sport and Exercise Science student at the University of Bath. For the past three years, she has been waiting for a hip operation to repair a labral tear. Before her injury, Rachael was a talented Skulls and Quad rower with the University of Bath Rowing Club and competed in the Henley Women’s Regatta. 

“Injury has been incredibly isolating, and I feel like I’ve lost a part of my identity. When people ask, ‘What do you do?’ I can’t proudly say, ‘I’m a rower,’ even though rowing has been my life for so long. It’s frustrating to watch my teammates achieve their goals while I’m stuck on the sidelines. The thought of returning to my sport feels overwhelming – I just don’t know if I can do it. Right now, all I want is to walk and swim without pain.”

Hannah Cliftlands is a 20-year-old third-year Sport and Exercise Science student at the University of Bath. For the last two years she’s been on the road to recovery from an ACL tear. Prior to her injury, Hannah was an active player for the University of Bath Netball Club and throughout her rehab she’s stayed involved by coaching at the club.

“The physio has cleared me to play, but the fear is still there. After my rehab, it’s 100% psychological – I’m scared of getting injured again. My parents, friends, and teammates are cautious around me; they don’t want to see me get hurt, and that makes me feel even more anxious. I try to push through that fear and be confident, but it’s tough. I’m not training or playing with my friends week in and week out, and I really miss that connection.”

How can you get involved in the research trial?

To take part in this study, email lead researcher Dr Lee Moore for a participant information sheet. You can also find out more about the project at this link here. 

The Young Voices in Sport Research team are:

• Dr Lee Moore (Lead Researcher, University of Bath)
• Dr Rachel Arnold (University of Bath)
• Dr Carly McKay (Podium Analytics)
• Dr Catherine Wheatley (Podium Analytics)

ENDS

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Rebecca Tanswell, Press Office, University of Bath –
rlt54@bath.ac.uk

Lucy Humble, Head of Communications, Podium Analytics – lucy.humble@podiumanalytics.org

ABOUT PODIUM ANALYTICS

Podium Analytics is an NGO, registered as a charity (England, Wales and Scotland) with a vision to create a world with more sport and less injury. Founded by Sir Ron Dennis CBE, its mission is to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of sports injury, with a focus on youth and grassroot sport. Podium’s team is made up of hand-picked specialists with proven expertise in business, academia, science, technology and sport, who share in a sense of responsibility for shaping a safer legacy for sport.

SportSmart is the free schools and clubs programme from Podium Analytics, which has been developed to support the on-the-ground needs of PE teachers and sports coaches. The programme includes tools, educational information and insights to prevent, monitor and manage injury – all while driving greater understanding of grassroots sport and trialling new protocols in the real world.

podiumanalytics.org

THE UNIVERSITY OF BATH

The University of Bath is one of the UK's leading universities, with a reputation for high-impact research, excellence in education, student experience and graduate prospects.

We are ranked in the top 10 of all of the UK’s major university guides. We are also ranked among the world’s top 10% of universities, placing 150th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Bath was rated in the world’s top 10 universities for sport in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Research from Bath is helping to change the world for the better. Across the University’s three Faculties and School of Management, our research is making an impact in society, leading to low-carbon living, positive digital futures, and improved health and wellbeing. Find out all about our Research with Impact:

www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/research-with-impact/