The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes, as Kirkham and Wesham clinch the FA Vase, with victory over Lowestoft Town.
Football: Kirkham & Wesham - The Bus
So Kirkham & Wesham, entering the competition for the first time, win the FA Vase. The Lancashire team coming from behind, to beat Lowestoft Town, 2-1.
It was noticeable, that Kirkham & Wesham travelled down to Wembley for the Vase final, in the England team bus, which they had hired for the occasion. It turned out to be a good investment.
The rationale being, to put the players in the right frame of mind for a Wembley visit. It's not easy, mentally preparing players from the lower leagues of the English football pyramid, for a Wembley cup final.
Simply because, they are stepping way out of their comfort zone. Small psychological bridges have to be built, from their everyday football reality, to the dream that is Wembley.
That's why hiring the England team bus, is such a good idea. Travelling down from Lancashire, gives the players acclimatisation time. Acclimatisation to their new and improved status.
So much so, that by the time they arrive at Wembley, they should already be developing the right kind of mindset. A mindset, that respects the occasion, but is not in awe of it. A mindset that recognises the day as being special, and is a fitting reward for success and endeavour. A mindset, that feels, yes, you belong at Wembley.
Tony Jacklin transformed the fortunes of the European Ryder Cup squad, by upgrading the players travelling arrangements, to Concorde. And dressing the players in smart, professional suits. Jacklin wanted the best for his players, so that they would look and feel like winners. The refinement in small details, meant his players no longer felt second class, compared to the Americans. A small switch in mindset, that transformed performance.
Kirkham and Wesham's FA Vase success, cannot be directly attributable to their team bus. But it's one of the critical small details, that can make the difference between success and failure. Players who are made to feel valued, will usually respond in kind. It's a price well worth paying.
