Leeds United Academy recently delivered a team cohesion and identity workshop for their Under-13s right through to the Under-18s.

The workshops were delivered across a number of days at Thorp Arch, with each age group split into small groups of six and tasked with working together to complete a number of different activities.

The morning sessions were based around each group taking on a variety of challenges where they could gain rewards, each reward secured would then help them in their main task which involved building a shelter, making a fire and cooking popcorn.

The afternoon period was a classroom-based session where the youngsters were given the chance to reflect on the activities they’d taken part in, discussing how the skills used during the challenges could be transferred to other situations they may find themselves in, whether it be in day-to-day life, when they are playing football or a future career away from football or sport. Some of the skills being looked at and developed during the activities, included; teamwork, leadership, trust, communication, contribution and resilience among a number of others.

Katie Slee, Head of Education and Welfare with the Leeds United Academy, spoke about the team cohesion and identity workshops and said: “At the Academy, we run a program of holistic informal education that is based on themes specific to the skills and needs of our players. The program is designed around our vision of how best to support each player through the elite pathway and beyond, making sure that alongside playing football they are developing into well-rounded individuals.

“We were lucky to have Dr Graeme Law support the Academy through a classroom-based reflective workshop after some teamwork activities which centered on his research into the issues surrounding the creation of a professional football players’ identity.

“When the identity of an aspiring player becomes narrow and singular the repercussions on their mental health and ability to function both while they're playing and after are stark. This is a topic we have been plotting with our boys for a few years now and will continue to be at the forefront of staff, player and parent education."