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 well-being, self-identity, and their 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 on the road to recovery. This is especially important for young people who 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 Wheatleyat 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 programs, 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 and femoroacetabular impingement. Before her injury, Rachael was a talented sculler with the University of Bath Rowing Club and competed in the final Henley Women’s Regatta. But unfortunately due to injury progressing had to stop training which was very frustrating.

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 part of my life for so long. It’s bitter sweet to watch my teammates achieve their goals while I’m stuck on the sidelines waiting to return. The thought of returning to rowing feels exciting, alongside overwhelming with the fear of reinjury at the back of my mind. But, right now, all I want to be able to do is to do daily tasks pain free, then focus on rehab post surgery.

Gemma Peters, a 20-year-old elite rower with the British Rowing South West Performance Development Academy at the University of Bath. She is currently awaiting surgery for a disk discectomy after enduring a challenging two-year cycle of relapses and rehabilitation. During this time, she has faced hospital stays and even temporary loss of feeling in her legs. While sidelined from training, Gemma has shifted her focus to coaching.

I've been a high-level athlete all my life, so when injury took that away, I didn’t know how to handle it. It took me the best part of a year to learn how to live life no longer being an elite athlete. Now, I coach at the local rowing club every day which has been a lifesaver. It keeps me connected to the sport without the pressure of competing. Every day is a battle between fear of worsening symptoms and the urge to stay active. I constantly wrestle with not overdoing it while needing to do something to keep myself grounded. Finding that balance is tough, but I’m counting down the days until I can train again without guilt.

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. 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.

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) and Dr Catherine Wheatley (Podium Analytics).