Port Vale began working with Aim-For in 2022 to enhance mental performance in football through sports psychology platforms and wellbeing support tools.
Port Vale FC
Port Vale football club has a long-standing history in English football since 1892 and was a presence in the Championship during the 1990s. However, recent performance on the pitch has resulted in the club being relegated to League 2. Under new ownership, the club aims to return to the Championship and regenerate pride in the football team and the community.
Goals
Port Vale set out to be exemplary in providing its employees with support and helping people with mental health problems. To do this they not only wanted to provide support but to identify ongoing needs and requirements for the whole club.
Building the Port Vale brand both on and off the pitch was central to their objectives, and finding something to put their words into action was key.
The Products
The club introduced The 4Pillars framework within its academy to improve player mental wellbeing, resilience and performance habits.
The Safety Net platform was developed to give every staff member and player access to mental health support in sport, a data-driven wellbeing destination tailored to Port Vale FC.
The Process
To implement these products, the senior leadership team was introduced to The Pillars and The Safety Net, prior to rolling them out in the 2022-23 season. A phased approach was taken to onboard each stakeholder group to the platforms, having identified their individual needs. This partnership marks a key step in Port Vale’s journey to create a holistic player development environment and strengthen club culture and performance on and off the pitch.
"I am delighted we are working in partnership with Lee and Nick who have a proven track record in sports psychology and education and are working with some top brands and industry innovators."
Carol Shanahan
Co-owner and Chair at Port Vale FC
