“After a sports injury, I lost part of my identity”

Currently, the University of Bath, in partnership with Podium Analytics, is seeking to understand the impact of these injuries on mental health in order to shape future support.

A study called Young voices in sport, externalwill explore how injuries impact young people’s mental wellbeing, identity and return to competitive sport.

Dr Lee Moore, senior lecturer in sport and performance psychology at the University of Bath, said: “Research among top-level adult athletes shows that injuries often lead to loss of identity, fear of re-injury and anxiety about losing a place in the team.

“Until now, the voices of young people have been ignored.

“By better understanding their experiences, we can better inform coaching practices and help families provide young people with the right support as they recover from injury.”