Examining the experience of psychological safety in football academies: Players’ perspective

This study explored perceptions of psychological safety (PS) in Category 3 football academies operating under the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) in England. Four focus groups with 14 Professional Development Phase players were conducted through three areas: understanding PS, environmental features, and its applicability in academy football. Results identified ten sub-themes including the need to unpack the concept, managing new arrivals and academy transitions, supportive interpersonal environments, reciprocal voice, learning from mistakes, embracing risk-taking, coach-athlete hierarchy, authority-figure behaviour, results shaping safety, and thresholds within academy football. PS appeared embedded yet rarely named, emerging through behaviours and team interactions rather than formal structures. Its presence was conditional during transition, poor results, or heightened emotional demands. These findings challenge assumptions that PS is universally beneficial, advocating a nuanced, developmentally appropriate approach that balances competitive pressure with authentic and open interaction.