The Golf Foundation has announced the results of its first ‘Unleash Your Drive’ schools programme which teaches, and measures the impact of 'mental toughness' tools on pupils’ resilience, focus and confidence.
Over the past year, more than 1,000 schools have registered to be part of the initiative, with many schools reporting a positive change in overall mental wellbeing of the pupils.
Unleash Your Drive is fronted by Sky presenter and Golf Foundation president, Nick Dougherty, and supported by a number of high-profile organisations in golf such as The R&A, The PGA and BMW. Early results have shown an average increase of 20% in mental toughness understanding among pupils, meaning they are better equipped to improve their focus, deal with challenges, and face up to setbacks inside and outside of school. Alongside this, pupils who have taken part in the six-week programme have also shown a 6% average rise in mental wellbeing while taking part.
The results were released during Children’s Mental Health Week, with Dr John Perry, sports psychologist and mental toughness expert from the University of Limerick, explaining: “Any increase, or simply maintaining wellbeing in today’s challenging world, is a meaningful success worth celebrating.
“Even a small improvement in a child's wellbeing can have a lasting impact on their development, resilience, and mental health. The results from Unleash Your Drive are so impressive because they are founded on mental toughness, and we know that leaves a lasting impact, not just a temporary improvement in mental wellbeing. All of that means these youngsters are being better prepared for life.”
One success story from the Golf Foundation’s first year of delivery comes from St James the Great School in Thornton Heath, South London, where 115 pupils from Years 3 and 5 went through the six-week programme, and completed a pre- and post- questionnaire to see how they cope with various stressful situations and challenges before and after going through the training. Delivered as part of a series of fun golf games, the mental toughness tools teach the youngsters how best to manage their emotions through breathing techniques, coping mechanisms and positive self-affirmation.
The pupils at St James the Great showed a 22% average increase in mental toughness tool understanding, and a 10% rise in mental wellbeing across the course. This included a 65% rise in determination, and a 50% rise in emotional control. Read more.
“After playing in the golf programme, the children are much kinder to themselves,” explained Michelle Regan, the PSHE Lead at the school, “and they supported each other. Plus we’ve seen an improved ability to be ready to learn – they’re now implementing the tools in daily life. The reward is seeing that the children are happy and healthy, seeing that they’re successful in their learning, and seeing that they’re participating in a new sport.”
Every school that completes the programme receives a summary of the results showing the pupils’ change in mental toughness understanding and overall mental wellbeing.
To find out more or register your school, visit golf-foundation.org
