Wingate & Finchley FC are taking further strides in developing their progressive youth team structure, by joining forces with local sports psychologists Performance1.

The performance psychology experts, who have worked with a range of organisations including TeamGB and Friends Provident, are hoping to provide the club with a winning edge beyond traditional coaching methods.

As Wingate & Finchley first team and academy coach Andy Zeller explains: “The majority of academy players are well coached regarding the technical, tactical and physical elements of football. Often, however, the all important psychological element is seen as the poor relation and left behind as young players are prepared for senior football.

"It’s also the area of expertise where football coaches are usually less qualified to work, so we are delighted to be able to call on the expert help and experience of William Winstone of Performance 1 to enable our youth team players to make the transition into semi professional football and beyond.”

Winstone, who has worked with Team GB as a sport psychologist in the Macau holding camp in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Games, has expressed his excitement at working with the club and how this innovative approach to sports excellence can reap rewards.

“In sport, fitness and technique are only half the story. To really play at your best, you're just as dependent on your thoughts and emotions. Mastering this inner game can turn a good player into a great one. So we’re delighted to be running a session at the club on Saturday, February 19th - prior to the game against Enfield Town - on Emotional Control.

"We'll be using videos of Zidane, Rooney and Ronaldo to highlight what happens when players lose control. It will be an interactive session, and in Zidane’s case we'll hear his own explanation of what was going on. Additionally, we'll be teaching the players practical skills to avoid the same traps. We see this initial session as a way of supporting grass roots sport in our local community, and look forward to developing a mutually beneficial relationship.”

Further details of Performance1 can be found at their website http://www.performance-1.co.uk/.

William will also be available to chat at the club on Saturday, should any local sports or business organisations wish to discuss their services further.