The first year of the Golf Foundation initiative has seen more than 1,000 schools sign up.
This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.
The Golf Foundation is thrilled to celebrate the first year’s results of its Unleash Your Drive schools programme that 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 this transformative initiative, with many schools reporting a positive change in overall mental wellbeing of the pupils.
One standout success story from the Golf Foundation’s first year of delivery comes from St James the Great, where the programme has had a profound impact on pupils’ mental toughness and overall wellbeing.
115 pupils from Years 3 and 5 went through the six-week programme in its first iteration at the school, completing 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.
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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.
“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.”
You can read more about their inspiring journey here.
A Year Of Impact
Fronted by inspirational 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, BMW, GolfNow, Toro and Golf Holidays Direct, Unleash Your Drive in Schools has had a clear impact in year one.
The success at St James the Great has been fantastic to see, but the wider effects of the Unleash Your Drive initiative are being felt across schools in the Home Nations, with schools in Scotland, Wales and Ireland now joining the delivery that began in England.
Early results have shown an average increase of 20% in mental toughness tool 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.
Every school that completes the programme receives a summary of the results showing the pupils’ change in mental toughness understanding and overall mental wellbeing.
“Any increase, or simply maintaining wellbeing in today’s challenging world, is a meaningful success worth celebrating,” explains Dr John Perry, sports psychologist and mental toughness expert from the University of Limerick in Ireland. “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.”
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Why This Matters More Than Ever
Now, more than ever, young people need tools to help them build resilience. Mental health challenges among children and teenagers are on the rise, and sport can play a vital role in promoting emotional wellbeing. Since Covid, we’ve seen reports indicating that 18% of young people have a probable mental health issue, while children from disadvantaged backgrounds are three times more likely to suffer from a mental health issue.
Golf, with its focus on patience, discipline, and self-improvement, provides a unique way for students to develop these essential skills in a fun and engaging way, and Unleash Your Drive’s use of adapted Golfway equipment combined with fun games and embedded mental toughness tools provides the perfect platform.
With more than 1,000 schools now registered to deliver Unleash Your Drive in Schools, the programme is proving to be a powerful force in supporting young people’s mental health. As the Golf Foundation celebrate this milestone, they also look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of thousands more children across the country.
To find out more or register you school, please visit www.golf-foundation.org/uyd/
This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.
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