In Australia today, children and young people routinely live in two overlapping worlds: the physical and the digital. Whether they are gaming on Roblox, chatting with AI companions, exploring “creator modes,” or simply socialising via apps, the internet amplifies both opportunity and  risk. As a child / sport psychologist, and partner to educators, coaches, and parents, I believe we must bolster safeguards—not just rules—so our young people can thrive more safely. Below I rev

In sport, we talk a lot about performance, resilience, and mindset. But for many neurodivergent athletes, there’s an invisible extra layer: masking . Masking means trying to “pass” as neurotypical by hiding traits or behaviours that feel different. It might look like forcing eye contact, copying teammates’ social cues, or suppressing natural stimming. While masking can sometimes help athletes “fit in,” it often comes at a heavy cost — burnout, exhaustion, and disconnection fr

For coaches, parents, and allied health professionals, understanding the developing brain is crucial for setting realistic expectations, supporting wellbeing, and creating environments where young athletes can thrive. This blog explores the differences between children and teens across cognitive, emotional, and physical domains, and highlights how neurodiversity and cultural context shape these experiences. By tailoring our approach, we can ensure sport remains both a perform

Sport can bring out the best in kids and teens - confidence, friendships, growth, and the thrill of competition. But it can also bring...

For many parents, hearing your child say “I don’t want to do this anymore”  after years of training, early mornings, and big sacrifices...

Why It Matters Sport is often described as the “great equaliser,” but the truth is that standard coaching environments are designed with...

Game day can feel like chaos at the best of times—uniforms to remember, timings to follow, instructions to process, teammates buzzing...

When you hear the word neurodiversity , what comes to mind? For many, it’s still framed around “disorders” or “deficits” with diagnoses...

In sport, identity is often distilled into performance: fast or slow, starter or bench, winning or losing. Yet behind every athlete is a...

Australia is home to one of the most culturally diverse populations in the world. Over 30% of Australians were born overseas, and more...

Seeking support from a psychologist is a brave and meaningful step toward better mental health and wellbeing. But therapy is not a...

In the world of sport, performance is often tied to physical metrics: speed, strength, endurance. But behind every sprint and serve is a...

In elite and youth sport, it’s normal for performance to fluctuate—energy levels dip, motivation ebbs and flows, and sometimes an athlete...

From grassroots footy fields to Olympic stadiums, the phrase “push through the pain”  is echoed like a mantra. Grit. Sacrifice. No...

In elite sport, your identity can become tightly woven into your performance, routine, and role. Who you are gets defined by what you...

When you think of elite athletes, you probably picture grit, determination, early mornings, long hours of training, and an unshakeable...

Coaching female athletes is not about changing your standards—it's about expanding your skillset. While many coaching principles apply...

Adolescence is a critical time for identity formation, physical development, and social belonging. For adolescent girls, it is also a...

For many elite female athletes, the journey to motherhood intersects with high-performance sport in complicated and confronting ways....

In the world of sport psychology and athletic performance, one important but historically under-researched topic is the menstrual cycle...