HeySportPsych is created by sport psychology professionals, for sport psychology professionals, to give you an inside look at what it truly means to work in the field in 2025.
WHAT TO EXPECT
KEYNOTE TALKS
Our keynote sessions feature dynamic 30-minute talks from a diverse lineup of sport psychology professionals. Gain valuable insights as they share their inspiring career journeys in applied sport psychology and explore key techniques and methods used in the field. Whether you’re an established professional or aspiring to enter the industry, these sessions will provide actionable knowledge and motivation to advance your career.
Workshops
Join our expert-led group workshops, designed to equip you with practical strategies for applying sport psychology principles in real-world settings. Led by internationally recognized professionals with hands-on experience, these sessions will provide actionable tips and proven tactics to help you translate knowledge into practice effectively.
VSP+ EXPERTS
Connect with the VSP+ team and leading international experts in sport psychology. Get your questions answered in real time and gain valuable insights into the path to a successful career in applied sport psychology. Our experts will be live to guide you through the essential steps for breaking into and excelling in the field.
DISCUSSIONS & MEETUPS
Throughout the event, you’ll have multiple opportunities to network and connect with fellow sport psychology professionals who share your passion. Engage in meaningful conversations during virtual coffee breaks, group supervision sessions, and informal chats before and after keynotes and workshops. Build valuable relationships, exchange insights, and expand your professional network in a supportive and dynamic environment.
APRIL 7, 2025
SCHEDULE
Payal Gore (India)
This presentation explores body image concerns in Indian sportswomen, particularly in relation to menstruation and puberty. It examines the cultural narratives, societal pressures, and psychological challenges that shape athletes’ self-perception and performance. Drawing on existing research and real-world examples, the discussion highlights the impact of myths surrounding menstruation, expectations of athletic aesthetics, and the role of coaches, parents, and peers. The session aims to provide insights into the complexities of body image in Indian sports and its implications for athlete well-being and performance.
As sport psychology is a relatively new and specialized field in Brunei Darussalam, Fatin’s journey and experiences during her training provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of establishing this profession within the country. Her perspective sheds light on the evolving landscape of sport psychology in Brunei, highlighting the steps taken to integrate psychological support into sports, the barriers faced along the way, and the strategies that have helped pave the path forward. Through her experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the growth of sport psychology in Brunei and its potential impact on athletes, coaches, and the broader sporting community.
Dr. Christian Zepp
In several meetings and conversations with students and VSP community members, the question of how to create a career in applied sport psychology comes up again and again. Many aspiring professionals wonder where to start, what challenges to expect, and how to build a sustainable career working with athletes, teams, and coaches. This session explores the most common questions, key pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies for establishing yourself in the field. It provides insights into transitioning from theory to practice and offers concrete steps to help navigate the early stages of a career in applied sport psychology.
Dr. Valeria Eckardt (Germany)
Successful and fulfilling youth sports experiences rely on joint efforts of parents and coaches – a crucial yet often challenging partnership to navigate. This workshop will provide latest scientific insights on parent-coach relationships and interactions and demonstrate evidence-based strategies to promote constructive cooperation. Participants will have the opportunity to share, discuss, and reflect their professional experiences in youth sports.
Sorenya Miller (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
In this engaging and interactive workshop designed for practitioners working with youth athletes or those new to mental performance you’ll learn how to transform fundamental concepts into practical, sport-specific activities that are both fun and impactful. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll discover effective strategies to boost motivation, foster teamwork, and develop essential life skills in athletes, making mental training both engaging and practical.
Cesar Medeiros (Brasil)
In football, athletes engage with various social agents—from teammates and opponents to referees, coaches, and fans—starting from youth categories. However, these interactions can often be challenging due to factors like high expectations, intense competition, and aggressive dynamics, potentially leading to stress.
This workshop explores the critical role of Social Skills in football, highlighting key competencies such as assertiveness, empathy, civility, social resourcefulness, emotional self-control, and affective approach. Through real-life football scenarios, participants will learn how to identify, develop, and apply these skills to enhance performance, communication, and overall well-being.
By the end of this session, attendees will gain practical strategies to integrate social skills training within football teams, fostering a more resilient and cohesive sporting environment.
Dr. Christian Zepp (Germany) & David “Dirk” Smith (USA)
With this interactive Barcamp session we will conclude HeySportPsych, where you set the agenda! This open forum is designed for curious minds and passionate professionals to ask questions, share insights, and dive into dynamic discussions on all aspects of sport psychology.
Whether you’re seeking expert advice on athlete mental health, exploring cutting-edge intervention strategies, or navigating career pathways in applied sport psychology, this session offers a unique opportunity to engage with peers and industry leaders.
Bring your curiosity, expertise, and burning questions for a collaborative and enriching experience that fosters learning and connection. Don’t miss this chance to expand your knowledge and grow your network within the sport psychology community!
HeySportPsych!
WE SHARE...
...firsthand experiences from sport psychology professionals across various continents and countries. Gain valuable insights into their journeys, learning from their successes and challenges. Our goal is to help you avoid common pitfalls, fast-track your learning process, and navigate the essential steps for a successful career in applied sport psychology. Learn what works—and what doesn’t—so you can confidently advance in the field.
OUR MISSION IS...
...to foster a collaborative and knowledge-driven community where sport psychology professionals can learn, grow, and support one another. By sharing insights, experiences, and best practices, we aim to elevate the field and enhance the quality of support provided to athletes and teams. Together, we strive to make a lasting impact on sports performance and mental well-being.
Speakers Line-up
Dr. Valeria Eckardt
Germany
Payal Gore
India
Cesar Medeiros
Brasil
Fatin Mejenie
Brunei
Sorenya Miller
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
David "Dirk" Smith
USA
Dr. Christian Zepp
Germany
FAQ
HeySportPsych takes place virtually through Zoom. Upon entering your email address, you’ll receive additional details about the event. We’ll send out all Zoom links for the various workshops, talks, and discussions shortly before HeySportPsych airs on April 24, 2024.
There’s no need for concern. All participants who registered for HeySportPsych will have access to replays of all sessions once the workshop day concludes. We’ll host all video recordings so you can view them later for at least a week. Additionally, if you’re a VSP+ member, you’ll have the chance to watch the videos within the community platform.
HeySportPsych is well-suited for individuals interested in entering or already active in the field of applied sport psychology. Whether you’re considering studying sport psychology, currently a student, starting your career in sports, or already established as an applied sport psychology professional, HeySportPsych offers relevant topics for you.
However, HeySportPsych is not designed for athletes, coaches, or parents seeking specific techniques or strategies on topics such as improving performance, managing stress, or communicating with athletes or children.
You do not necessarily need to possess a robust background in sport psychology. If you are curious about how sport psychology functions, its potential to aid clients in diverse contexts, and what insights you can glean from fellow sport psychologists, please feel free to join us.
While having prior knowledge of sport psychology and awareness of athletes’ challenges may be advantageous at some point, an open mind and a desire to expand your knowledge are all that’s required. Even if you haven’t formally studied sports psychology, you are warmly welcomed to participate in the discussions and presentations.
Feel free to send any questions you may have to either christian@virtualsportpsych.com or david@virtualsportpsych.com, and we will be happy to assist you with all your inquiries!
VIRTUALSPORTPSYCH IS COMMITTED TO HELPING PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
