Industry
Coaches’ Mental Health: How Sports Organisations Can Help
Coaches give a huge amount to sport. They develop talent, build confidence and support the wellbeing of the people they coach, often in their own time and for little or no pay. But while there’s growing focus on athletes’ mental health, coaches’ own wellbeing is often overlooked.
This guide is for sports clubs, national governing bodies, leisure operators and anyone who works with coaches. It covers what the research says, the pressures coaches face and the practical steps you can take to support them.
Coaches’ mental health in numbers
A study of 202 UK coaches, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, found that:
55% had experienced mental illness at some point, most commonly depression and anxiety
Of those, 44% were experiencing it at the time of the survey
Grassroots and community coaches reported the highest rates
Around 8 in 10 were unaware of any mental health policies or support in their organisation
Most said coaches were unlikely to tell anyone in their organisation if they were struggling
More recent research points the same way. A 2026 Nottingham Trent University study of almost 150 UK swimming coaches, funded by the British Swimming Coaches Association, found that:
64% reported symptoms of depression
67% reported symptoms of anxiety
31% struggled with work-life balance and felt overwhelmed by their workload
38% weren’t aware of any support services available to them
As one research team put it: who is looking after the people looking after the people?
The pressures coaches face
Pressure for results
Coaches are often judged on their athletes’ performance. In competitive and high-performance sport, contracts and funding can depend on results, which adds to the pressure.
Demanding parents and committees
Managing parents’ expectations can be one of the hardest parts of coaching young people. The swimming coaches’ study found that 29% reported problems with parents and parent-led committees.
Insecure work and multiple jobs
Many coaches are self-employed, on short-term contracts or juggle coaching with other jobs. Irregular income and job insecurity can cause ongoing stress.
Long and unsociable hours
Training often happens early in the morning, in the evenings and at weekends, with competitions and travel on top. That makes it hard to rest and spend time with family and friends.
Isolation
Coaches often work alone, without colleagues to share problems with. 29% of the swimming coaches surveyed said they felt lonely or isolated in their role.
Responsibility for others’ wellbeing
Coaches are often the first person an athlete turns to when something’s wrong. Supporting young people through personal problems, injuries or setbacks can be emotionally demanding.
Pressure to appear strong
Sport can value toughness and resilience. Coaches may worry that admitting they’re struggling will make them look weak or affect their job.
Supporting volunteer coaches
Much of grassroots sport relies on volunteer coaches. They face many of the same pressures as paid coaches, often while holding down a full-time job. Clubs can support them by:
Being clear about what’s expected and how much time the role involves
Sharing the load, so no one coach carries too much
Thanking volunteers regularly and recognising their contribution
Making sure they know where to find support, just like paid staff
Warning signs to look out for
Signs that a coach may be struggling include:
Losing enthusiasm for coaching or seeming flat
Becoming irritable or short-tempered with athletes, parents or colleagues
Withdrawing from club life or social events
Missing sessions or turning up late
Seeming exhausted or mentioning poor sleep
Talking about wanting to step back or give up coaching
If you notice these signs, a private, supportive conversation is a good first step. Ask how they’re doing, listen and let them know support is available.
Practical steps for clubs and sports organisations
Make support visible
Tell coaches what support is available and how to access it
Include coaches in your wellbeing policies, not just athletes and members
Share information about confidential support regularly, not just once
Check in regularly
Build wellbeing check-ins into coach reviews and meetings Ask how coaches are doing, not just how their athletes are performing Make sure someone in the club has responsibility for coaches’ welfare
Set clear boundaries with parents
Have a clear code of conduct for parents and spectators Agree how and when parents can contact coaches Back coaches when they deal with difficult behaviour
Manage workload and hours
Spread sessions fairly across your coaching team Avoid relying on one or two coaches for everything Encourage coaches to take breaks between seasons and competitions
Reduce isolation
Create coach networks or peer support groups Pair newer coaches with an experienced mentor Bring coaches together socially, not just for training
Support coaches after difficult incidents
Coaches may have to deal with serious injuries, safeguarding concerns or other distressing events. Check in with them afterwards and make sure they can access confidential support.
How an EAP helps support coaches
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) gives coaches and staff confidential support whenever they need it, including early mornings, evenings and weekends. With Wisdom Wellbeing, they can access:
A 24/7 confidential helpline for emotional, practical and financial support
Short-term structured counselling with qualified counsellors
The Wisdom app, with self-help tools and wellbeing content
Financial and legal information, which can help self-employed coaches with money worries
Manager support and guidance on difficult conversations
Critical incident support after serious events
Research shows many coaches prefer support from outside their organisation. An EAP is independent and confidential, so coaches can get help without worrying about how it might affect their role.
For more on supporting teams across the sector, read our guide to staff wellbeing in sport and leisure, or find out more about our EAP and wellbeing support for sport and recreation.
FAQs
How common are mental health problems among sports coaches?
Research suggests they’re common. A study of 202 UK coaches found that 55% had experienced mental illness at some point, most commonly depression and anxiety. A 2026 study of UK swimming coaches found that 64% reported symptoms of depression.
What causes stress for sports coaches?
Common causes include pressure for results, demanding parents and committees, insecure work, long and unsociable hours, isolation and responsibility for athletes’ wellbeing.
How can sports clubs support their coaches?
Make support visible, check in regularly, set clear boundaries with parents, share the workload fairly, create peer support networks and make sure coaches know how to access confidential help.
How can clubs support volunteer coaches?
Be clear about what the role involves, share the load, thank volunteers regularly and make sure they know where to find support, just like paid staff.
Can an EAP help sports coaches?
Yes. An EAP gives coaches confidential, 24/7 access to counselling and support from outside their organisation, which many coaches prefer. It can also help with practical issues such as money worries.
Sources
British Swimming Coaches Association, Research reveals mental health strain within swimming coaching
Wisdom Wellbeing
Wisdom Wellbeing provides clinically led Employee Assistance Programmes to organisations across the UK and Ireland. Specialising in mental health and wellbeing, we publish practical guidance for employees, employers and business owners, including articles written by our counsellors to offer expertise from a clinical perspective. We also write for students at college and university who want to improve and maintain their mental wellbeing.
Support your employees with an EAP
With an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) from Wisdom Wellbeing, we can offer you practical advice and support when it comes to dealing with workplace stress and anxiety issues.
Our EAP service provides guidance and supports your employees with their mental health in the workplace and at home. We can help you create a safe, productive workspace that supports all.
