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RAIDERS have started to play mind games at Craven Park.
Glyn Chapman, who holds a masters degree in sports psychology, is now working with the Barrow players.
The 32-year-old former welder is finding his feet after receiving a warm welcome at his first training session.
Raiders coach Paul Crarey says this latest development is all part of making the club more professional.
It came about because he is good friends with Ken and Christine Chapman, owners of Boaters, and met Glyn — their nephew — at the Lakeside restaurant.
Says Crarey: “We got talking about what he was doing and he offered his services to the club free of charge.
“Glyn has an excellent degree and needs to build up his experience.
“It is something of a free role at the moment until he settles in at the ground.
“There are quite a few players who could benefit especially the younger ones.
“Some Super League clubs employ psychologists and it is another avenue for us to explore.”
Chapman, who lives in Dalton, played rugby league at school but is known for his football with Holker Old Boys.
A former welder at Vickers and then Acrastyle, he switched careers to study BTEC Sports Science at Furness College.
Chapman took a degree in Sports Science at the University of Central Lancashire and then gained a Masters in Sports Psychology at John Moores University, Liverpool.
He hopes the voluntary work at Barrow RL will help him find a full-time job in sport.
Adds Chapman: “I am just getting to know about the training set-up, match day routine and terminology.
“After building a rapport with players, I hope to be able to help on the mental aspect of the game.
“It is a learning process on both sides and it was nice to be given a warm welcome.
“Premiership football clubs employ psychologists to help improve players’ performances and the technique is used in other sports as well.
“Also with the Academy coming in at Barrow there could be more younger players who will benefit.”
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Pride of Cumbria
By three methods we may learn wisdom:
First, by reflection, which is noblest;
Second, by imitation, which is easiest;
and the third by experience, which is the bitterest. |
Mind Games At Craven Park, Published by NWEMail on 20/07/2006
Jul 20 2006, 04:14 PM
