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Alban Dickson

@albandickson.bsky.social
312 followers 145 following 113 posts

Performance Psychologist (Sport & Exercise) | Researching Psychosocial Development in Youth Football | Former Bassist | Nordic | Views are my own.

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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Sport psychology needs to get out of the classroom and onto the pitch. So how can technology be used to help develop young athletes? Situated in an elite football academy this case study explores how blending on-pitch with on-line content may be the contemporary way to deliver psychology.
journals.humankinetics.com
The Implementation and Evaluation of Sport Psychology in Academy Soccer Players Using Blended Learning: A Case Study
To promote psychosocial development of young people in sport, technology can offer new opportunities. Blended learning approaches to sport psychology provisions complement face-to-face engagement in t...
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Yesterday saw the latest Scottish Sport and Exercise Psychology Network meet in Edinburgh. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Presentations spanned marketing for trainees, post-exercise malaise, professional judgement and decision making, and confidentiality. Get in touch to join us next time! @dralexoliver.bsky.social
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Remember, it is unsafe to follow Taylor Swift's guidance for observing an #eclipse. DON'T stare directly at the sun and ALWAYS look in the mirror. #solareclipse
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British Psychological Society @bpsofficial.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
"I really love being in the high pressure, chaotic, fast-paced environment." Sport and Exercise Psychologist Jess Thom reflects on working with Team GB athletes across three Olympic Games, and why her proudest moments come from being there for them at their lowest points. #PsychologyMatters
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British Psychological Society @bpsofficial.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
World Cup fever is sweeping the nation, and our members are at the heart of the conversation, from England's win over Mexico to rising sexism in football, sharing expertise with the Times, BBC Sport and BBC Sounds. Read the full roundup: www.bps.org.uk/news/psychology-medi…
Image of footballer celebrating
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
It was a pleasure to contribute to a piece in today's @scotnational.bsky.social. As a sport and exercise psychologist, I suggested that what matters most for stirring a sense of national identity is how we carry ourselves; even more so than the results.
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
I let myself get excited with the prospect of Fantasy World Cup. Then it reads "Powered by Armaco" 🙄
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Great to join BBC Radio Scotland to discuss the psychology of refereeing as Hearts close in on a possible title this weekend. Guess I chose the right time for a haircut 💡
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Amidst all the excitement of the top flight this season, plenty going down to the wire in the Scottish leagues this weekend. Two titles and various relegation spots still to be decided...
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Enjoyed the BBC's More than the Score podcast featuring @richsimpson95.bsky.social. good to have a psychological perspective on fandom in football! 💸 Might allegiances change with ownership? 📍What about clubs that relocate (Clyde, MK Dons)? 🧣 Do fans of smaller teams feel a greater responsibility?
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
It may have taken a little longer than buying a new handset, but it is a nice feeling that I could fix my own @fairphone.com after the USB-C port stopped working.
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
So often "professional" or "elite" is seen on the opposite end of a continuum that originates with "fun" or "enjoyment"; these need not serve as polar contrasts. Encouraging to hear about such a strategy as this. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
theguardian.com
Norway’s all-conquering Winter Olympians have a message for us all – and it’s not what you think | Cath Bishop
How did a small Nordic country dominate the Games? By making sport fun and not something for kids to suffer
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Good listen on the Exploit-Explore continuum w/ @katjarewitz.bsky.social Insightful for parents, coaches, and athletes. The basketball example reminiscent of Gen. Melchett in Blackadder: "Doing precisely what we've done 18 times before is exactly the last thing they'll expect us to do this time!"
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Enjoyable episode of the Drawing the Ideal Self podcast on "hope" within Personal Construct Psychology. 🧱 Hopelessness can be a strategy 🌠 Distinction between to "hope" and to "wish". 🤞Interplay with goals, sociality, and anticipation. www.drawingtheidealself.co.uk/podcast
drawingtheidealself.co.uk
Podcast » Drawing The Ideal Self
Drawing the Idea Self is a Personal Construct Psychology technique, designed to explore self-image and to provide a personal measure of self-esteem. The technique may be used in with children, young p...
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Terribly sad news about @ktamminen.bsky.social A great loss to sport and exercise psychology research and practice, grateful for valuable insights into youth sport and coping in particular. Thoughts with family, friends, and colleagues. kpe.utoronto.ca/faculty-news...
kpe.utoronto.ca
In memoriam: Professor Katherine Tamminen | UofT - Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Tamminen joined the Faculty in 2013 after completing a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of British Columbia. She earned her PhD from the University of Alberta in 2011, where her diss...
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
I can figure out a lot of things, but how have Capybaras become in "in" animal so rapidly?
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Good to see the conversation about #PsychologicalSupport for young athletes (specifically in football) continuing. Here is Stephen Smith, chair of @bps-dsep.bsky.social: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
We should support ex-academy footballers properly | Letter
Letter: Stephen Smith says psychological support must be embedded in academies for young players right from the outset
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
This could be quite the year for Scottish football (aside from League 2, let's overlook that one for now)
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British Psychological Society @bpsofficial.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
"We can't always offer the resources, as lots of other clubs can't, to best support players individually, each and every time." @CambridgeUtdFC academy care manager's insights on the importance of psychological support for players who are let go from academies.
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
The last time I was on this stage, I was lucky enough to be performing (admittedly acoustic, and admittedly the audience were seated in front of the organ)! #ENUgrads #MustBeNapier
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British Psychological Society @bpsofficial.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
"It's been a focus on raising awareness & trying to get the governing bodies to implement something that's actually going to improve the process." Dom Ball featured in two of Scotland's leading newspapers on our released academy footballer support campaign. 👉 www.bps.org.uk/news/improve...
Quote reads: Support for [released Academy football] players who aren’t mature enough to regulate how they feel and how they communicate is key at that stage Dominic Ball Professional footballer Cambridge United. Photo of boys playing football. Psychology Matters and BPS logos.
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 18/10/2025
Pushy parents are ‘biggest problem in sports performance’, say psychologists
theguardian.com
Pushy parents are ‘biggest problem in sports performance’, say psychologists
Unsportsmanlike conduct in grassroots football and on the sidelines at school events is on the rise. How can parents support their child in the right way? Pushy and shouty parents are the “biggest problem in sports performance”, sports psychologists have said, amid growing concern that pressure and abuse is hampering competitive sport in the UK. This week parents were banned from attending sports events at a number of south London primary schools due to “concerning behaviours”, including abuse towards officials and children and creating “too much pressure around performance and winning at all costs”. Continue reading...
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
The departure of Thomasson as Sweden's Head Coach offers a fascinating analysis for why a team struggles to achieve (let alone surpass) the sum of its parts. Was it after Andersson's 7 year (successful) spell, introducing an ineffective system, outsider integration? www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
bbc.co.uk
Sweden sack manager Jon Dahl Tomasson
Sweden sack manager Jon Dahl Tomasson following a poor start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
What an obscene trajectory. Complete disregard for the environment, for the communities which bore these clubs, and even for the players and staff travelling further and longer still than they are already expected to. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Uefa gives ‘reluctant’ approval for domestic games to be played abroad this season
Governing body still insists go-ahead for two matches is ‘exceptional’ and says it is opposed to the idea in general
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Pleased to see the @bpsofficial.bsky.social campaign around psychological support for academy footballers in Scotland getting out there. Grateful I could contribute, and for the story to be picked up by the Daily Record alongside @stir.ac.uk. www.stir.ac.uk/news/2025/se...
stir.ac.uk
Calls for every Scottish professional football club to offer psychological support for academy players | About | University of Stirling
Calls for every Scottish professional football club to offer psychological support for academy players
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Interesting listen on BBC Radio 4 this morning on AI therapy. From the Rogerian Eliza program of the 1960s to taking a critical interpretation of today's chatbots. There may be safety in the anonymity, but what if we only hear what we want to hear? #AllInTheMind
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British Psychological Society @bpsofficial.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Released academy footballers need more mental health support. Many struggle to transition to life beyond the club. That's why we've teamed up with Dominic Ball, to call for mandated psychological support for when academy players are released. 👉 www.bps.org.uk/news/release...
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
ICYMI: @richsimpson95.bsky.social, Clara Swedlund, and I pop up in the latest edition of @psychmag.bsky.social. where we talk about the December Sport & Exercise Psychology conference. (Even better, elsewhere @dr-peter-olusoga.bsky.social features in a piece about creativity and communication)
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
Today I discovered last minute that @octopus.energy ran their free energy hour in the afternoon. Unfortunately it coincided with my son's pre-planned birthday party. On the plus side, the memories of simultaneous washing, drying, charging, and grass-cutting will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Grateful to be flanked by this encouraging group who steered me into/through my PhD viva yesterday. Very appreciative to my supervisors and assessors, alongside the Sport & Exercise Psychology community, for facilitating this journey! Now back to reviewing abstracts for the DSEP 2025 conference!
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Privileged to be interviewed alongside my wonderful @bps-dsep.bsky.social colleagues in @psychmag.bsky.social as we discuss the future of Sport Psychology and the DSEP Conference taking place this December!
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Abstract submission remains open for #DSEP2025. Join us in Leeds on the 2nd & 3rd December, and share your research or applied experience! www.bps.org.uk/event/divisi...
bps.org.uk
Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology 2025 Annual Conference | BPS
Beacons of Hope: Mapping the Value and Direction of Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology.
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
As the #TallShips in Aberdeen comes to an end, I'm reminded of the time a friend and I visited Bergen when it was hosting. In a surreal moment, while attending a Brann football game, we were even introduced to the city's mayor! Some years later she didn't share this reminiscence...
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
The tragedy of a 28-year old losing their life is a stark reminder and time for perspective. Footballers are people, and this will be devastating for entire families. It will have a huge impact upon the staff who they developed relationships with, throughout their career. Thoughts with them too.
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
Good article on an #ACT intervention for well-being in sport: 🕸️ 6-session protocol, detailing exercises used 📊 Examples of sport specific ACT measures 🗣️ Good adherence and participant recommendations ⭐ The study showed good outcomes for improving well-being & reducing stress doi.org/10.1080/1041...
doi.org
A sport-specific ACT group intervention for promoting athletes’ mental well-being: a randomized controlled trial
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a sport-specific acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) group intervention on mental well-being and stress symptoms in athletes. In t...
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Renewed my membership with the Association for Contextual Behavioural Science (ACBS). A great and recommended directory of ACT/RFT resources and networks. You can check out the UK chapter here: www.acbsukandireland.com
acbsukandireland.com
Home - ACBS UK And Ireland
The ACBS UK and Ireland Chapter's website serves as a hub for individuals who are passionate about contextual behavioural science in the UK and ROI.
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Dr Richard A.C. Simpson @richsimpson95.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
🚨 DSEP 2025 Abstract Submissions and Registration is now LIVE 🚨 @bps-dsep.bsky.social www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-ric...
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Day 2 of #WCSS2025 and plenty more excellent presentations and new connections. Highlights include supporting female match officials, recording non-verbal behaviour, and team-level interventions. Looking forward to the KNVB workshop later this afternoon.
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Really cool series of posts from @dralexoliver.bsky.social (who needs generative AI when you can combine your standard grade art with a whiteboard! 😉)
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Another productive @bps-dsep.bsky.social committee meeting today, plenty of new opportunities and innovations on the horizon. Anyone invested in S&E Psychology, keep an eye out on news and developments - and always get involved if you can!
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Looking ahead to the #WCSS2025 programme next month. Plenty of great speakers across the psychology sessions. Will also be a good learning experience dipping into other blocks on coaching, Talent ID, and more! wcss2025.com/programme/
wcss2025.com
Programme – WCSS 2025
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
No other regime could repeatedly demonstrate such barbarity to human life, where every strike meets a “yes, but” justification. These atrocities are marking not only the end of a people, but of international humanitarian community and law. Boycott/sanction/protest; just end the weaponisation of aid.
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Some great pieces contributed by some great people.
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Dr Richard A.C. Simpson @richsimpson95.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
📢 CALL FOR STUDENT VOLUNTEERS 📢 We are looking for 4x student volunteers to support DSEP 2025 👀👌 🗓 Please e-mail a cover letter and CV to r.simpson@leedstrinity.ac.uk by Friday the 30th of May. @bps-dsep.bsky.social
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
How can psychology support match officials? 🏅Frameworks building self-confidence & preparation can help decision-making (Samuel, '15) 💡Like all performers, match officials can find optimal performance in flow (or clutch) states (Swann et al. '17) 🔬 Deployment of mental skills (Mathers & Brodie '11)
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Great to see such ambition for youth development at @stirlingalbionfc.bsky.social, especially with the inclusion of sport science and sport psychology ⚽ Valuable insight from the excellent @dralexoliver.bsky.social about his role in this update 👇 stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/club-stateme...
stirlingalbionfc.co.uk
Club Statement – New Additions to Youth Setup - Stirling Albion Football Club
Stirling Albion is pleased to welcome Derek Ure, Stevie Nicholas, and Thomas Grant to the club’s Development Squad coaching team. Derek, a former professional footballer and manager at East Stirlingsh...
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Looking forward to attending the World Congress on Science and Soccer when it comes to Scotland this June! I'll be presenting on my research in: 💻Using hybrid learning principles... 💡To support the psychosocial development... ⚽In young soccer players. Find out more about WCSS here: wcss2025.com
wcss2025.com
WCSS 2025 – World Congress on Science and Soccer
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
"...just because a ‘successful’ coach uses a specific behaviour/practice type frequently, or coaches in a particular ‘style’ or manner, does not mean that it will be applicable or effective for another coach in a different context" (Cushion, Ford, & Williams, 2012) Same for sport psych in soccer!
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Concussions in sport have psychological effects; changes in mood, sleep, behaviours (e.g. avoidance or withdrawal) - (Bloom et al. 2022). ACT may offer a valuable approach (Faulkner et al., 2025): 👐Acceptance of symptoms ↔️Defusion from unwanted emotions 😌Value-led actions during the return to play
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Alban Dickson @albandickson.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Home advantage is fascinating in the modern game. Psychologically, a self-perpetuating phenomenon observed since the 1880s? Components could include crowd size, density, travel, altitude, even "the recent occurrence of a civil war and the Corruption Perception Index"! www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
bbc.co.uk
Man City 0-2 Liverpool: Why are Premier League teams struggling to win at home?
The proportion of home wins in the Premier League is at its lowest outside of the Covid era - but why?
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