Introducing New CIEE High School Soccer & Mental Performance Summer Programs Abroad
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Every four years, soccer takes center stage during the FIFA World Cup. But players and fans know that success on the pitch is built through years of training and preparation. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Soccer & Mental Performance, a brand-new addition to our High School Summer Abroad lineup.
Now you can discover what it takes to perform at your best. Join immersive experiences in some of the world’s most iconic soccer destinations, exploring how sports psychology helps athletes thrive under pressure and develop skills that extend far beyond the game.
Why Study Mental Performance Through Soccer?
Every unforgettable performance is built on a combination of physical preparation, mental resilience, and the science behind peak performance.
Mental performance training enhances gameplay at every level, equipping athletes with skills like:
- Motivation: Exploring intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, along with how athletes respond to each, lays the foundation for long-term success.
- Resilience: Overcoming barriers such as negative thinking and fear of failure while building a growth mindset can lead to more confident performance.
- Focus: Identifying control strategies and developing techniques, such as pre-performance routines, can help athletes maintain concentration under pressure.
- Anxiety: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of performance anxiety helps develop effective coping skills and strategies.
What You’ll Learn On Program
With CIEE Soccer & Mental Performance programs, you’ll gain insight into the mindset, resilience, and performance strategies that help athletes compete at their highest level.
Week 1: Soccer and Mental Performance
During your first week on program, you will build a strong foundation by learning the basics of sports psychology. You will examine this field in the context of sport culture, focusing on the factors that drive performance. Your time in the classroom is supplemented by hands-on activities in your city, where you observe how goal-setting strategies enhance sports participation and how confidence impacts success.
Week 2: Managing Stress as an Athlete
Your second week expands your knowledge of sports psychology by boosting your mental performance skills. You will enhance your ability to apply psychological techniques in sports settings, focusing on improving performance by managing stress and anxiety, and understanding optimal performance zones. Outside the classroom, you will learn to create customized mental performance plans tailored to individuals for optimized success.
Week 3: Applying Sports Psychology In-Game
In your final week, you will focus on applying sports psychology in team settings and real-world situations. Engage in discussions with your peers about the impact of ethics and sportsmanship on mental skills. Then, put your knowledge to the test in the field, analyzing how athletes build resilience, handle setbacks, and utilize teamwork, ultimately applying these concepts to your own personal growth.
Five Incredible Soccer Destinations Around the World
Buenos Aires, Argentina
In Argentina, soccer is not just a sport; it’s a national identity. And Buenos Aires is the heart of it all. Home to legendary clubs like Boca Juniors and River Plate, the city has produced countless world-class players who helped capture three FIFA World Cup championships.
Buenos Aires is the perfect place to explore the mental side of performance, where more than 70 soccer clubs and countless neighborhood pitches reflect a culture that lives and breathes the game.
Learn More About Soccer & Mental Performance in Buenos Aires →
Legon, Ghana
Catch the competitive spirit in Ghana, where soccer is woven into everyday life. Home to the legendary Black Stars national team, Ghana has competed in five World Cups, coming heartbreakingly close to becoming the first African nation to reach the semifinals in 2010.
In Legon, you will meet with a former Ghanaian professional soccer player to hear firsthand stories and insights and discover how the mental side of the game can help you thrive both on and off the field.
Learn More About Soccer & Mental Performance in Legon →
Lisbon, Portugal
Explore Lisbon, home to renowned clubs like Sporting CP and Benfica. Sporting CP helped launch the careers of stars including Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani. Meanwhile, Benfica proudly stands as one of the world’s largest sports clubs by membership, with an incredible community of nearly half a million passionate members!
With a soccer culture that has developed generations of elite athletes, Lisbon is the perfect setting to explore the mental and physical factors that contribute to success on and off the pitch.
Learn More About Soccer & Mental Performance in Lisbon →
London, England
From local neighborhood clubs to England’s iconic Wembley Stadium, soccer is woven into everyday life in London. Known as the birthplace of modern soccer, the city is home to 13 professional clubs—more than any other city in the world.
Join behind-the-scenes stadium tours, sharpen your skills at workshops with professionals, and see firsthand how sports psychology influences performance at every level of the game. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the sport, there’s no better place to explore what helps athletes perform under pressure.
Learn More About Soccer & Mental Performance in London →
São Paulo, Brazil
As the country with the most FIFA World Cup titles, Brazil has long set the standard for excellence on the pitch. In São Paulo, the birthplace of Brazilian soccer and home to legendary clubs like Corinthians, Palmeiras, and São Paulo, you’ll immerse yourself in a culture where the sport is part of everyday life.
From conversations with local professionals to visits to iconic stadiums, you’ll experience firsthand the passion, discipline, and community that have shaped generations of world-class athletes.
Learn More About Soccer & Mental Performance in São Paulo →
Ready to Take Your Game Global?
Discover how studying abroad can enhance your abilities as an athlete, teammate, and leader. Explore CIEE’s new Sports Psychology & Mental Performance programs today!