SPORTBRAIN MENTAL SKILLS
Focus | Perform | Thrive

SportBrain

Equiping athletes with
sport mental skills 

SportBrain is where psychology, sport and technology meet to give athletes the mental edge for life and sport. We are more than a programme, we are building a movement for mentally healthy, confident and resilient youth athletes.
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Our people

Paul Ifill
Professional footballer | Award winning coach


As a player, Ifill was an accomplished winger in the English Premier League and English Championship with Millwall, Sheffield United, and Crystal Palace. Playing for Millwall in an FA Cup final versus Manchester United. He moved to New Zealand to join A-League club Wellington Phoenix FC where he made more than 100 appearances, scoring with a goals to games ratio of 3:1.. Paul became Christchurch United’s head coach in 2022, leading them back into National League football after an absence of three decades. Then winning the Chatham Cup in 2023. He moved to Wellington Olympic as the club’s director of football in late 2023, leading them to back to back Central League/Chatham Cup doubles in 2024 and 2025.

Paul’s deep understanding of the game, combined with his passion for helping the next generation succeed, makes him an ideal mentor for young footballers looking to master both their physical and mental game. He knows what it takes to make it at the top and his experience helps athletes translate mental skills into on field success.

Gary Hewson
Clinical Psychologist | sport mental skills specialist

Gary Hewson is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience supporting people in mental health and performance. As a mental skills coach, he has created evidence based programmes that help athletes manage stress, build resilience and maintain their wellbeing while performing at their best. Gary’s expertise across both mental health and sports psychology ensures that every SportBrain technique is grounded in science and tailored to the real needs of athletes.

A lifelong sports person, Gary still plays football and cricket, having previously competed in the New Zealand National League with Gisborne City Footbal Club. He has coached football at junior, youth and senior levels, including establishing a NZ Football Skills Centre for 8 to 12 year olds in Wairarapa. Bringing together his love for sport and psychology, SportBrain is now Gary’s focus, fulfilling his goal of equipping young people with the mental skills to thrive in sports performance, wellbeing and life.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

You and any device

HOW DO I ACCESS THE CONTENT

By signing up you will have access to our content.

WHAT WORKSHOPS DO YOU OFFER?

We offer hybrid workshops that combine sports mental skills and on field training. The topics are determined by the need of athletes.

GALLERY

#mentalskillsfun

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