Young footballers are developing their skills and learning how to handle the challenges of the game at the Ignite Mindset Performance Football Camp in Whakatāne.

Founded by Jon Stanhope 12 months ago, Ignite Mindset supports athletes, predominantly footballers, to build confidence, manage pressure and develop a mindset that helps them perform and enjoy their sport.

Stanhope works with individual players, clubs and academies across New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and beyond, including the Ricki Herbert Academy.

His four-day school holiday camp brought that approach to players aged 10 to 16 at Trident High School.

The camp combined physical, technical and tactical development with daily football mindset sessions.

“Players need opportunities to develop all four aspects of their game: physical, technical, tactical and mental,” Stanhope said.

“A player can have the skills but struggle to use them confidently when pressure increases. We help them understand how to manage those moments, trust their decisions and stay involved after a mistake.”

A football coach and qualified mindset specialist, Stanhope draws on his experience in sport, education and player wellbeing. He has spent 14 years at Trident High School, holding teaching, pastoral and senior leadership roles.

Through Ignite Mindset, he uses practical mindset strategies and guided visualisation to help players manage nerves, recover from setbacks and focus on actions within their control.

“The person behind the player is central to what Ignite is about. We want young people to feel confident enough to express themselves, brave enough to make decisions and supported enough to learn when things don’t go to plan,” said Stanhope.

Each day of the camp had a different mindset theme, with players encouraged to apply what they learned during training and afternoon games.

Themes included managing their performance state, making decisions without hesitation, competing with controlled intensity and creating a simple routine for important moments.

“We teach tools they can take straight onto the pitch. That might mean taking a steady breath, committing to a decision or finding their next job after a mistake. The aim is to help them respond positively and keep contributing to the team,” said Stanhope.

He said the most rewarding moments came when players began to make those connections themselves.

“You see those little light-bulb moments when they realise they don’t have to play perfectly to play well, or that feeling nervous doesn’t mean they aren’t ready.

“It’s great to see them grow in confidence, support each other and enjoy their football.”

Stanhope plans to continue running school holiday camps and launch an Ignite Performance Football Academy in 2027, creating further development opportunities for young players in the Eastern Bay.

The proposed academy aims to complement players’ involvement with their existing clubs and schools, offering additional coaching and football mindset development locally.

“Families sometimes travel outside the Eastern Bay for additional football opportunities. I want to help build something here that gives young players access to quality coaching and a positive environment where they can develop both their football and their confidence,” said Stanhope.

Stanhope is also partnering with WaiBOP to offer a goalkeeping programme in Whakatāne, beginning on October 20. The programme will focus on goalkeeping skills alongside the confidence and composure needed for the position.

Further information is available through WaiBOP and Ignite Mindset.