Mark Johnson, PE and Sport Subject Advisor

As the father of a 16-year-old whose time in a Premiership Rugby Junior Academy sadly came to an end a few weeks before GCSEs, and a 14-year-old now in his 6th season in an EFL Championship Football Academy I am fully aware of the challenge of effectively studying whilst pursuing sporting excellence.

In this blog I’ll provide some advice and guidance that teachers can share with students based on the lessons we have learnt and continue to learn as a family on our own sons’ academy journeys.

For academy athletes, success is measured by more than medals, match performances, or selection decisions. The athletes who thrive over the long term are those who develop both their sporting potential and their academic capabilities. While balancing training, competition and education can be overwhelming, it is entirely possible to achieve excellence in both areas with the right mindset and habits.

Understand that education is your competitive advantage

Many young athletes view education as something separate from sport. In reality, academic success can enhance athletic performance. Skills developed in the classroom, such as critical thinking, time management, problem-solving, communication and resilience can transfer directly into the sport setting.

Even the most talented athletes face uncertainty. Injuries, changes in form, selection decisions and career transitions are all part of the sporting journey. A strong educational foundation provides security, confidence and opportunities throughout life, both during and after an athletic career.

The most successful athletes understand that education is not a back-up plan, it’s part of their overall development.

Master your time

Time management is often the biggest challenge for academy athletes. Between training sessions, travel, competitions, schoolwork and social commitments, every hour matters.

Try these practical strategies:

• Use a weekly planner or digital calendar.
• Schedule study sessions in the same way you schedule training.
• Break assignments into smaller tasks.
• Complete important work early rather than waiting for deadlines.
• Use travel time for reading, revision, or planning.

Elite athletes rarely leave things to chance. The same discipline used in training should be applied to academic preparation.

Create consistent daily habits

Success is built through daily routines rather than occasional bursts of effort.

Consider developing habits such as:

• Reviewing class notes for 15 to 20 minutes each evening.
• Preparing school and training equipment the night before.
• Setting three key priorities for each day.
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

Small habits repeated consistently produce remarkable results over time.

Prioritise recovery

Many young athletes focus heavily on training while neglecting recovery. However, recovery is essential for both physical performance and academic achievement.

Poor sleep and fatigue can affect:

• Memory retention
• Concentration
• Decision-making
• Mood
• Physical performance

Aim to:

• Get sufficient sleep every night.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Follow a balanced nutrition plan.
• Make time for relaxation and recovery.

Remember that recovery is not a sign of weakness. It is a critical component of high performance.

Develop a growth mindset

Setbacks are inevitable. You may face injuries, disappointing performances, poor exam results, or periods when progress feels slow.

The difference between good athletes and great athletes often comes down to how they respond to challenges.

A growth mindset means:

• Viewing mistakes as learning opportunities.
• Accepting constructive feedback.
• Remaining patient during periods of development.
• Focusing on improvement rather than perfection.

Every challenge contains a lesson. Athletes who embrace this approach are better equipped to succeed both academically and athletically.

Build a strong support network

No athlete succeeds alone. Make the most of the people around you, including:

• Coaches
• Teachers
• Tutors
• Parents and guardians
• Teammates
• Academic mentors

Communicate openly when workloads become difficult to manage. Most support staff want to help and can often provide flexibility, advice or additional resources.

Learning to seek support is a strength, not a weakness.

Set goals beyond selection and results

While winning, selection, and performance outcomes are important, athletes should also focus on process goals.

Examples include:

Sporting goals

• Improve sprint times by 2%.
• Increase technical consistency.
• Attend every scheduled training session.

Academic goals

• Complete homework on time.
• Improve grades in a specific subject.
• Read for 30 minutes each day.

Process goals are within your control and help maintain motivation regardless of external outcomes.

Learn from high performers

Many elite athletes have successfully combined sport with education. They understand that academic discipline often reinforces sporting discipline.

Study the behaviours of successful performers:

• They plan effectively.
• They remain organised.
• They take responsibility for their development.
• They stay focused during difficult periods.
• They continually seek improvement.

Success leaves clues. Learn from those who have achieved what you aspire to accomplish.

Remember that your identity is bigger than sport

One of the most important lessons for academy athletes is that sport should be a significant part of your life, but not your entire identity.

Develop interests outside sport. Build friendships. Invest in your education. Explore career opportunities and personal passions.

Athletes who maintain a balanced perspective often cope better with pressure, setbacks, and transitions.

Final thoughts

Academy athletes are challenged to perform in two demanding environments: sport and education. While maintaining this balance requires discipline, planning, and resilience, the rewards are enormous.

The habits that help you succeed in the classroom are often the same habits that help you succeed on the field, court, track, or pitch. By committing to both your academic studies and athletic development, you are building a foundation for long-term success, regardless of where your sporting journey takes you.

Being selected to play in an academy programme is a great accolade and an achievement you should be proud of but not everyone’s journey goes in a straight line: very few athletes go directly from academies to professional contracts. Being released from an academy is not the end of your journey. Don’t see it as rejection, view it as a point in your journey where redirection is required, you will receive further opportunities to continue playing and enjoying your sport at the level that is right for you.

Remember: becoming a successful athlete is important. Becoming a successful person is even more valuable. The best academy athletes strive for both.

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About the author

Mark joined Cambridge OCR as a PE and Sport Subject Advisor in 2018. He graduated from Staffordshire University with a BSc in Sports Studies, having previously completed an HND in Sports Science and Sports Injuries at Nottingham Trent University. After university he worked as a residential social worker, delivering the PE provision for a group of 11 to 16-year-olds with challenging behaviour. He then moved into PE teaching, spending a year at his old secondary school before lecturing Sports Studies and Sports Science at an FE College for nearly 15 years. During that time he delivered, assessed and internally moderated a range of Level 1-3 qualifications including Cambridge OCR. Alongside his education career Mark has also been a sports therapist, nutritionist and fitness coach at several rugby clubs for nearly 25 years.