The network initiative run by the German Sport University Cologne has been championing mental health in elite sport for 15 years Higher, faster, further – competitive sport involves high physical demands. However, it can also pose significant mental and social challenges for athletes and coaches.…

Researchers from the German Sport University Cologne and New Zealand propose a new perspective for understanding performance under pressure; article published in the renowned journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences The decisive penalty kick in a final, match point in tennis, or the last attempt in a…

The Working Group for Sports Psychology (asp) and MentalGestärkt are planning their next joint theme day for 2027—this time on the topic of “Loneliness & Homesickness in Competitive Sports.” The event will once again be held at the German Sport University in Cologne. As with the last two theme days,…

On August 1, 2026, the Association for Practical Sports Psychology, in collaboration with the Professional Association of German Psychologists, invites you to an online event on the topic of “The Practice of Sports Psychology.” You can look forward to an engaging morning featuring presentations by…

On February 10, 2025, the second theme day organized by the MentalGestärkt initiative and the Working Group for Sports Psychology (asp) took place at the German Sport University. Participants were treated to an engaging program centered on the topic of “Hate Speech and Social Media.” The event was…

This symposium was organized by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (bdp) in collaboration with the German Soccer Academy (DFB Academy) and focused on the crucial role of mental well-being in soccer. The event, tailored for psychologists and sports psychologists, highlighted the…

The Department of Performance Psychology at the German Sport University Cologne has secured funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG). The project focuses on a theory designed to help explain performance in high-pressure situations. In law enforcement, emergency medicine, and sports, people…

In cooperation with the German Sport University Cologne and the “SafeClubs” project, the German Sports Youth (dsj) hosted the “Safe Sport in Safe Clubs” forum, providing valuable insights over two days on how to create safe club structures in sports. At the “Safe Sport in Safe Clubs” forum last…

Organized by Athleten Deutschland e.V., a digital discussion on mental health will be held on May 19, 2025. Under the title “More Than Muscles—Talking About Mental Challenges,” you’ll have the opportunity to share your experiences, doubts, shame, or fears. The virtual space is provided by Athleten…

“YOU FIRST”—a campaign that addresses mental health in competitive sports and raises awareness about mental health issues! The new “YOU FIRST” awareness campaign, launched by Daniel Müller, director of the Rhineland Olympic Sports Center (OSP), takes an in-depth look at mental health in competitive…