ABSTRACT
Contextualised by the shared experiences of Noel (pseudonym) a former professional footballer, the following chapter considers the creation and implementation of meaningful change within professional and elite sporting environments to refocus athlete wellbeing strategies. The chapter calls for such strategies to place central importance upon three elements central to care: (1) understanding the needs of athletes/players, (2) working to meet these needs, and (3) appreciating the importance of working with athletes who are themselves committed to such relationships. Acknowledging the resistance and obstacles faced while implementing such a strategy, the chapter proposes a move away from traditional linear planned change management approaches towards a more progressive emergent model. In order to create more effective wellbeing strategies, sporting organisations must acknowledge the unpredictable nature of change and endeavour to become open continuous learning environments that have the ability to react and evolve as different and new challenges present themselves.
