Day 1 of the FLAME conference

Speaker line-up day 1

Dr. Stewart Vella

Dr Stewart Vella is the Director of the Global Alliance for Mental Health and Sport at the University of Wollongong, Australia. 

The most published scientist in the world on the topic of mental health and sport.
He is also a Global Subject Matter Expert on mental health in sport to the Movember Foundation. His work spans mental health programs, mental health guidelines, psychological safety, and mental fitness. His “Ahead of the Game” program is currently being scaled globally, including as the official program of the Rugby League World Cup 2021.

Kristin McGinty-Minister

Kristin is an ex-elite volleyball player who moved to the UK from the US in 2012, where she is a doctorate candidate at Liverpool John Moores University.

Investigated Premier League academies’ provisions for preventing and treating mental ill-health and promoting mental health
Her doctorate research focuses on mental health and mental health literacy in football. More specifically, she is examining Premier League academies’ provisions for preventing and treating mental ill-health and promoting mental health, as well as key stakeholders’ knowledge and understanding surrounding these topics. Kristin is also part of a research team monitoring and evaluating the Football Association University Women’s Leadership Programme. She aims to improve mental health literacy within clubs and support the mental health, well-being, and performance of those involved in elite sport. Additionally, Kristin is part of the University of South Wales research team investigating the experiences of athletes and coaches bound for the 2020 Olympic/Paralympic Games, and the impact of the cancellation on their mental health, with the aim to develop relevant support for athletes and coaches.

Daniel Ransom

Daniel is currently working in professional football in the premier league providing sports psychology support. 

Understanding how the talent development environment influences the development of young people and performers
Daniel's interests include the application and practice of sports psychology in professional sport. More specifically, how sports psychologists work alongside, and as part of a wider staff team to support talent development and performance. Apart from his practical work as a sport psychologist Daniel is also doing his PhD at Liverpool John Moores university and is a sessional lecturer and applied placement mentor. His research focuses on understanding how the talent development environment influences the development of young people and performers.