THE ISSUE of mental health has come to the fore in recent years, but a glance into the lower echelons of the English Football League will reveal a footballer who is way ahead of the curve.

Back in 2011, Jamille Matt, now of League Two’s Newport County AFC, graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a BSc (Hons) degree in counselling psychology, an achievement which gives him something of a psychological edge in coping with the emotional rollercoaster of a sporting career, while also passing on the keys to coping successfully with the pressures to his peers.

EXPERIENCED

Matt, 29, said: “Psychology plays a massive part in football, but it is also about experience. I am probably one of the more experienced lads at Newport so it is about trying to pass some of that on.”

He recently returned to his alma mater to inspire those a little younger than those to whom he is used to giving guidance.

The Jamaican-born striker took centre stage at the Children’s University graduation, meeting pupils from Black Country and Birmingham schools who have been taking part in the programme, which provides innovative and exciting out-of- school -hours learning activities for children aged seven to 14. He shared tips on how he uses the skills he learned while he was studying to prepare for big games…

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