Training mental fitness: How St Helens Saints R.F.C. uses Leafyard to build resilience both on and off the pitch
St Helens, United Kingdom
Professional Sports
100-250 members
Case Study
St Helens Saints R.F.C., one of rugby league's most successful clubs, has implemented Leafyard's mental fitness platform to enhance the mental resilience of their entire organisation with remarkable early results.
About
St Helens Saints R.F.C. is one of rugby league's most successful clubs, with a rich history of excellence and achievement. Led by Chaplain & Wellbeing Manager Paul Johnson and club legend James Roby (Leadership, Culture & Performance Coach), the club is taking a proactive approach to mental fitness.
They recognise that elite performance requires both physical and mental training, and have implemented a comprehensive approach to support players, staff, and their wider community.
Challenge
Professional rugby places unique mental demands on players and staff that extend beyond the physical aspects of the game. The club faced several key challenges:
- Performance under pressure: High-stakes matches requiring peak mental focus
- Physical and mental recovery: Managing the psychological aspects of injuries and setbacks
- Whole-club wellbeing: Supporting mental fitness across all aspects of the club's operations
- Family support: Recognising the importance of mental wellbeing for players' families
"When you think about what makes a great player, you might first picture the physical attributes - strength, speed, agility. But having spent years working with elite athletes, I know that mental fitness is just as crucial to performance."
Chaplain & Wellbeing Manager @ St Helens Saints R.F.C.
Solution
St Helens selected Leafyard as their mental fitness partner because of its performance-focused approach that positions mental fitness as essential to elite performance. The club was drawn to Leafyard's scientific foundation of evidence-based techniques used by military and elite sports organisations.
The practical application of short, bite-sized sessions that fit around training schedules was particularly valuable for busy athletes. Additionally, the platform's accessibility to the entire "Saints family," including staff and families, along with anonymity features allowing users to engage on their own terms, made it an ideal solution.
Implementation Strategy
The club implemented a comprehensive strategy led from the front by key figures and designed to reach all aspects of the organisation:
Leadership-Driven Approach
- Led from the front by Chaplain and Wellbeing Manager Paul Johnson and Ex-Club Captain and Performance Coach James Roby
- Implementation across stadium staff, players, families, learning disability rugby league team, and board members
- Strategic messaging consistently framing mental fitness as equivalent to physical training
Multi-Channel Communication
- In-person presentations to introduce Leafyard and its benefits
- Regular communications via email, WhatsApp, and the weekly bulletin
- Family inclusion recognising that supporting families strengthens the entire club
"Throughout my career with Saints, I've seen how mental fitness can be the difference between good and great performance. The pressure of big games, the challenge of maintaining consistency, and bouncing back from setbacks - these all start in the mind."
Leadership, Culture & Performance Coach @ St Helens Saints R.F.C.
Initial Impact
While still in the early stages of implementation, the club has already seen promising results:
Engagement & Adoption
Strong
Positive
High
Cultural Impact
- Performance focus: Mental fitness positioned as a performance enhancer rather than just wellbeing support
- Leadership validation: Club legends like James Roby validating the importance of mental preparation
- Community cohesion: Creating a shared language and approach to mental fitness across all levels of the club
- Holistic approach: Recognition that supporting the entire "Saints family" creates a stronger organisation
Looking Forward
St Helens Saints R.F.C.'s implementation of Leafyard demonstrates how elite sports organisations are increasingly recognising mental fitness as essential to performance. By taking a club-wide approach that includes players, staff, and families, they're building resilience throughout their organisation.
Their emphasis on mental preparation as a performance tool rather than just a wellbeing initiative positions them at the forefront of mental fitness in professional sports. The club's approach reflects their commitment to excellence in all aspects of performance and their understanding that training the mind is as important as training the body when it comes to achieving success both on and off the pitch.
"You wouldn't expect a player to perform their best without physical training, and the same applies to mental fitness. Leafyard gives us a structured way to train the mind alongside the body."
Chaplain & Wellbeing Manager @ St Helens Saints R.F.C.
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