Sports psychology postgraduates from the university will deliver mental health and performance support to athletes as part of its Psychology for the Common(wealth) Good project.
Backed by Glasgow 2026’s Campus to Commonwealth programme, the project will see trainees offer at least 100 hours of free psychological support to each of the teams they work with.
Between 20 and 25 trainee sport and exercise psychologists will participate as part of their professional doctorate studies.
Support will include online sessions in the lead-up to the Games, in-person services on the university’s campus during competition and up to three months of post-Games online support.
Among the trainees on the programme is former Team Scotland gymnast Izzy, who competed at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Izzy said: “Competing at the Commonwealth Games was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget and it’s really exciting to be involved in this fantastic initiative between GCU and Glasgow 2026.
“I’m passionate about supporting athlete performance and well-being, and thanks to GCU and a home Games, I’m able to put that into action.
“It’s already exciting that the Games will be here in Glasgow, but being involved through this project makes it even more exciting.
“It provides an amazing opportunity for me and the other trainees to support high-performance athletes and staff as they prepare for and participate in the Commonwealth Games.
“This will be invaluable to our development as practitioners but also a special way to round off my time at the university before hopefully becoming Dr Izzy later this year.”
“The Campus to Commonwealth programme brings students into the heart of the Games by working in collaboration with organisations to create an altogether brilliant Games experience for athletes, spectators and the entire city.”
Mairi Watson, GCU principal and vice-chancellor, said: “I’m delighted GCU is working with Glasgow 2026 and really proud our trainee psychologists will be providing support to some of the Commonwealth Games teams.
“It will help to enhance their performance during the games and help teams who wouldn’t normally have access to this special support. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students.”
