Off the Pitch Podcast: Chris Shen on Martial Arts and Mental Strength

Image Credit: Christopher Shen Consulting

On Episode 14 of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch Podcast, sports psychologist and martial arts master Chris Shen explored the topics of mental health in athletes, his long martial arts journey and the psychology behind returning from injuries or a mistake in a particular match.

In what was an incredibly fun and insightful discussion, Shen spoke about Martial Arts and its connection with sports psychology, and explaining its importance particularly for footballers.

“Martial Arts and psychology bundle together really wonderfully. There are so many mental health benefits when practicing the Martial Arts but specifically for athletes there are so many both physical and spiritual benefits that come with it,” he said on the podcast.

“Whilst professional football sometimes prevents pro footballers from practicing so-called dangerous pursuits like rock climbing and mountain bike riding to prevent injury, I highly recommend footballers practicing martial arts of any kind.”

Combat sports have a role to play in the community as well as in the sporting realm and Shen explained this in more detail.

“Combats sports provide the opportunity for individuals to be able to really lead a life of virtue. You can take people off the streets, enrol them in a combat sport or martial art and as long as there is a good leader and a good culture, that individual comes out a better person than before.”

“It can lead people away from pursuits such as crime or even being a bad person in the community because of the rigorous practice, the camaraderie, and the virtues.”

Martial Arts has many benefits and purposes for athletes already engaged in another sport, particularly football, where discipline and a good mental state are keys to success on the pitch.

Click hear the full interview with Chris Shen, on Episode 14 of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch Podcast – available on all major podcasting platforms.

Image credit: Master1305 / Shutterstock.com

The Football Victoria (FV) Pathway Project, previously called the International Coaching Experience, connects coaches from around the world to exchange knowledge and help develop both emerging players and coaches across Victoria.

Running across four days on December 15, 16, 18, and 19 at The Home of The Matildas, the program features daily sessions from 9am to 2pm and offers boys and girls born between 2009 and 2017 the chance to train with international coaches from the boys’ game, girls’ game, and specialist goalkeeping pathways.

Inside the FV Pathway Program

Global Coaching Talent

Coaches from around the world take part in the program, offering a mix of insights and leading methods to enrich football in Victoria.

Elevated Player Pathways

The initiative is designed to strengthen young players’ abilities and understanding through top-tier training sessions.

Building Development and Community

This event supports Football Victoria’s wider commitment to nurturing growth, strengthening connections, and advancing the local football ecosystem.

Clubs

Watford FC

Watford FC will participate in the 2025 Pathway Project, bringing a strong tradition of giving young players opportunities at the top level. Their academy’s focus on intensity, growth, and player potential provides Australian participants with exposure to a club known for developing and scouting emerging talent.

Djurgårdens IF

Djurgårdens IF, a historic giant of Swedish football, will send its experienced coaching staff to the program. Known for its strong academy and emphasis on tactical discipline and high-tempo play, the club has produced numerous Swedish internationals and offers participants a glimpse into one of Scandinavia’s most respected development systems.

Crewe Alexandra

Crewe Alexandra joins as one of England’s premier youth development clubs, famous for producing technically excellent players. Their academy consistently ranks among the best for progressing players into professional football, with recent squads heavily featuring homegrown talent—perfectly aligning with the Pathway Project’s mission.

PAOK FC

PAOK FC brings Greece’s top-performing academy to the project. Known for its strong coaching and clear pathway to the first team, PAOK has developed and sold several high-value talents in recent years, establishing itself as the leading youth development model in Greek football.

Cost

FV Pathway Project Pricing

Outfield players: $600
Goalkeepers: $800

Those interested in joining this unique development opportunity can register by completing the form here.

For any additional information or questions, please reach out to TPD@footballvictoria.com.au

Campbelltown City SC has taken a major step in football innovation with an expanded partnership with Veo technology, the AI-powered video platform transforming coaching and player development. The collaboration allows the club to analyse matches faster, track player growth, and deliver smarter insights to coaches and players. This aligns with a nationwide trend, as detailed in How Veo Is Transforming Football Coaching in Australia, where clubs are increasingly using video and analytics to gain a competitive edge.

Revolutionising Match Analysis

For Campbelltown’s coaching staff, Veo technology has become indispensable. Automated camera systems and in-depth analytics allow match reviews to be completed in minutes rather than hours, giving coaches detailed insights into player positioning, decision-making, and tactical execution. “The technology streamlines our work, helping us make more informed decisions faster,” a club spokesperson said.

Tracking Long-Term Player Development

Beyond individual matches, Veo enables coaches to monitor player and team growth over the season. Footage comparison, tactical analysis, and performance tracking help create a clear picture of long-term development—something traditional observation often struggles to capture. Match highlights and player clips have also strengthened engagement with the club community, offering parents and players memorable keepsakes from season-end presentations.

New Perspectives and Insights

Veo’s panoramic video provides a view of the game that is impossible to achieve from the sidelines alone. Coaches report improved understanding of spacing, transitions, and decision-making thanks to this technology. “The analytics confirmed what couldn’t always be seen on gameday,” one coach noted.

Preparing for an AI-Driven Future

Campbelltown City SC is already exploring Veo’s latest AI features, including automated match summaries and smart coaching suggestions, to support personalised player development. These tools further streamline feedback, helping the club maintain its position at the forefront of football innovation in Australia.