Developing Mental Health Literacy in Youth Sport: The Role of Digital Tools

About the Project

Sport participation offers psychological and social benefits for young people, contributing to wellbeing (Biddle & Vergeer, 2020). Approximately half of all mental health disorders emerge before 18 (Solmi et al., 2022) and remain relatively under-researched compared with those of adult athletes (Walton et al., 2024). Ensuring equitable access to high quality mental health literacy is vitally important, particularly for supporting early identification, help-seeking, and prevention. One prominent solution is digital platforms, including online courses and mobile applications, which are increasingly becoming recognised as accessible ways to improve mental health literacy (de Almeida, 2024). Digital interventions can increase young athletes’ understanding of common mental health conditions, improve confidence in seeking support, and enhance wellbeing (Vella et al., 2020). There is, however, a limited understanding of how youth athletes and coaches currently engage with digital tools, and what resources are most effective.

This PhD project will build on the previously successful EPSRC Northern Health Futures funded project led by Dr Adam Coussens, “Understanding and Supporting Mental Health in Youth Sport: The Role of Digital Literacy in Coach Education.” This research demonstrated the key role of digital tools on mental health literacy and provides actionable steps for development. Specifically, the PhD project will look at the development of digital tools, how they can be implemented, and evaluating the impact to mental health literacy among youth athletes and coaches.

The PhD will involve four interconnected studies. First, a scoping review will synthesise existing evidence on mental health literacy in youth sport. Second, a mixed-methods study will explore youth athletes’ mental health experiences and examine the preferences of athletes and coaches for digital tools designed to support mental health. Third, work with stakeholders to develop an evidence-based digital toolkit to support coaches and athletes in responding to mental health concerns. Finally, the toolkit will be evaluated to assess impact on coaches’ mental health literacy and youth athletes’ wellbeing.

Candidate Development

The successful candidate will develop expertise in conducting a scoping review, mixed-methods research, digital intervention development, and programme evaluation. The candidate will gain experience collaborating with sporting organisations and producing impactful research that informs practice and policy within youth sport. The project will ultimately contribute to improved understanding of mental health literacy in youth sport and support the development of practical digital resources that help coaches and athletes better recognise and respond to mental health challenges.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.