A creative mindset is key to generating new ideas and solutions. In this case study we will look at the connection between self-motivated individuals with creative mindsets and how they are creative their everyday tasks. 

To cultivate a creative mindset in football, coaches and players must:

• Be open to new ideas
• Embrace risk-taking
• Constantly seek to improve their skills

The drive to experiment and push boundaries can ultimately lead to success on the field.

With a creative mindset you learn new things and engage in novel activities which stimulate the imagination and inspire new ways of thinking. When you encounter new information, your brain starts making connections and associations between this new knowledge and your existing knowledge. This leads to fresh perspectives and ideas that you may not have come up with otherwise.

This creative thinking can:

• Help a coach or player find new ways to solve existing problems
• Offer players and the team a competitive advantage
• And contribute to personal development

A coach or player with a creative mindset can produce innovative moves that catch opponents off guard, lead to scoring opportunities and unconventional tactics and strategies that can give a team a competitive edge. In football, creativity can make the difference between an average player and a game-changing athlete. 

Jean Côté, world renowned expert in coach development, introduced the ‘C’ system to British football coaching. “The ‘C’ system helps coaches refine and develop their craft by suggesting ways in which they can build: connection, confidence, competence, creativity, character and caring”[1].

Coaches and players use the ‘C’ system to work in a creative environment, creating fresh perspectives and ideas. 

Check out this blog post where we explore the creative strategies Head Coach Sarina Wiegman introduced to the Women's England Football team, which lead to their unmatched performance and sterling victory at the Euros 2022. 

Think of the everyday creative mindset

Simple practices to adopt, every day.

• Nothing is too small to think about and generate new ideas for
• Generate ideas for your team and for yourself
• Find time to develop your ideas, and to reflect on them
• Small everyday creative ideas contribute to innovation and change