Adelaide United is proud to welcome Cliff Maina from Flinders University to conduct a PhD research project investigating mental health, wellbeing and performance across the Club.
Flinders University Enterprise PhD researcher Cliff Maina has launched an innovative project aimed at enhancing mental health and performance outcomes across the Club through the development of a comprehensive, evidence-based mental health program tailored to the unique demands of elite football in Australia.
Drawing on insights from one of Europe’s most respected football organisations, and a strategic partner of Adelaide United, PSV Eindhoven. The project will examine how successful international approaches can be adapted to suit the Australian football environment.
The Enterprise PhD Research Project is being led by Cliff Maina, a former Adelaide United youth team player, under the supervision of Professor Murray Drummond, Associate Professor Sam Elliott and Dr Dylan Hicks from Flinders University’s College of Human Sciences and Culture.
Enterprise PhD Researcher Cliff Maina said:
“Leading this project is very special for me, being a local South Australian and having spent time at the club as a player. I am excited to be back and contribute to the Club’s mission to support the mental health and wellbeing of players and staff.
Building on existing evidence, we aim to develop an applied framework informed by the lived experiences of players and staff, to ensure the outcomes are practical and relevant. The opportunity to collaborate with PSV is unique and helps ground the research in world-leading practice. We are excited for what the project findings will mean for the broader Australian football community.”
This project marks the next stage in the research partnership between Flinders University and Adelaide United.
Research Project Contact
Cliff Maina | Flinders University | Email: cliff.maina@flinders.edu.au |
Ph: +61 (0) 480 578 250
