Allen Fortune Highlighted as a Mental Health Advocate for Athletes During Mental Health Awareness Month
FRESNO, CA – Coach Allen Fortune, an esteemed coach in the field of psychology, is being highlighted during Mental Health Awareness Month for his unwavering commitment to promoting the mental well-being of athletes in the Central Valley. Fortune has been guiding athletes aged 5 to 30 since 1994. Notably, Coach Fortune served as the coach for the U19 Fresno Fuego boys team in 2004, which participated in the prestigious US Club Soccer League. Formerly, Coach Fortune held the position of mental skills coach for Fresno FC and is currently on staff for Central Valley Fuego FC.
Coach Fortune holds a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology and has been a Professor of Psychology since 2008, specializing in the intersection of psychology and athletics. His profound understanding of the psychological aspects of sports has enabled him to make a significant impact on the lives of many athletes.
“Mental skills are more important than the physical skills we work on in sports but are often the last thing coaches will incorporate into their training,” emphasizes Coach Allen Fortune. “At the higher levels of sport, now more than ever, professional clubs not only have mental health professionals available but also incorporate mental training into their regimen to encourage a positive mindset, team chemistry, and mental toughness. The goal is to help athletes stay focused, confident, and composed under pressure.”
Coach Fortune’s quote underscores the significance of mental skills in athletic development and highlights the importance of integrating mental training into coaching practices. While physical skills are crucial, the mental aspect of sports cannot be overlooked, as it contributes to an athlete’s resilience, performance, and overall well-being.
Drawing from his vast knowledge and experiences, Allen’s passion for young athletes and their parents to understand and use mental skills as they navigate through their sports journey caused him to publish a book written specifically for young athletes and their parents introducing them to mental skills and ideas on how to develop a growth mindset.
Coach Fortune has had the opportunity to travel the world and learn from industry experts in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Through his experiences, he has identified essential mental skills that young athletes require to optimize their success, both within their chosen sports and in their overall lives.
As Mental Health Awareness Month brings attention to the crucial role of mental well-being in sports, Coach Allen Fortune emerges as a prominent figure in advocating for athletes’ psychological welfare. With his extensive experience, Coach Fortune recognizes the vital role mental health plays in sports and through his efforts, he strives to create an environment where athletes can prioritize their mental health and unlock their full potential.
About Central Valley Fuego FC
Central Valley Fuego FC is the region’s first and only professional soccer club in USL League One. The club kicked off their inaugural season in April of 2022, playing all home matches at Fresno State Soccer Stadium. To learn more visit, www.fuegofc.com.
