Building a Winning Mindset: An Exclusive Insight with Tara Kuklis, Sports Psychologist of the Belgian Red Flames

The Red Flames, Belgium’s women’s national football team, have been making headlines lately. Their recent qualification for the European Championship (EURO) is not just a milestone for the team but also a testament to the importance of mental preparation in modern sports. To delve deeper into this achievement, we spoke with Tara, our Smart Mind team member but also the sports psychologist for the Red Flames, about her journey with the team, the key mental factors behind their success, and the challenges they face as they prepare for the tournament.

Starting the Journey with the Red Flames

“How did you become a part of the Red Flames team?” we ask Tara, curious about her journey into this high-performance environment.

“The opportunity came through the Belgian Football Federation,” Tara begins. “They were looking for a new sports psychologist for the Red Flames. Ellen, a colleague of mine, was contacted but suggested I take on the role since it required active involvement with the team during their camps and international matches. After a series of meetings and discussions with the decision-makers and the coach, I was brought on board in June 2023.”

Tara explains that integrating sports psychology into the team’s operations was a priority from the start. “It’s essential to have a psychologist present during training camps and matches,” she emphasizes. “Being there ensures we’re connected to the team’s dynamics and can address challenges as they arise.”

From her first day, Tara focused on building trust within the team. “Establishing a rapport was crucial,” she adds. “Understanding each player’s personality, motivations, and challenges allowed me to create tailored approaches that support both their individual and team development.”

Memorable Moments and Team Triumphs

Reflecting on her time with the Red Flames, Tara shares two standout moments.

“The first was during the Nations League campaign, where we played against top football nations like the Netherlands, England, and Scotland. Particularly memorable was our back-to-back matches against England. We managed a draw in the away game and secured an incredible victory in the home game. It was a perfect example of how believing in your own strengths and not being intimidated by the reputation of other teams can lead to remarkable results,” she recounts.

Her second unforgettable moment was the team’s recent qualification for the EURO after a decisive home victory against Ukraine. “It was my first time experiencing a team qualifying for such a major tournament,” she says. “The final whistle, confirming our place in the EURO, brought an indescribable feeling of accomplishment.”

Tara notes that these moments were not just milestones but also learning experiences. “Each success reinforced the importance of preparation, trust, and perseverance,” she emphasizes. “They showed us what we are capable of when we stay united and focused.”

The Mental Keys to Qualification

When asked about the mental aspects that played a decisive role in the team’s success, Tara is quick to highlight the collective effort involved.

“It’s never one single factor that makes the difference,” she explains. “But leadership has been pivotal for us. We’ve worked extensively on leadership, communication, and feedback within the team. This progress is evident both on and off the pitch.”

She elaborates on how crucial communication is in the context of a national team: “Unlike club teams, national teams have limited time to build habits and cohesion. Effective communication helps us establish these connections quickly, ensuring we’re match-ready in a short timeframe.”

Another area of focus has been self-confidence. “While we’ve made significant strides, there’s still room for growth,” Tara admits. “The upcoming challenges in the Nations League and the EURO group stage will provide opportunities to build on this foundation.”

Challenges Ahead: Preparing for the EURO

As the team gears up for the European Championship, Tara identifies key mental challenges they must address.

“One major aspect is maintaining belief in our own abilities,” she says. “This is particularly crucial for our younger players, for whom this will be their first EURO. While the game remains the same, the stage is bigger, and the pressure is higher. Ensuring they stay focused on the moment and don’t succumb to the pressure will be vital.”

Another challenge is managing the fast-paced tournament schedule. “In such settings, resetting after a win or a loss is critical. It’s about taking lessons from each match while staying ready for the next one,” Tara explains.

She also emphasizes the importance of mental agility. “In a tournament, unpredictability is the norm. Players must be prepared to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, whether it’s an unexpected injury, a tactical shift, or external pressures like media scrutiny,” she says.

Harnessing Team Strength

To address these challenges, Tara works both individually with players and collectively with the team.

“Individually, we identify what each player needs to perform optimally under pressure. On a team level, it’s about fostering an environment where players support each other and draw on the strength of the group. The power of team sport lies in the fact that you’re never alone. We aim to make that our ultimate strength,” she emphasizes.

Building team cohesion has been a cornerstone of her strategy. “We organize workshops and activities that encourage players to communicate openly and build trust. These sessions often reveal underlying dynamics that can be transformed into strengths,” Tara explains.

High-Performance Attitudes in Action

Tara also integrates the Smart Mind methodology, focusing on high-performance attitudes. She highlights one attitude that stands out within the Red Flames: “Innovate, Dare & Repeat.”

“This is crucial, especially with the challenges ahead. But balancing it within the team is essential,” Tara explains. “Some players naturally take more risks, while others are more cautious. It’s important to create an environment where they can learn from each other and address these differences constructively.”

Another attitude she emphasizes is “Be Resilient & Bounce Back.” “Resilience is the backbone of success in high-pressure environments. Teaching players to recover quickly from setbacks and maintain their focus is a continuous process,” she adds.

Thoughts on the EURO Draw and Goals for the Tournament

When asked about the team’s group-stage draw, Tara remains optimistic. “While other groups might have seemed more favorable, this one presents great opportunities for growth,” she says. “From a psychological standpoint, it’s a chance to work on key topics that will help us progress as a team.”

And what would make the EURO a success in her eyes?

“For me, success isn’t just about results,” she reflects. “It’s about giving 100% in every match and having no regrets. If we can consistently do that, the results will take care of themselves.”

Dreaming Big: Tara’s Vision for the Red Flames

Looking to the future, Tara dreams of continued growth for the team.

“There’s so much talent and potential within the Red Flames,” she says. “Over the past year and a half, I’ve witnessed incredible personal and collective development. My dream is to keep seeing that growth year after year, to work with a team that consistently pushes its boundaries and achieves new heights.”

Tara also envisions a cultural shift in how mental preparation is perceived in sports. “I hope that our work inspires more teams to prioritize mental resilience as much as physical fitness. It’s the key to unlocking true potential,” she concludes.

The journey to the EURO is just the beginning for the Red Flames. With Tara’s guidance, their mental resilience and collective strength promise to make them formidable contenders on Europe’s biggest stage.

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