Erica Meg Parkinson: Why the England teenager uses a mindset coach
England teenager Erica Meg Parkinson reveals how working with a dedicated mindset coach is helping her navigate the pressures of professional football.
Seventeen-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson has become a breakout talent after an unexpected call-up to the England senior squad by manager Sarina Wiegman in March. Now playing in the United States after signing a three-year deal with North Carolina Courage, the teenager is gaining attention not just for her raw talent, but for her meticulous approach to mental performance.
Since the age of 12, Parkinson has been working with mindset coach Martin Fairn, the founder of Gazing Performance. Fairn, whose client list includes elite athletes such as the New Zealand men's rugby team and former England cricketer Ashley Giles, has been instrumental in helping Parkinson develop leadership, decision-making, and emotional resilience.
Fairn describes Parkinson's determination as rare for her age. The pair holds regular sessions to reflect on the pressures of international camps, the intensity of professional training, and managing personal expectations. Instead of viewing mindset coaching as a way to fix problems, Parkinson treats it as a critical skill to be developed, helping her avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism.
She's really clear about the people around her and she comes to each session with a list of things she's going to work on. Martin Fairn
After making her debut for North Carolina Courage, Parkinson continues to mature rapidly within the professional game. With a combination of multilingual communication, international experience, and a structured mental training routine, Fairn believes she possesses not only the ability but the psychological tools required to succeed at the highest level.