The university’s ‘Psychology for the Common(wealth) Good’ project, backed by Glasgow 2026’s Campus to Commonwealth programme, will support teams from six Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) offering a minimum of 100 hours of free psychological support per team.

Campus to Commonwealth is part of Glasgow 2026’s national All In campaign – a country-wide call to action for this summer’s Games - inviting communities, universities, colleges, schools, sports clubs, cultural organisations and businesses from across Scotland to get involved and be part of this once-in-a-generation event.

GCU’s project is designed to offer game-changing levels of mental health and performance support to athletes and support staff, particularly those without access to this in-team.

Between 20-25 trainee Sport & Exercise Psychologists will deliver this as part of their professional doctorate, including online sessions in the run up to the Games, in-person services on the University’s campus during competition and up to three months of post Games online support. 

Amongst the group of trainees is gymnast Izzy Tolometti who represented Team Scotland at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and has played a key role in shaping the support programme as part of her studies. Now, on the other side of the Games experience, she knows how invaluable this type of support is and is looking forward to supporting other athletes competing this summer. 

Izzy Tolometti said: “Competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget and it’s really exciting to be involved in this fantastic initiative between GCU and Glasgow 2026. I’m passionate about supporting athlete performance and wellbeing, and thanks to GCU and a home Games, I’m able to put that into action.

“It’s already exciting that the Games will be here in Glasgow, but being involved through this project makes it even more exciting. It provides an amazing opportunity for me and the other trainees to support high-performance athletes and staff as they prepare and participate for the Commonwealth Games. This will be invaluable to our development as practitioners but also a special way to round off my time at the University before hopefully becoming Dr. Izzy later this year.”

Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive at Glasgow 2026, said: “Glasgow is renowned for its vibrant and talented student communities, and this project is a great example of that energy in action with invaluable opportunities for both the students and Glasgow 2026 athletes.

“The Campus to Commonwealth programme brings students into the heart of the Games by working in collaboration with organisations to create an altogether brilliant Games experience for athletes, spectators and the entire city.”

GCU Principal and Vice-Chancellor Mairi Watson said: “I’m delighted GCU is working with Glasgow 2026 and really proud our trainee psychologists will be providing support to some of the Commonwealth Games teams to enhance their performance when they wouldn’t normally have access to it. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students.”

To find out more about how to get involved in the Games visit: https://www.glasgow2026.com/get-involved/be-all-in