A New Playbook for Player Wellness
South Carolina United has made mental health a cornerstone of its player development strategy, appointing neuropsychology doctor and coach Adrian Pinasco to head the club’s Player Performance and Analysis Department.
Pinasco, who grew up in the youth system of Boca Juniors, recalls a time when mental wellness was rarely discussed in Argentine football. He says his early experiences sparked a commitment to treat psychological preparation with the same rigor as physical conditioning.
In his view, technical skill, tactical awareness and physical fitness are inseparable from emotional stability. ‘We cannot expect players to perform at their best if we ignore the mind,’ he explains, adding that the club now embeds mental‑health resources into daily training routines.
Beyond the Pitch
Defender David Liboyi has spoken about the tangible benefit of having a trusted professional to discuss performance anxiety and recovery. ‘Having someone like Pinasco to talk to makes a real difference on the field,’ he says.
The initiative is already being felt by the squad, who credit the availability of mental‑health support with sharpening focus and building resilience. Club officials say the approach is designed to give the team a sustainable competitive edge.
Looking ahead, Pinasco plans to expand the program’s reach, integrating data‑driven assessments that monitor both cognitive load and emotional state throughout the season. The ultimate goal, he says, is to normalize mental‑health conversations across every level of the club.