The 5-Day Mindset Antibiotic: Tackling Panic and Anxiety in Modern Football
Chartered Psychologist Steven Sylvester presented his 5-Day Mindset Antibiotic at the ECA Women’s High Performance Advisory Group meeting at Paris Saint-Germain, a breakthrough approach helping footballers overcome panic, anxiety, and perform with freedom.
Chartered Psychologist Steven Sylvester presented his 5-Day Mindset Antibiotic at the ECA Women’s High Performance Advisory Group meeting at Paris Saint-Germain, a breakthrough approach helping footballers overcome panic, anxiety, and perform with freedom.
By Steven Sylvester CPsychol AFBPsS
Psychologist, High-Performance Coach, and Ambassador for Beyond The Cage
In October 2023, I had the honour of presenting my work on the 5-Day Mindset Antibiotic at the ECA Women’s High Performance Advisory Group meeting, hosted by Paris Saint-Germain. The event brought together leading figures in European football to explore new ways of supporting player wellbeing and unlocking consistent high performance.
In professional football today, physical and technical analysis is more advanced than ever. Yet, one vital dimension often remains underdeveloped, mindset data. Over years of working across sport and business, I’ve witnessed how this missing piece can make the difference between composure and collapse under pressure.
The 5-Day Mindset Antibiotic was designed to fill that gap. It’s a structured, five-day guided audio process that helps players self-diagnose panic and anxiety, restore calm, and rebuild performance confidence. Initially developed through my work with executives and elite athletes, the approach has since been adapted for footballers struggling with the increasing psychological demands of the modern game.
In one recent case, a player came to me experiencing intense physiological symptoms before matches. Medical assessments found nothing physically wrong, but the fear remained. Within five days of completing the EA5 process, he returned to the pitch transformed: calmer, freer, and ultimately named Player of the Match after scoring his first goal of the season. His manager praised his renewed composure and leadership, describing him as performing like “one of the best in the world in his position.”
Behind these results lies a simple truth, performance isn’t just about ability; it’s about alignment. When an athlete learns to synchronise physical readiness, technical skill, and mental clarity, anxiety loses its grip. The EA5 method offers a rapid and lasting shift in thinking that allows players to perform with freedom, not fear.
As an ambassador for Beyond The Cage, I see this work as part of a broader mission, to help young men and athletes understand that vulnerability is not weakness, and that mindset training should be as normal as fitness training. By addressing panic and anxiety head-on, we open the door to a new generation of players who can compete with confidence, compassion, and courage, on and off the pitch.
By Steven Sylvester CPsychol AFBPsS
Psychologist, High-Performance Coach, and Ambassador for Beyond The Cage
In October 2023, I had the honour of presenting my work on the 5-Day Mindset Antibiotic at the ECA Women’s High Performance Advisory Group meeting, hosted by Paris Saint-Germain. The event brought together leading figures in European football to explore new ways of supporting player wellbeing and unlocking consistent high performance.
In professional football today, physical and technical analysis is more advanced than ever. Yet, one vital dimension often remains underdeveloped, mindset data. Over years of working across sport and business, I’ve witnessed how this missing piece can make the difference between composure and collapse under pressure.
The 5-Day Mindset Antibiotic was designed to fill that gap. It’s a structured, five-day guided audio process that helps players self-diagnose panic and anxiety, restore calm, and rebuild performance confidence. Initially developed through my work with executives and elite athletes, the approach has since been adapted for footballers struggling with the increasing psychological demands of the modern game.
In one recent case, a player came to me experiencing intense physiological symptoms before matches. Medical assessments found nothing physically wrong, but the fear remained. Within five days of completing the EA5 process, he returned to the pitch transformed: calmer, freer, and ultimately named Player of the Match after scoring his first goal of the season. His manager praised his renewed composure and leadership, describing him as performing like “one of the best in the world in his position.”
Behind these results lies a simple truth, performance isn’t just about ability; it’s about alignment. When an athlete learns to synchronise physical readiness, technical skill, and mental clarity, anxiety loses its grip. The EA5 method offers a rapid and lasting shift in thinking that allows players to perform with freedom, not fear.
As an ambassador for Beyond The Cage, I see this work as part of a broader mission, to help young men and athletes understand that vulnerability is not weakness, and that mindset training should be as normal as fitness training. By addressing panic and anxiety head-on, we open the door to a new generation of players who can compete with confidence, compassion, and courage, on and off the pitch.
By Steven Sylvester CPsychol AFBPsS
Psychologist, High-Performance Coach, and Ambassador for Beyond The Cage
In October 2023, I had the honour of presenting my work on the 5-Day Mindset Antibiotic at the ECA Women’s High Performance Advisory Group meeting, hosted by Paris Saint-Germain. The event brought together leading figures in European football to explore new ways of supporting player wellbeing and unlocking consistent high performance.
In professional football today, physical and technical analysis is more advanced than ever. Yet, one vital dimension often remains underdeveloped, mindset data. Over years of working across sport and business, I’ve witnessed how this missing piece can make the difference between composure and collapse under pressure.
The 5-Day Mindset Antibiotic was designed to fill that gap. It’s a structured, five-day guided audio process that helps players self-diagnose panic and anxiety, restore calm, and rebuild performance confidence. Initially developed through my work with executives and elite athletes, the approach has since been adapted for footballers struggling with the increasing psychological demands of the modern game.
In one recent case, a player came to me experiencing intense physiological symptoms before matches. Medical assessments found nothing physically wrong, but the fear remained. Within five days of completing the EA5 process, he returned to the pitch transformed: calmer, freer, and ultimately named Player of the Match after scoring his first goal of the season. His manager praised his renewed composure and leadership, describing him as performing like “one of the best in the world in his position.”
Behind these results lies a simple truth, performance isn’t just about ability; it’s about alignment. When an athlete learns to synchronise physical readiness, technical skill, and mental clarity, anxiety loses its grip. The EA5 method offers a rapid and lasting shift in thinking that allows players to perform with freedom, not fear.
As an ambassador for Beyond The Cage, I see this work as part of a broader mission, to help young men and athletes understand that vulnerability is not weakness, and that mindset training should be as normal as fitness training. By addressing panic and anxiety head-on, we open the door to a new generation of players who can compete with confidence, compassion, and courage, on and off the pitch.
By Steven Sylvester CPsychol AFBPsS
Psychologist, High-Performance Coach, and Ambassador for Beyond The Cage
In October 2023, I had the honour of presenting my work on the 5-Day Mindset Antibiotic at the ECA Women’s High Performance Advisory Group meeting, hosted by Paris Saint-Germain. The event brought together leading figures in European football to explore new ways of supporting player wellbeing and unlocking consistent high performance.
In professional football today, physical and technical analysis is more advanced than ever. Yet, one vital dimension often remains underdeveloped, mindset data. Over years of working across sport and business, I’ve witnessed how this missing piece can make the difference between composure and collapse under pressure.
The 5-Day Mindset Antibiotic was designed to fill that gap. It’s a structured, five-day guided audio process that helps players self-diagnose panic and anxiety, restore calm, and rebuild performance confidence. Initially developed through my work with executives and elite athletes, the approach has since been adapted for footballers struggling with the increasing psychological demands of the modern game.
In one recent case, a player came to me experiencing intense physiological symptoms before matches. Medical assessments found nothing physically wrong, but the fear remained. Within five days of completing the EA5 process, he returned to the pitch transformed: calmer, freer, and ultimately named Player of the Match after scoring his first goal of the season. His manager praised his renewed composure and leadership, describing him as performing like “one of the best in the world in his position.”
Behind these results lies a simple truth, performance isn’t just about ability; it’s about alignment. When an athlete learns to synchronise physical readiness, technical skill, and mental clarity, anxiety loses its grip. The EA5 method offers a rapid and lasting shift in thinking that allows players to perform with freedom, not fear.
As an ambassador for Beyond The Cage, I see this work as part of a broader mission, to help young men and athletes understand that vulnerability is not weakness, and that mindset training should be as normal as fitness training. By addressing panic and anxiety head-on, we open the door to a new generation of players who can compete with confidence, compassion, and courage, on and off the pitch.
Upcoming Events
Explore the identity crisis athletes face after sport and how to rebuild purpose, belonging and meaning with psychologist Steven Sylvester.
November 2, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore the identity crisis athletes face after sport and how to rebuild purpose, belonging and meaning with psychologist Steven Sylvester.
November 2, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore the identity crisis athletes face after sport and how to rebuild purpose, belonging and meaning with psychologist Steven Sylvester.
November 2, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore the identity crisis athletes face after sport and how to rebuild purpose, belonging and meaning with psychologist Steven Sylvester.
November 2, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore life after a career-ending injury - and how resilience, support and community helped Shay Walsh find a greater purpose beyond the cage.
November 6, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore life after a career-ending injury - and how resilience, support and community helped Shay Walsh find a greater purpose beyond the cage.
November 6, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore life after a career-ending injury - and how resilience, support and community helped Shay Walsh find a greater purpose beyond the cage.
November 6, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore life after a career-ending injury - and how resilience, support and community helped Shay Walsh find a greater purpose beyond the cage.
November 6, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore how creativity builds courage, confidence and connection. Director, Editor, and former Musician Peter Bromfield joins Zak Sylvester to discuss finding meaning through making.
December 11, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore how creativity builds courage, confidence and connection. Director, Editor, and former Musician Peter Bromfield joins Zak Sylvester to discuss finding meaning through making.
December 11, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore how creativity builds courage, confidence and connection. Director, Editor, and former Musician Peter Bromfield joins Zak Sylvester to discuss finding meaning through making.
December 11, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore how creativity builds courage, confidence and connection. Director, Editor, and former Musician Peter Bromfield joins Zak Sylvester to discuss finding meaning through making.
December 11, 2025
Book Your Place Today
Explore More Resources
Remembering Ricky Hatton: The Life Lesson He Shared With Me
Zak Sylvester shares the personal story that inspired his new online community & webinar series honouring Ricky Hatton’s legacy through real stories and honest conversations.
Zak Sylvester
Remembering Ricky Hatton: The Life Lesson He Shared With Me
Zak Sylvester shares the personal story that inspired his new online community & webinar series honouring Ricky Hatton’s legacy through real stories and honest conversations.
Zak Sylvester
Remembering Ricky Hatton: The Life Lesson He Shared With Me
Zak Sylvester shares the personal story that inspired his new online community & webinar series honouring Ricky Hatton’s legacy through real stories and honest conversations.
Zak Sylvester
Remembering Ricky Hatton: The Life Lesson He Shared With Me
Zak Sylvester shares the personal story that inspired his new online community & webinar series honouring Ricky Hatton’s legacy through real stories and honest conversations.
Zak Sylvester
Taking Action Daily: A Real Community For Young Men
Founder Zak Sylvester shares the vision behind Take Action Daily, a community helping young men build resilience, purpose and belonging through daily action, reflection and support.
Zak Sylvester
Taking Action Daily: A Real Community For Young Men
Founder Zak Sylvester shares the vision behind Take Action Daily, a community helping young men build resilience, purpose and belonging through daily action, reflection and support.
Zak Sylvester
Taking Action Daily: A Real Community For Young Men
Founder Zak Sylvester shares the vision behind Take Action Daily, a community helping young men build resilience, purpose and belonging through daily action, reflection and support.
Zak Sylvester
Taking Action Daily: A Real Community For Young Men
Founder Zak Sylvester shares the vision behind Take Action Daily, a community helping young men build resilience, purpose and belonging through daily action, reflection and support.
Zak Sylvester
Sport as a Safe Space: Inspiration as Intervention Series
The literature is unambiguous: sport can provide the safe spaces young people need to thrive, but only if programmes are intentional and relational. Positive role models with long-term development pathways are the cornerstones of effective intervention.
Zak Sylvester
Sport as a Safe Space: Inspiration as Intervention Series
The literature is unambiguous: sport can provide the safe spaces young people need to thrive, but only if programmes are intentional and relational. Positive role models with long-term development pathways are the cornerstones of effective intervention.
Zak Sylvester
Sport as a Safe Space: Inspiration as Intervention Series
The literature is unambiguous: sport can provide the safe spaces young people need to thrive, but only if programmes are intentional and relational. Positive role models with long-term development pathways are the cornerstones of effective intervention.
Zak Sylvester
Sport as a Safe Space: Inspiration as Intervention Series
The literature is unambiguous: sport can provide the safe spaces young people need to thrive, but only if programmes are intentional and relational. Positive role models with long-term development pathways are the cornerstones of effective intervention.
Zak Sylvester
Why Doing Less Can Help You Achieve More
World Champion and physiotherapist Robbie Wells shares how doing less, more often, can transform consistency, movement, and mindset ahead of his upcoming Beyond the Cage webinar.
Robbie Wells
Why Doing Less Can Help You Achieve More
World Champion and physiotherapist Robbie Wells shares how doing less, more often, can transform consistency, movement, and mindset ahead of his upcoming Beyond the Cage webinar.
Robbie Wells
Why Doing Less Can Help You Achieve More
World Champion and physiotherapist Robbie Wells shares how doing less, more often, can transform consistency, movement, and mindset ahead of his upcoming Beyond the Cage webinar.
Robbie Wells
Why Doing Less Can Help You Achieve More
World Champion and physiotherapist Robbie Wells shares how doing less, more often, can transform consistency, movement, and mindset ahead of his upcoming Beyond the Cage webinar.
Robbie Wells
Movement as Inspiration: An Interview with Ambassador Robbie Wells
Discover how movement sparks transformation in young men. Ambassador Robbie Wells shares why the 7-Day Physical Commitment Challenge inside Take Action Daily is the perfect entry point for support, accountability, and real change.
Robbie Wells
Movement as Inspiration: An Interview with Ambassador Robbie Wells
Discover how movement sparks transformation in young men. Ambassador Robbie Wells shares why the 7-Day Physical Commitment Challenge inside Take Action Daily is the perfect entry point for support, accountability, and real change.
Robbie Wells
Movement as Inspiration: An Interview with Ambassador Robbie Wells
Discover how movement sparks transformation in young men. Ambassador Robbie Wells shares why the 7-Day Physical Commitment Challenge inside Take Action Daily is the perfect entry point for support, accountability, and real change.
Robbie Wells
Movement as Inspiration: An Interview with Ambassador Robbie Wells
Discover how movement sparks transformation in young men. Ambassador Robbie Wells shares why the 7-Day Physical Commitment Challenge inside Take Action Daily is the perfect entry point for support, accountability, and real change.
Robbie Wells
Beyond Recovery: A Conversation with Robbie Wells
”Physiotherapist and World Champion Robbie Wells reveals why resilience comes from values, patience, and support, lessons that go far beyond recovery.” - Online Webinar
Robbie Wells
Beyond Recovery: A Conversation with Robbie Wells
”Physiotherapist and World Champion Robbie Wells reveals why resilience comes from values, patience, and support, lessons that go far beyond recovery.” - Online Webinar
Robbie Wells
Beyond Recovery: A Conversation with Robbie Wells
”Physiotherapist and World Champion Robbie Wells reveals why resilience comes from values, patience, and support, lessons that go far beyond recovery.” - Online Webinar
Robbie Wells
Beyond Recovery: A Conversation with Robbie Wells
”Physiotherapist and World Champion Robbie Wells reveals why resilience comes from values, patience, and support, lessons that go far beyond recovery.” - Online Webinar
Robbie Wells
Connecting research to real-world solutions for young men
“Beyond The Cage connects role models with young men, tackling a crisis of belonging with evidence-backed solutions that deliver real impact.”
Zak Sylvester
Connecting research to real-world solutions for young men
“Beyond The Cage connects role models with young men, tackling a crisis of belonging with evidence-backed solutions that deliver real impact.”
Zak Sylvester
Connecting research to real-world solutions for young men
“Beyond The Cage connects role models with young men, tackling a crisis of belonging with evidence-backed solutions that deliver real impact.”
Zak Sylvester
Connecting research to real-world solutions for young men
“Beyond The Cage connects role models with young men, tackling a crisis of belonging with evidence-backed solutions that deliver real impact.”
Zak Sylvester
Why I Coach
Discover Andrew’s philosophy of Embracing the Friction, how leaning into life’s challenges can build resilience, clarity, and calm.
Andrew Zair
Why I Coach
Discover Andrew’s philosophy of Embracing the Friction, how leaning into life’s challenges can build resilience, clarity, and calm.
Andrew Zair
Why I Coach
Discover Andrew’s philosophy of Embracing the Friction, how leaning into life’s challenges can build resilience, clarity, and calm.
Andrew Zair
Why I Coach
Discover Andrew’s philosophy of Embracing the Friction, how leaning into life’s challenges can build resilience, clarity, and calm.
Andrew Zair
Fighting Chance Fridays: Morecambe FC Community Foundation x Shay Walsh MMA
Beyond The Cage helped Shay Walsh MMA and Morecambe FC Foundation transform pilot funding into Fighting Chance Fridays - reducing anti-social behaviour and building youth resilience.
Shay Walsh
Fighting Chance Fridays: Morecambe FC Community Foundation x Shay Walsh MMA
Beyond The Cage helped Shay Walsh MMA and Morecambe FC Foundation transform pilot funding into Fighting Chance Fridays - reducing anti-social behaviour and building youth resilience.
Shay Walsh
Fighting Chance Fridays: Morecambe FC Community Foundation x Shay Walsh MMA
Beyond The Cage helped Shay Walsh MMA and Morecambe FC Foundation transform pilot funding into Fighting Chance Fridays - reducing anti-social behaviour and building youth resilience.
Shay Walsh
Fighting Chance Fridays: Morecambe FC Community Foundation x Shay Walsh MMA
Beyond The Cage helped Shay Walsh MMA and Morecambe FC Foundation transform pilot funding into Fighting Chance Fridays - reducing anti-social behaviour and building youth resilience.
Shay Walsh
A World Champion Mindset: A Conversation with Corey Cain
“World Champion Corey Cain shares how martial arts builds resilience, discipline, and confidence, lessons that go far beyond the cage.”
Corey Cain
A World Champion Mindset: A Conversation with Corey Cain
“World Champion Corey Cain shares how martial arts builds resilience, discipline, and confidence, lessons that go far beyond the cage.”
Corey Cain
A World Champion Mindset: A Conversation with Corey Cain
“World Champion Corey Cain shares how martial arts builds resilience, discipline, and confidence, lessons that go far beyond the cage.”
Corey Cain
A World Champion Mindset: A Conversation with Corey Cain
“World Champion Corey Cain shares how martial arts builds resilience, discipline, and confidence, lessons that go far beyond the cage.”
Corey Cain
Official Documentary: A Journey To Greatness - The Untold Story of Shay Walsh
Discover the untold story of Shay Walsh, Lancaster’s MMA World Champion, who turned a career-ending injury into a journey of resilience and purpose.
Shay Walsh
Official Documentary: A Journey To Greatness - The Untold Story of Shay Walsh
Discover the untold story of Shay Walsh, Lancaster’s MMA World Champion, who turned a career-ending injury into a journey of resilience and purpose.
Shay Walsh
Official Documentary: A Journey To Greatness - The Untold Story of Shay Walsh
Discover the untold story of Shay Walsh, Lancaster’s MMA World Champion, who turned a career-ending injury into a journey of resilience and purpose.
Shay Walsh
Official Documentary: A Journey To Greatness - The Untold Story of Shay Walsh
Discover the untold story of Shay Walsh, Lancaster’s MMA World Champion, who turned a career-ending injury into a journey of resilience and purpose.
Shay Walsh
UFC Champion Alexander Volkanovski on A Journey to Greatness - Inspiration as Intervention Series
“UFC Champion Alexander Volkanovski reflects on Shay Walsh’s journey, praising his purpose, identity, and lasting impact beyond the cage.”
Shay Walsh
UFC Champion Alexander Volkanovski on A Journey to Greatness - Inspiration as Intervention Series
“UFC Champion Alexander Volkanovski reflects on Shay Walsh’s journey, praising his purpose, identity, and lasting impact beyond the cage.”
Shay Walsh
UFC Champion Alexander Volkanovski on A Journey to Greatness - Inspiration as Intervention Series
“UFC Champion Alexander Volkanovski reflects on Shay Walsh’s journey, praising his purpose, identity, and lasting impact beyond the cage.”
Shay Walsh
UFC Champion Alexander Volkanovski on A Journey to Greatness - Inspiration as Intervention Series
“UFC Champion Alexander Volkanovski reflects on Shay Walsh’s journey, praising his purpose, identity, and lasting impact beyond the cage.”
Shay Walsh
EA5 App | Guided Audios for Athletes
Relax deeply, recover faster, and stay composed under pressure with audios built for sport and life.
Zak Sylvester
EA5 App | Guided Audios for Athletes
Relax deeply, recover faster, and stay composed under pressure with audios built for sport and life.
Zak Sylvester
EA5 App | Guided Audios for Athletes
Relax deeply, recover faster, and stay composed under pressure with audios built for sport and life.
Zak Sylvester
EA5 App | Guided Audios for Athletes
Relax deeply, recover faster, and stay composed under pressure with audios built for sport and life.
Zak Sylvester
Embracing Fear
"We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Robbie Wells
Embracing Fear
"We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Robbie Wells
Embracing Fear
"We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Robbie Wells
Embracing Fear
"We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Robbie Wells
We Are Psychologists: A Film Celebrating Curiosity, Compassion, and Care
Chartered Psychologist Steven Sylvester reflects on the honour of featuring in the British Psychological Society’s film We Are Psychologists alongside his son Zak, celebrating compassion, curiosity, and the power of psychology to create real-world impact.
Steven Sylvester
We Are Psychologists: A Film Celebrating Curiosity, Compassion, and Care
Chartered Psychologist Steven Sylvester reflects on the honour of featuring in the British Psychological Society’s film We Are Psychologists alongside his son Zak, celebrating compassion, curiosity, and the power of psychology to create real-world impact.
Steven Sylvester
We Are Psychologists: A Film Celebrating Curiosity, Compassion, and Care
Chartered Psychologist Steven Sylvester reflects on the honour of featuring in the British Psychological Society’s film We Are Psychologists alongside his son Zak, celebrating compassion, curiosity, and the power of psychology to create real-world impact.
Steven Sylvester
We Are Psychologists: A Film Celebrating Curiosity, Compassion, and Care
Chartered Psychologist Steven Sylvester reflects on the honour of featuring in the British Psychological Society’s film We Are Psychologists alongside his son Zak, celebrating compassion, curiosity, and the power of psychology to create real-world impact.
Steven Sylvester