Leeds-based golf mental performance coaching company, Underpin Sports has appointed former Leeds United midfielder, Andy Couzens as its business development manager to lead its expansion across the north of England.

The Yorkshire arm of Underpin Sports is dedicated to equipping players with the psychological tools and mental strength needed to overcome the pressure of competing at the very top of the game.

Since his retirement in 2000, Andy has held senior positions at a number of retail and leisure brands such as REVIV Leeds and REVIV Global, through to experience in hosting events and match day hosting at Leeds United.

Commenting on his appointment, Andy Couzens said:

“I am truly honoured to join the Underpin team after knowing how heavy the mental pressures at the top of your game can be. Seeing the remarkable growth of the business, especially over the past year, makes this an incredibly exciting time to come on board."

"The increasing need for mental performance coaching at the elite level aligns perfectly with my passion and I want to be part of the team helping get the best out of these athletes."

Underpin has played a pivotal role in the mental performance development of some of the games rising stars across the globe, including Freddie Kjettrup who recently made his professional debut at the 2024 U.S. Open following a successful final qualifying in Alpharetta, Georgia.

As business development manager, Andy will draw on his experience as an elite athlete and utilise his reputation within the professional world to increase the Underpin 72 Club – a corporate network benefiting from bespoke golf and business events through to commercial networking opportunities – across the north of England.

Each 72 Club corporate member benefits from strategic partnership opportunities and the ability to help fund the mental performance coaching of Underpin players who are at the start of their golfing career and often under financial pressure.

"I fully support the company’s vision and believe strongly in the importance of the right mental approach for elite amateur and professional golfers. I am confident that Underpin will continue to thrive in the north of England, becoming highly attractive to businesses seeking to expand their corporate network, drive new commercial opportunities, and support the future of those involved in the amateur and professional game.”

Andy will be working closely with Underpin’s managing director Stewart Clough in growing the 72 Club corporate membership, further supporting the network of players associated with the company.

Stewart added:

“Having someone with Andy’s understanding join the team to support with our growth is fantastic. His experience of performing at the highest of the game means he can resonate on a personal level with the players we work with and be sympathetic to some of the challenges they may be facing."

"His extensive sporting experience, networking with some of the biggest businesses in Yorkshire, will prove key to attracting more businesses to our corporate network and driving our growth."

“There is a natural relationship between golf and business, and we’ve worked to build a company that captures the widespread passion for the sport while offering a compelling proposition to corporate organisations. Our 72 Club network has made significant strides, creating exciting new commercial opportunities for participating firms, and bringing Andy into the team will only strengthen this further.”