At Grow Sport Psychology, we believe in empowering athletes not just on the field, but off of it—in their personal development, mental well-being, and leadership. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight one of our own, Eddie Perry, CMPC, who has recently stepped into a significant new role as a member of the U.S. Soccer Athletes’ Council.
Eddie’s selection to this elite 20-member council is a testament to his passion for advocacy, mental health, and inclusive representation in the world of soccer. The U.S. Soccer Athletes’ Council serves as the voice for athletes at the highest levels of the sport, creating direct channels of communication between athletes and the U.S. Soccer Federation. Members participate in critical votes, contribute to key decisions, and offer recommendations to the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors. Eddie will hold his seat from 2025 through 2029.
In this role, Eddie isn’t just representing himself—he’s representing countless voices that often go unheard. Whether it’s the extended national teams, youth players, or even the referees who keep the game fair and flowing, Eddie is deeply committed to building a more compassionate, mentally resilient soccer culture for all.
One of his primary focuses during his first year on the council is mental health. Eddie’s mission is clear: to learn more about the existing mental health resources within U.S. Soccer and collaborate on ways to expand and improve support systems for athletes across all levels—National Teams, Youth Programs, and Extended National Teams. As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Eddie brings not only professional expertise but also an empathetic ear and heart for the human side of the game.
“I want every player, regardless of their role or background, to know that their mental health matters,” Eddie shares. “We can do better by providing tools, spaces, and trusted professionals they can lean on—especially during the tough moments.”
Another meaningful focus for Eddie is supporting referees. Having worked as a referee himself, Eddie understands firsthand the pressure and emotional toll the job can take. “Referees are on the frontlines, and they’re often subjected to verbal abuse and intense scrutiny,” he says. “They deserve a space to heal, to be heard, and to be supported—mentally and emotionally.” Through the Referee Committee, Eddie hopes to create opportunities for referees to access therapy or CMPC services as part of their regular support structure.
Eddie is also committed to raising the visibility of extended national teams, including but not limited to U.S. Deaf Soccer. He sees this as an opportunity to ensure equity across all groups under the U.S. Soccer umbrella and to uplift every player who wears the crest, no matter what path brought them there.
His work reflects the very heart of our mission at Grow Sport Psychology—to cultivate resilience, connection, and wellness within every athlete, team, and sporting community. Eddie’s compassion, advocacy, and leadership are a reflection of what it means to grow not just in sport, but as a whole person.
To learn more about Eddie or to schedules a session with one of our Sport Performance Consultants:
Call: 331-457-2020
Email: sports@growwellnessgroup.com
Website: growwellnessgroup.com
