The Lionesses’ Switzerland Base Camp: Psychology and Inspiration

The Lionesses head to Switzerland this summer as defending champions of the European Championship. The unprecedented success of the team at Euro 2022 was defined by a team effort, where everyone from the players on the pitch to the staff behind the scenes had one singular goal in mind: doing everything possible to promote a winning environment. 

Whilst the most important task of this aim was undoubtedly down to the social and mental environment created by the staff seeing the squad day-to-day, the importance of the physical surroundings can not be underestimated.

Academic research has repeatedly shown that physical surroundings impact performance; the best environment will provide the right facilities so that rest and relaxation can take place alongside recovery between games, facilitate a positive atmosphere for the squad to spend time in, and inspire an atmosphere of calmness and focus. 

Anja van Ginhoven, the Lionesses’ General Manager, has spent the last year focused on getting this right in Switzerland. She shortlisted and visited over a dozen properties, examining the facilities alongside the overall environment and feel of the property. She took head coach Sarina Wiegman on a trip to the shortlisted few, and their evaluation rendered one result: they were both so enamoured by the friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere of the staff at The Dolder Grand, that their choice was made.

The hotel itself is surrounded by a bounty of natural beauty, with a forest on its doorstep. The architecture of the hotel is stunning (and somewhat reminiscent of Hogwarts, which I am sure will please Potter-fan Mary Earps). The hotel features facilities such as a full spa, pool, and hiking trails nearby. 

In terms of performance hubs, the team worked with Instinct Lab, an organisation that researches how to create a physical environment that promotes performance. This shows a continued effort to utilise tools from across the sports world to inspire the best performances: from behavioural psychology to the layout of the gymnasium having the right ‘flow’.

The 5-star attraction is minutes away from FIFA’s headquarters and is also under a 20-minute drive to the pitch where the team will train. The chosen pitch is that of Sportanlage AU, a full-size pitch (a very important part of training) surrounded by a running track with space for the Lionesses’ bespoke gym facilities and room for media. Van Ginhoven also confirmed that there will be open training one day, although these details have not yet been finalised. 

The work that has been done over the last year is immense, and however the Lionesses fare at Euro 2025, this level of work should be seen as an incredible indication of the belief the FA has in this team and its potential.