Meet Tim Orford
BA (Hons) Sport, PE & Coaching Sciences / QTS & Head of PE / Head of Coach Education / Former Army PTI / UEFA B Coach
- Performance Coach -
What I can do for you...We've all heard the saying "...in the zone...", I can help you achieve a state of peak flow so that you can perform at your best, just when it matters most.
The turning point
It all started somewhere between a short notice Ofsted visit and a panic-ridden kit inspection in the early hours of a bitterly cold morning. I’ve always been fascinated by what happens in that space between preparation and performance—where nerves kick in, confidence wavers, and the mind either becomes your greatest ally or your worst enemy.
After years of studying psychology (and over analysing every game of football), I combined my love of human potential with a very real understanding of performance pressure. From elite athletes to corporate leaders, I’ve learned about what it's like to face high stakes scenarios—and the strategies used to enable high end outcomes.
Setting up this foundation was the natural next step. My mission? To help you train your mind like you train your body: with purpose, clarity, and just the right amount of sweat. Whether you're aiming for gold, a standing ovation, or simply to not freeze in your next big presentation, I’m here to help you show up at your best—without losing your unique self along the way.
Because peak performance isn't about perfection. It's about showing up, fully present, when it matters most.
In The End
My Mission Became...
...to create an organisation that could help a range of people become better versions of themselves. Whether it's providing 1to1 high performance life coaching, referring to trusted partners or delivering bespoke CPD in an educational setting, I want to pass on my knowledge to others.
Through the Optimal Performance Foundation I hope you will find people that are not only experts in their field, but professionals who genuinely care about making a difference to, and for you through a combination of applied experience and evidenced based practices.
my name is
Tim Orford
And I'd like to introduce myself...
Now that you know a little about why this organisation exists, and what it has to offer, I'd like you to know a bit more about the person behind it.
I have always loved sport and helping others, I remember watching a documentary (one of many!) about how our brains are 'wired' in certain ways, and that these structures ultimately affect our behaviours. For example; it is thought that a caring nature can be traced to certain areas of the brain, that in some people are more developed than in others (depending on genetics and upbringing). These 'types' of brain are seen more on average in professions such as teaching, nursing, paramedics...I think you know where I'm going with this...I have lived much of my life in the service of others, most likely because my brain is simply wired to care. I gain a lot of intrinsic reward from seeing other people thrive because of something I have been able to impart, encourage or instil in them.
Having played semi-professional football, served in the military, become an experienced teacher and enjoyed coaching in sport (not to mention the learning that comes with raising your own children and being a family), I am now investing heavily in my passion for Performance Psychology by studying a Masters Degree alongside other accredited courses, so that I can serve you, and pass on all that I have assimilated and continue to learn. I am clear about my future, and next steps, are you?