About Blake
Blake grew up in the small Alberta town of Rocky Mountain House and lived an active childhood. With a former professional football player as a father and a natural aptitude for athletics himself, sport became a significant part of Blake’s youth. Three Provincial championships in hockey, baseball considerations in the US, he constantly had a ball in his hand from an early age. He even had moments of imagining his life as a golf pro. Eventually, in his late teens he settled on what would be his defining sport: football.
After healing from a blown ALC in his senior year, Blake played six seasons on the University of Calgary football team, the Dino’s, and was named two-time Academic All-Canadian, Second Team All-Canadian. He was drafted to the Stampeders in 2003 and stayed with the team until 2005.
Although he likes to joke about his rather unremarkable professional football career statistics, it was a time of learning a lot about the psychology of performance in a very demanding, and public environment.
About Thrive
Sports performance training became a topic of increasing interest, and Blake found himself leaning in, taking courses and eventually he began coaching High School Football. With the birth of his two daughters, Blake initiated the process of acknowledging his unique experiences and giving back to his community.
The goal of Thrive is to use sport to encourage the developmental process of youth and the community. It’s not just the athlete or the sport, but the whole ecosystem around the student: schools, sports associations, parents, teachers, and coaches. Thrive wants to connect the proverbial village which is raising the child, and challenge each person in the process to improve their skills, enhance their mindset and self reflect on what it truly means to thrive.
Blake offers a unique understanding as a former youth athlete, professional athlete, coach, father of two daughters and decades of experience. His charm and easy going way, make his messages of positive mental health easy to understand and entertaining. He offers specialized talks for sports organizations, community leaders/coaches, and of course, for athletes or students themselves.
What is Thrive?
Thrive Sports Project is a passion project from Blake Machan. Thrive develops and supports mental health for young athletes in sport, by engaging with the athletes and the communities that play a part in their development. It sees sport not as the activity, but the whole ecosystem around it and how it impacts the mental health of young athletes.
Blake uses his athletic career, experience and penchant for humour to discuss mental health in a very relatable, accessible way. He focuses on identification, coping strategies, and specific tools to cope with mental health. He raises awareness, not only of the impact of mental health on performance, but mental health in general in a way that increases awareness and reduces the stigma of asking for help… not just for the athletes, but for everyone involved.
About Duncan
Growing up in the town of Rocky Mountain House AB, there were plenty of opportunities for Duncan to be active. His love for two sports, baseball and hockey, would have the biggest impact on shaping Duncan as an athlete.
In baseball Duncan would start off playing in his hometown, quickly progress to playing for Clive, winning provincials and playing in the Western Canadian finals. Although they were unsuccessful in winning, it would not be his only trip to this prestigious tournament. He also found himself there as part of the Junior AAA Innisfail Merchants.
Duncan also grew up playing in the minor hockey system in Rocky. In Bantam, his path would take him to Red Deer, where he would be a part of all the AAA teams in the city, from Bantam to Major Midgets.
After his minor career had finished he continued his hockey aspirations in the AJHL, where he is currently playing for the Olds Grizzlys.
This platform not only provides Duncan the ongoing opportunity to evolve as a goalie, it also allows him to foster his passion for helping others through various volunteer activities throughout the community.
Duncan’s competitive nature comes naturally and is evident in all aspect of his life. He continues to learn more about performance psychology and the impact cognitive strategies have on and off the ice. With his unique perspective and authentic character, Duncan will bring an invaluable diversity to the Thrive Sport Project Team.
