Български
SMS: Strong Mind for Success
#SMS dissemination event in Sofia
28.08.2024
On the 28th of August 2024, the “Vasil Levski” National Sports Academy women's team officially started its preparations for the 2024/25 season with the support of the SMS – Strong Mind for Success initiative. Head Coach Valentina Gospodinova, 17-time champion of Bulgaria and former national athlete, presented the #SMS – Strong Mind for Success handbook to the team. This resource aims to support the mental health of the young players and is going to be a key element in their preparation for upcoming matches, including the upcoming match against Ludogorets 1945 and their participation in the Women's Champions League. We wish success to the champions of “Vasil Levski” National Sports Academy!
More information about the #SMS – Strong Mind for Success Handbook
The handbook starts with an introduction to the #SMS initiative, which is co-funded by the #Erasmus+ programme, and highlights the importance of mental health for the development of young athletes. It provides clarity on the topic of mental health by exploring the common challenges faced by young footballers and highlights the need to address these issues in order for them to feel successful and fulfilled.
Research and findings
The handbook includes extensive research carried out using questionnaires and focus groups in Bulgaria, Italy and Slovenia. It presents players' perspectives on mental health. The results of the survey and the focus group discussions are summarised. The findings provide a clear picture of the state of mental health in youth football and help to identify areas in need of improvement and support.
Conclusions and recommendations
The handbook contains thoughtful conclusions and recommendations that are based on the results of the research. These guidelines aim to improve the mental health support system within youth football, ensuring that players receive the care and motivation they need to develop both on and off the field.
Practical tips and exercises
One of the highlights of the handbook is the section dedicated to the practical tips and exercises. It presents strategies for coping with mental health challenges, including tips and tricks for young athletes to deal with stress and anxiety. It also includes practical exercises designed to improve mental resilience and overall well-being.
Support for parents and coaches
Recognising the vital role of parents and coaches, the handbook encourages their active involvement in supporting young athletes. It provides guidance on how to build a supportive environment that encourages open communication and understanding.
Innovative tools and resources
The #SMS –Strong Mind for Success Handbook also introduces the project's innovative tools, such as the #SMS Podcast Mind in the Game, #SMS Mental health journal and #SMS Augmented Reality. These resources aim to engage and educate young players by making mental health support more accessible and interactive.
Get your copy today!
We'd love for you to check out the SMS – Strong Mind for Success Handbook and join us as we continue to promote mental health awareness in youth football. Together we can create a supportive and empowering environment for our young athletes!
Download the handbook in Bulgarian, English, Italian and Slovenian from the links below:
Bulgarian
English
Italian
Slovenian
The handbook starts with an introduction to the #SMS initiative, which is co-funded by the #Erasmus+ programme, and highlights the importance of mental health for the development of young athletes. It provides clarity on the topic of mental health by exploring the common challenges faced by young footballers and highlights the need to address these issues in order for them to feel successful and fulfilled.
Research and findings
The handbook includes extensive research carried out using questionnaires and focus groups in Bulgaria, Italy and Slovenia. It presents players' perspectives on mental health. The results of the survey and the focus group discussions are summarised. The findings provide a clear picture of the state of mental health in youth football and help to identify areas in need of improvement and support.
Conclusions and recommendations
The handbook contains thoughtful conclusions and recommendations that are based on the results of the research. These guidelines aim to improve the mental health support system within youth football, ensuring that players receive the care and motivation they need to develop both on and off the field.
Practical tips and exercises
One of the highlights of the handbook is the section dedicated to the practical tips and exercises. It presents strategies for coping with mental health challenges, including tips and tricks for young athletes to deal with stress and anxiety. It also includes practical exercises designed to improve mental resilience and overall well-being.
Support for parents and coaches
Recognising the vital role of parents and coaches, the handbook encourages their active involvement in supporting young athletes. It provides guidance on how to build a supportive environment that encourages open communication and understanding.
Innovative tools and resources
The #SMS –Strong Mind for Success Handbook also introduces the project's innovative tools, such as the #SMS Podcast Mind in the Game, #SMS Mental health journal and #SMS Augmented Reality. These resources aim to engage and educate young players by making mental health support more accessible and interactive.
Get your copy today!
We'd love for you to check out the SMS – Strong Mind for Success Handbook and join us as we continue to promote mental health awareness in youth football. Together we can create a supportive and empowering environment for our young athletes!
Download the handbook in Bulgarian, English, Italian and Slovenian from the links below:
Bulgarian
English
Italian
Slovenian
