Mental development takes centre stage at Reggeborgh Foundation’s second coaches’ and staff meeting
For the second time, Reggeborgh Foundation brought together coaches, staff members and support staff from the sports teams it supports. It was an afternoon centred on networking, knowledge-sharing and the theme of mental development. A great deal of time and energy is invested in what is measurable in sport, but how do we view the emotional aspect of talent development and elite sport?
At Reggeborgh Foundation, we believe it is important to support not only athletes, but also the staff around them. Because it is precisely by working together that we can help create an environment in which athletes can develop to their full potential, both as people and as elite athletes. Led by Carrie ten Napel, interactive panel discussions and real-life examples sparked in-depth discussions between team managers, coaches, trainers and other support staff. The participants discussed questions such as: should mental development be an integral part of talent development and elite sport coaching? Who is responsible for this? And how do you organise this within an elite sport environment?
‘An athlete’s development begins with their personal development.’
- Dennis van der Gun, trainer at Schaatsteam Reggeborgh
This was echoed by Carlijn Welten, a former top-level hockey player and now a child and adolescent psychiatrist: “Behind every athlete lies a person with their own background, experiences and environment. These all influence how someone feels, develops, performs and builds resilience. That is precisely why mental development should begin at an early age: by learning to express and talk about one’s emotions, creating a safe environment and fostering an open culture in which athletes can develop to their full potential. Moreover, body and mind are inextricably linked; you cannot view the two in isolation from one another.”
Finally, it was emphasised that everyone can contribute to this: the athlete themselves, their loved ones and the entire support network.