Our Why
There are many different choices out there for volleyball training or lessons in any sport in general. As a father of three young daughters in sport, I found that most were only focused on the skill, but as the class sizes grew, the focus on skill fell. At the end of some camps, I was left wondering what my return on investment was; because that is how I see it. I pay my hard-earned money for my young athletes to grow. We started Northern Lights Athletic Club to bring quality programming where there is a return on your investment. How we will achieve that is by integrating sport psychology into our training. I am not a psychologist, but I have done a lot of research and training in this area. I found that there was a connection between sport and life. In the world of youth sports, physical training often takes center stage. However, the mental aspect of sports is equally important, if not more so. Think of your brain as a muscle. It is just as important to exercise your brain as it is your quads or back muscles.
Sport psychology, the study of how psychological factors influence sports, athletic performance, and physical activity, plays a crucial role in the development of young athletes. Integrating sport psychology into youth sports can be a game-changer. In September 2023, Deloitte released the results of a survey in a report titled “Impact of Sports on Women’s Professional Success,”. From the report, here are their highlights taken from the media release:
85% of women surveyed who played sports shared that the skills they developed playing sports were important to success in their professional careers — the findings are even higher among women in leadership roles (91%) and women who make $100,000 or more (93%).
Of female respondents who earn $100K+ annually and are in management or leadership roles, 69% have played competitive sports.
Regardless of personal experience playing sports, 61% of respondents agree that girls who play sports are likely to have successful careers.
75% of women surveyed who played competitive sports agree that girls who play competitive sports are more likely to be successful in their careers.
According to respondents who have played competitive sports, the top skills gained from competitive sports include teamwork (69%) and leadership (41%). Other skills include managing stress and pressure (36%), problem-solving (35%), and effective communication (34%).
This brings us back to our Why. Why are we doing this, and the simple answer is I don’t know why we wouldn’t. Youth sports can be stressful, with pressures from competition, expectations, and balancing academics. Our volleyball training provides young athletes with tools to manage stress and anxiety, promoting better mental health (they exercise their brain). Techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises help athletes stay calm and focused, reducing the risk of burnout and mental fatigue. Teaching themselves that they can manage stress and anxiety transfers into life off the court and they are better suited to deal with the stressors life brings.
Confidence is key to athletic and life success. In our volleyball training, we will work with young athletes to build self-confidence through goal setting, positive self-talk, and visualization. By learning to visualize success and maintain a positive mindset, athletes can approach competitions with greater assurance and poise. Just like on the court, athletes need to set goals and be confident in life. In life, setting small attainable goals helps with mental health and confidence. Soon you learn that you can do difficult things.
In sports, the ability to stay focused can make the difference between winning and losing. Our volleyball training will touch on techniques like concentration drills and mental imagery to help athletes maintain their focus during critical moments. This improved concentration not only benefits their sports performance but also translates to better focus in academic and personal pursuits. Student athletes learn how to transfer the focus and learning into their studies. They organize their time and become more efficient.
Setbacks and failures are inevitable in sports. Sport helps young athletes develop resilience by teaching them how to cope with losses and setbacks constructively. Our volleyball training will promote resilience to foster a growth mindset, encouraging athletes to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. In life there are setbacks. What is learned on the court will help the athlete to better deal with the set back, problem solve where they went wrong and move forward better and stronger.
Sports are not just about individual performance; they are also about working effectively as a team. Our volleyball training stresses communication, cooperation, and leadership skills, which are essential for team sports. These social skills are invaluable, extending beyond the sports field into everyday life.
The benefits of our volleyball training extend far beyond the sports arena. The mental skills young athletes develop, such as goal setting, time management, and stress management, are valuable life skills. These skills help them navigate challenges in various aspects of life, from academics to future careers. It will be discussed in a future article, but the anterior cingulate cortex is an amazing part of the brain. We want to teach our athletes to learn how it grows stronger.
Our mission is to develop leaders though sport to be leaders in life. Integrating themes and undertones from sport psychology into youth sports programs is essential for the development of young athletes. It not only enhances their athletic performance but also contributes to their mental well-being, academic success, and overall personal growth. By focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of sports, we can help young athletes reach their full potential and lead healthier, more balanced lives.
To learn more about our volleyball training or register your child for one of our West Edmonton training classes click button below.
