The pre-career, also called pre-professional pathway, is an important stage in the life of the young athlete. These are times when doubt should give way to the development of the athlete and to strong performances that will prepare their future.
This period is stressful because it affects the young athlete as well as their family and close ones — the whole environment. Even when well supported, the young athlete is the one who must manage this unavoidable pressure and handle all the expectations placed on them.
There are therefore many moments that involve:
✔ choices,
✔ the need to show patience,
✔ regular self-reflection for the young athlete
→ It's best to manage these moments well: it's not just about sport but also a way of life, a mindset.
The young athlete's goals
The athlete has short- and mid-term goals:
• Make progress in training
• Succeed in competition
• Be consistent
• Make the most of their abilities and continue to develop them
To achieve this, the athlete needs:
• Believe in themselves
• Develop their skills
• Build their confidence
• Stay motivated and determined
• Learn to manage themselves emotionally
• Better cope with pressure
How to help the young athlete?
→ Support for the young athlete from an expert in mental training
The young athlete works to improve techniques, tactics and to prepare physically. To raise their level, sustain steady progress and deliver performances, it's essential they also work on their mental training to optimize — even increase — their chances! They have the talent and they put in the work, but to last and succeed nothing is decided without a strong mental game.
That's why I offer a specific support program aimed at young boys and girls who aspire to shape their present and future lives around sporting performance — whether at a local, international or professional level.
Support with a mental coach can start from age 10. In some disciplines (figure skating, for example), where we speak of “early maturity,” it can begin even earlier.
What I offer your child:
• an assessment of their mental skills
• training in the fundamentals of mental training
• personalized follow-up with debriefs involving key contacts
• working on the appropriate level of confidence
• learning to manage their stress
• helping them navigate the stages and pitfalls of the high-performance athlete's pathway — the 'prospect' athlete
• being present in the good moments and especially in the more difficult ones
With sessions of 30 to 45 minutes depending on age, adapted to their pace, schedule and needs.
In addition to the sessions and to really get to know the athlete, I occasionally observe them at training. I can also accompany them to competitions — either simply to observe their behavior in competition or to coach them if needed.
Track their performances to facilitate debriefs and to prepare calmly for upcoming competitions.
Build, improve and develop their mental and cognitive abilities to help them progress and, above all, to help them manage situations well.
The future and tomorrow's performance are written today. Preparation starts now!
Becoming aware of their mental potential and sporting potential shouldn't wait!
Good luck with your preparation!