Article by Tumany Colley
In the fast-paced and high-stakes world of sports, especially football, the spotlight often shines on players’ physical prowess, tactical strategies, and match-winning goals. Yet, behind every successful play lies a critical but often overlooked aspect that shapes players’ performance, well-being, and overall journey: their mental state.
Let’s take football for instance. In this era of football, it is crucial for administrators and players to take center stage in championing mental awareness and psychosocial support in sports. The game, it seems, is no longer just about what happens on the pitch, but also about what takes place within players’ minds.
From penalty shootouts to tense rivalries, football’s intensity demands not only physical strength but also mental resilience. As players grapple with the pressures of competition, they should be allowed to break through barriers and talk openly about their mental health challenges and the support systems that sustain them.
Over the weekend, LBD Sports organised a mental health awareness and psychosocial support for Vision Football Academy at the Sbec International School. The assistant coach of Team Rhino, Saidou Tamba Giro, who supervised the brilliant presentation, talked to the upcoming players on the importance of self-care – which involves emotional, mental, spiritual, physical and emotional intelligence.
In his presentation, Mr Tamba advised the young players to first understand their own dynamics in order to improve their gameplay. He also encouraged them to help themselves if they truly want the help of others.
Amidst the rigorous training schedules, grueling matches, and constant demands of professional football, the concept of rest often emerges as a vital player in the pursuit of mental awareness and psychosocial well-being. Just as physical exertion takes its toll, mental fatigue is an undeniable reality for football players.
Recognizing the intricate connection between physical and mental health, Ousman Camara, head coach of Vision Football Academy, acknowledged that rest isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. He says the presentation did indeed reinforce him with information he was not aware of before.
“It is very important for the young guys, but for me also [for me as well]. I’m a young coach and also learning from other coaches…it will help the players more and it will also help me,” he revealed.
Coach Camara, who has been head coach of Vision Academy since 2020, reiterated the importance of self-control and discipline, especially for young players. He says discipline is one of the criteria for young players who want to have any chance at staying with the academy.
Muhammed Mbye, the 13-year-old goalkeeper of the academy told LBD Sports that the training exposed them to so many basic, yet vital information that they did not know as young players. According to him, fortunately, this could not have come at a better time. He promised to make sure everything they have learnt is followed to the latter.
Football, more than just a physical sport, hinges on the psychological strength of its players. The ability to stay focused, maintain composure under pressure, and bounce back from setbacks can often be the defining factor between victory and defeat. Mental awareness, once relegated to the sidelines, has now emerged as a game-changer. From visualization techniques that help players mentally rehearse plays to mindfulness practices that sharpen concentration, footballers are embracing various strategies to enhance their mental game.
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