New Training Program for Athletes' Future Skills

As part of the DC Mentor project, we held a meeting on 30 September in Katowice, Poland. The meeting was very productive in terms of reviewing the current status of the project, completed results and planning future steps.

The meeting began with an opening greeting by Aneta Lemiesz. Then, Mr Aydin from SportsTech Türkiye gave an update on the completed results so far and the ongoing tasks. Ege from COLIN shared a draft version of the platform developed within the project framework, while Cakir from SportsTech Türkiye presented the modules' interface and structure in detail.

Throughout the meeting, the project partners reviewed each module individually and discussed areas that needed improvement. Prof. Laura Capranica provided valuable feedback on how the modules could be customised specifically for young athletes. Mr Cakir noted that the content of the modules was prepared after careful review of surveys and research. In addition, it was suggested to merge the topics of some modules and address certain topics more clearly.

One of the main topics of the meeting was the ‘Mental Toughness’ module. It was discussed that this module should be held separately and the content addressed more specifically. Owen Southgate emphasised the need to delve more into mental health and focus on practical strategies. Instytut Sportu also emphasised the importance of adding practical user strategies to the modules.

The meeting also addressed how the platform should be structured, how the modules should work, and innovations to improve the user experience. It was announced that each module would include an ‘Assessment’ section at the end, and participants would receive a certificate after completing the training modules. Videos and PowerPoint presentations would also be included on the platform alongside the modules.

During the meeting, specific tasks related to each module were assigned to the project partners:

Module 1: UCAM

Module 2: Instytut Sportu

Module 3: COLIN

Module 4: NYSA

Module 5: FURIM

Toolkit: To be developed by STTR

All partners will deliver content related to their modules by agreed deadlines and continue to contribute to the project as it progresses. The final deadline for submission of project content was set for 28 October.

At the end of the meeting, dissemination strategies were discussed. Burak Caliskan emphasised the need for partners to promote the project to a wider audience through social media platforms. In addition, various interactive activities and blog posts were planned for local promotion of the project.

This project aims to support the academic and athletic development of student-athletes. The educational modules developed within the framework of the project will help improve both their personal and professional skills.

The next meeting of the DC Mentor project will take place on 17 June in Murcia, Spain.