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Financial Literacy ‘For her’

Finance is always considered to be an alien subject matter to the majority.

Or is it really?!

To look beyond the numbers and trying to explore what is known as ‘FINANCIAL FREEDOM’ is the need of the hour. This can be done by becoming ‘FINANCIALLY LITERATE’ and understanding the patterns and the finer nuances of our personal finances.

If you have the question, ‘Why are we boggling our minds over finance being in the sports domain?

Isn’t it something that the geeks should worry about’?

You are not alone!

The importance and relevance of finance, especially in Sports is something that is often overlooked. Right from managing the personal finances for athletes, understanding the implications of their sponsorship deals, tournament expenses, taxes they incur for specialized services that they provide or that are being provided to them and the various categories that concern sports finance as a whole are quite important for them to understand.

Having this purview, Simply Sport Foundation partnered with the Anantapur Sports Academy (ASA) for its FEMALE ATHLETE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (FALP), to learn how aware the female athletes are, about the skills which help them go beyond sports and help them in their personal development. We conducted a focused group discussion with the female athletes at the academy to understand their various needs for upskilling and growth which includes financial literacy. Our experts developed a module focusing on the rudimentary areas of finance like personal finance, managing money, saving

Understanding the overlap of sports and finance:

Sportsmanship – The quality of sportsmanship, rather the SPORTSWOMANSHIP if you will :)

(No pun intended) are the qualities like FAIRNESS, COURAGE, PERSISTENCE. These are someof the qualities that are required in financial independence as well, in order to achieve

financial freedom. It was inspiring to see how the athletes are trying to imbibe these

qualities at such a young age.

Zeal to ‘beat the odds’ – We realized that the athletes at the academy were from all walks

of life and the spark that they come with, provides us all the motivation to excel at what we

do. The Zeal to ‘get it right’ is the attitude that one needs to have in their investing journey

as well.

Grassroot in all honesty - The emotion that we were able to sense at the academy with all

the stories that the female athletes had to offer of trying to build their sporting careers from

the scratch made us understand how their trajectory has yielded them the desired results

can be compared with how they will be able to carry forward the same narrative when they

begin to manage their finances and expect the desired returns.

The GROWTH mindset - It’s quite apparent how the young girls are trying to put their best

foot forward to make the most of the opportunities that they are offered with, be it in terms

of learning the necessary skills that are pivotal to the real world or their respective sport,

they come with a GROWTH mindset to implement continual learning. This is one of the key

The Story Ahead – While the female athletes at the academy come with a growth mindset, it is evident that they bring with them the 4C’s of Sport – Confidence, Control, Commitment and concentration. It is only ‘Onwards and Upwards’ from here, we are excited to see how the impartation and emphasis on financial literacy is going to help them excel at their sports and beyond.

Author Meghana is an avid fan of tennis, a badminton enthusiast, and a Bcom graduate. With a keen interest in numbers, she has cleared the foundation level of Indian Chartered Accountancy and is currently pursuing Chartered Global Management Accountancy (CGMA-UK). She is an amateur artist and a bibliophile.

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In the dynamic world of sports, where inches and milliseconds can make the difference

between victory and defeat, the impact of a coach extends far beyond the X's and O's of

strategy. A coach's personality plays a pivotal role in shaping the athlete's experience,

motivation, and, ultimately, performance on the field or court. From inspiring

confidence to fostering a supportive team culture, the coach's demeanour and approach

can significantly influence the athlete's success.

Motivation and Inspiration

A coach's personality can serve as a powerful source of motivation and inspiration for

athletes. A coach who displays passion, enthusiasm, and positivity can ignite a fire

within athletes, fueling their drive to excel and achieve greatness. Consider the

legendary basketball coach John Wooden, whose unwavering optimism and belief in his

players empowered them to achieve unprecedented success. Wooden's uplifting

demeanour and motivational speeches instilled a sense of confidence and determination

in his athletes, propelling them to strive for excellence with unwavering determination.

Conversely, a coach who lacks enthusiasm or demonstrates negativity can have a

detrimental effect on athlete motivation. Imagine a soccer coach who constantly

criticizes players and focuses solely on their shortcomings rather than celebrating their

achievements. Such an environment can deflate morale and diminish athletes' desire to

Communication and Understanding

Effective communication is paramount in fostering a strong coach-athlete relationship

and optimizing athlete performance. A coach's ability to convey instructions, provide

feedback, and offer support in a clear and empathetic manner can significantly impact

an athlete's development and performance.

Take, for example, tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, known for his exceptional

communication skills and ability to connect with his players on a personal level.

Mouratoglou's empathetic approach enables him to understand the unique needs and

challenges of each athlete, allowing him to tailor his coaching style to maximize their

potential. By fostering open dialogue and mutual respect, Mouratoglou cultivates a

supportive environment where athletes feel valued, understood, and empowered to

reach new heights of success.

Conversely, coaches who struggle with communication or lack empathy may

inadvertently alienate athletes and hinder their development. Consider a track coach

who is dismissive of athletes' concerns and fails to provide constructive feedback. Such

a coach may foster feelings of frustration and insecurity among athletes, leading to a

Emotional Support and Well-being

A coach's personality can also play a crucial role in providing emotional support and

nurturing the well-being of athletes. In the high-pressure world of sports, athletes often

face intense scrutiny, stress, and self-doubt. A coach who demonstrates empathy,

compassion, and understanding can serve as a pillar of strength for athletes during

challenging times.

Take, for instance, gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi, renowned for his unwavering support

and encouragement of his athletes, such as Olympic champion Simone Biles. Karolyi's

compassionate approach to coaching not only nurtured Biles' physical talents but also

bolstered her mental resilience and confidence. By fostering a nurturing and supportive

environment, Karolyi empowered Biles to overcome adversity and achieve unparalleled

success on the world stage.

Conversely, coaches who lack empathy or fail to prioritize athlete well-being may

inadvertently contribute to mental health issues and burnout among athletes. Consider a

swimming coach who disregards athletes' mental and emotional needs, pushing them

relentlessly to achieve performance goals at the expense of their well-being. Such an

approach can have devastating consequences, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and

Conclusion

In conclusion, the impact of a coach's personality on athlete performance cannot be

overstated. From motivation and communication to emotional support and well-being, a

coach's demeanour, values, and interpersonal skills shape the athlete-coach relationship

and profoundly influence the athlete's journey to success. By embodying qualities such

as passion, empathy, and positivity, coaches can inspire, empower, and elevate athletes

to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.

About the Author-

Serah Menezes holds an MSc in Counseling Psychology and a certification in Sports

Psychology. She is a former Tennis player, having competed at the National and

International level. Additionally she is an internationally certified Tennis Coach too.

Her goal is to utilize her expertise and skills to create a positive influence, nurture

holistic development and enhance overall well-being in the sports arena and individual’s

personal lives.

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The Mental Health Struggles of Student-Athletes: Understanding the Pressures and Seeking Support

Student-athletes lead a unique and demanding lifestyle, balancing both schoolwork and sports, which can be very stressful. Even though they might be great at sports, dealing with all these pressures can be tough on their minds. Recent studies show that student-athletes are more likely to have mental health problems, highlighting the need for greater support and awareness within the athletic community. 

A study in the US looked at college athletes in NCAA sports. It found that about 10 to 15% of them have serious mental issues needing counselling. What's even more worrying is that athletes are less likely to seek help than non-athletes. (Moulton, Molstad, & Turner, 1997). 

So, let's understand why student-athletes face a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems? 

1. Balancing Academic and Sporting Commitments: Student-athletes must navigate the demanding schedules of both academics and sports, often with limited time for relaxation or personal pursuits. The pressure to excel in both realms can create immense stress and anxiety. 

2. Vulnerability to Certain Disorders: The age group of student-athletes is particularly susceptible to certain mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, sleep-related problems, and substance-related disorders. 

3. Life Transition Challenges: The university represents a period of significant life transition for student-athletes, during which psychological disorders often worsen due to increased stress and pressure. 

4. Physical Challenges: Physical challenges inherent in sports, such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and injuries, can exacerbate mental health issues and contribute to overall distress. 

5. Identity and Role Conflicts: Many student-athletes heavily identify with their role as athletes, and academic demands may limit their training opportunities, leading to conflicts and identity crises. 

In addressing these challenges, coaches and support staff play a crucial role in supporting the mental health of athletes. To effectively assist athletes in reaching their full potential in both sports and academics, coaches and sports staff can help in the following ways: 

1. Foster Strong Relationships with Athletes: 

Building trust and rapport with student-athletes is essential for creating a supportive environment conducive to open communication about mental health. Coaches and sports staff should prioritize developing meaningful connections with athletes, taking the time to listen to their concerns and offering empathy and understanding. By fostering a sense of trust and mutual respect, coaches can create a safe space where athletes feel comfortable sharing their mental health struggles without fear of judgment or repercussions.

 

2. Reduce Stigma Surrounding Mental Health: 

Coaches and sports staff play a pivotal role in challenging and dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health in the athletic community. They can initiate conversations about mental health openly and proactively, emphasizing its importance and normalizing discussions about psychological well-being. By leading by example and demonstrating compassion and acceptance, coaches can help create a culture where seeking help for mental health issues is viewed as a sign of strength rather than weakness. 

3. Ensure Accessibility of Mental Health Resources: 

It is crucial to ensure that student-athletes have easy access to mental health resources from the moment they arrive at university. Coaches and sports staff should provide comprehensive information about available mental health services, including counselling centres, support groups, and crisis hotlines. By equipping athletes with knowledge about where to seek help and how to access support, coaches can empower them to take proactive steps towards addressing their mental health needs.

About the Author 

Serah Menezes holds an MSc in Counselling Psychology and a certification in Sports Psychology. She is a former Tennis player having competed at the National and International level. Additionally she is an internationally certified Tennis Coach too. 

Her goal is to utilise her expertise and skills to create a positive influence, nurture holistic development and enhance overall well-being in the sports arena and individual’s personal lives.

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simply sports foundation

At Simply Sport, we are striving to support the grassroots sports ecosystem in India. Sports can be a huge enabler for millions of people in India and we want to play a role as a catalyst in making this happen. Our initiatives are geared towards athletes, while also aiding academies and associations actively engaged in helping sports at the grassroots level.

​

Grassroots Academies Grant Program 

Education program for athletes and coaches 

Athlete Support and scholarships

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Crucial Foundations: The Significance of Support Systems for Athletes On and Off the Field

Why is it so important to build a support system for athletes in the sporting environment

An athlete’s support system can include various individuals in their life, for example, their parents, coaches, teammates, friends and significant others. Each of these individuals, knowingly or unknowingly, can impact an athlete’s performance and well-being both on and off the field. The simple question to ask is, why does this happen? Why do incidents in an athlete's social and personal life affect their sporting environment?

Let us look at two cases of different athletes.

Case Study 1: Athlete in a Supportive Environment

Athlete A: Shrey

Supportive Environment:

Caring Coaching Staff: Shrey has a coaching staff that values his well-being, providing constructive feedback and emotional support.

Team Cohesion: His football team fosters a positive and collaborative atmosphere, promoting a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Access to Resources: Shrey has access to sports psychologists, physiotherapists, and nutritionists who contribute to his holistic development.

Communication: Open lines of communication exist between the coach and Shrey, allowing him to express his concerns and receive guidance when needed.

Balanced Approach: The coaching staff emphasizes a balanced approach to training, considering physical, mental, and emotional aspects.

How does this positive and safe environment impact his Performance and Well-Being?

Optimized Performance: Shrey experiences optimized performance due to the comprehensive support system, addressing all facets of her well-being.

Mental Resilience: The supportive environment helps Shrey develop mental resilience, enabling her to cope with stress, setbacks, and competition pressure.

Sustained Motivation: The positive atmosphere motivates Shrey to consistently invest effort in training and competition.

Enhanced Well-Being: Shrey’s overall well-being is high, as he feels valued, supported, and fulfilled within his athletic community.

Case Study 2: Athlete in a Less Supportive Environment

Athlete B: Karan

Less Supportive Environment:

Lack of Communication: Karan’s coaching staff may not prioritize open communication, making it challenging for him to express concerns or receive necessary guidance.

Limited Resources: Karan has limited access to resources such as sports psychologists or specialized trainers, hindering holistic development.

Unsupportive Team Dynamics: Team dynamics may be strained, leading to a lack of camaraderie and a sense of isolation for Shrey, which could cause impediments in his performance.

Inadequate Feedback: Karan may receive inadequate or negative feedback without constructive support, impacting confidence and motivation.

Overemphasis on Results: The coaching approach might prioritise results over the athlete's overall well-being, this in turn would impact Karan’s performance, leading to overtraining and injuries to attain certain results in unrealistic time frames.

Impact on Performance and Well-Being:

Suboptimal Performance: Karan’s performance may suffer due to the lack of comprehensive support and guidance.

Mental Strain: Without a supportive environment, Karan may experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and decreased mental resilience.

Decreased Motivation: The less positive atmosphere may lead to decreased motivation, affecting Karan’s commitment to training and competition.

So what can we conclude from these two opposing case studies?

The case studies illustrate the significant impact of a supportive and caring environment on an athlete's performance and well-being. Athlete A, benefiting from a comprehensive support system, is likely to experience optimized performance, mental resilience, sustained motivation, and enhanced well-being. On the other hand, Athlete B, in a less supportive environment, may face challenges such as suboptimal performance, mental strain, decreased motivation, and negative effects on overall well-being. These scenarios highlight the importance of creating and maintaining a positive and supportive athletic environment for the holistic development of athletes.

How does creating this safe environment impact an athlete’s performance and overall emotional well-being?

Mental Health and Well-Being: Athletes face various mental and emotional challenges, such as performance pressure, competition stress, and the demands of training. A support system that includes coaches, teammates, sports psychologists, and other professionals can provide athletes with the necessary emotional support, coping strategies, and resources to maintain positive mental health.

Resilience and Coping Skills: Athletes need to develop resilience and effective coping skills to navigate setbacks, injuries, and the ups and downs of competition. A support system helps athletes build these skills by providing guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to discuss and process challenges.

Injury Rehabilitation: Injuries are a common part of sports, and the recovery process can be physically and emotionally demanding. A well-established support system can include medical professionals, physiotherapists, and teammates who assist athletes during rehabilitation, helping them stay motivated and focused on their recovery.

Team Dynamics: A supportive team environment fosters positive team dynamics and communication. When athletes feel supported by their teammates and coaching staff, it can lead to stronger cohesion, improved collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose, contributing to team success.

Performance Optimization: Athletes perform at their best when they have a network of experts guiding them. Coaches, nutritionists, fitness trainers, and sports psychologists can work together to optimize an athlete's performance, addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of their well-being.

Personal Development: Sports provide a unique platform for personal development. A support system helps athletes navigate challenges not only within their sport but also in personal growth. Mentors and role models within the support system can guide life skills, decision-making, and goal-setting.

Reducing Isolation: Athletes often face unique challenges and may experience a sense of isolation due to the intense nature of their training and competition schedules. A support system creates a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.

Long-Term Success: Sustainable success in sports requires a holistic approach. A robust support system contributes to an athlete's longevity in their chosen sport by promoting physical health, mental well-being, and a balanced lifestyle.

So if you are reading this as someone who is a part of an athlete’s support system, you must be wondering how you can cultivate a safe and supportive environment for them and this is how-

On the Field:

Positive Coaching Style:

Emphasize constructive feedback over criticism.

Recognize and praise effort, improvement, and sportsmanship.

Foster a growth mindset, encouraging athletes to learn from mistakes.

Organize team-building activities to strengthen relationships.

Promote a sense of unity and camaraderie among team members.

Encourage communication and mutual respect.

Collaborate with athletes to set realistic and achievable goals.

Celebrate individual and team successes, no matter how small.

Focus on the process of improvement, not just the outcome.

Ensure all athletes feel valued and included, regardless of skill level.

Address and discourage any form of discrimination or bullying.

Foster an atmosphere where diversity is celebrated.

Ensure fair and transparent policies regarding playing time.

Communicate openly about expectations and decisions related to team selection.

Off the Field:

Open Communication:

Establish regular communication channels for athletes to express concerns.

Create a safe space for athletes to discuss both personal and athletic matters.

Foster a culture of openness between coaches, athletes, and support staff.

Provide access to mental health professionals and resources.

Normalize discussions about mental well-being.

Educate athletes about stress management and coping strategies.

Offer workshops or programs to enhance life skills (e.g., time management, goal-setting, resilience).

Encourage athletes to pursue educational and career goals alongside their sports pursuits.

Engage with athletes' families to build a support network.

Encourage community involvement and support from local organizations.

Foster a sense of belonging beyond the immediate sports environment.

Prioritize rest and recovery to prevent burnout and injuries.

Encourage a healthy work-life balance, especially for student-athletes.

Provide resources on nutrition, sleep, and overall well-being.

Address conflicts promptly and constructively.

Teach athletes effective conflict-resolution skills.

Promote a culture of respect and understanding among team members.

Provide opportunities for athletes to take on leadership roles.

Foster a sense of responsibility and accountability within the team.

Empower athletes to contribute to decision-making processes.

Recognize and celebrate both athletic and personal achievements.

Create a culture of encouragement and support during both highs and lows.

Build traditions that highlight and honour individual and team successes.

Hence, there are several ways that you can support your athlete both on and off the field. Simply Sport Foundation conducts workshops, seminars and webinars monthly on the importance of understanding the mental health challenges that athletes face and how coaches and support staff can recognise the symptoms early on and create a safe space for the athletes.

Author

Urja Mehta is a national-level footballer who has completed her MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Loughborough University, UK. Being an athlete herself, she is keen on developing and making a difference in the sports industry in India.