A special sports psychology workshop was held over the weekend aimed at dealing with issues around a ‘drop off’ in participation through late teens.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Elite junior sports people, coaches and parents were invited to attend the special session hosted by the South East Athlete Development (SEAD) program
Presented by the professor of Sports Psychology from the University of Canberra, Richard Keegan, the workshop provided an introduction to some of the key elements in sports psychology.
“It was a great afternoon, with a very charismatic and engaging presenter” co-founder of the South East Athlete Development Program and physiotherapist Matthew Lehoczky said.
“The workshop provided some very practical tools for athletes, parents and coaches, in what is a critical element in an athlete’s skill-set.”
“Having a presenter of Richard Keegan’s level attend the area is a huge achievement and is reflective of why the program was initiated.”
He said the program was designed to compliment what was already in place across a greater regional and national level.
The program priovides services around sports psychology, nutrition, movement patterns and bio-mechanics.
“Having face-to-face meetings and workshops helps these junior athletes stay motivated and realise they have peers facing similar challenges,” Lehoczky said.
The program is still very much in its infancy although the initial response has been very positive.
There are now close to 70 athletes, parents and coaches involved in the group, with meetings planned every 6-8 weeks to address different topics.
Lehoczky said the ultimate goal was to provide as much opportunity for elite junior athletes to reach their potential by identifying pathways, further training and eliminating the drop off of participation in teen years.
“Most importantly, we don’t want to hold their hands, but we do need to have these services available when they need them and at the age they will gain most benefit from them,” he said.
“Having these services introduced at 18 if or when they leave a rural area is too late.” Lehozcky said.
He said delivering services earlier was key to maintaining and developing local sports people.
Anyone interested in joining the South East Development program can contact Matthew Lehozcky on 0422 279 560.