LIMESTONE Coast Regional Sporting Academy (LCRSA) athletes, coaches and parents had their first taste of the educational side of the Academy program on Monday at the Uni SA Mount Gambier Campus.
In the first of at least six varying education sessions, LCRSA participants were introduced to sports psychology and goal setting by psychologist Emma Mattey.
Mattey currently works with the South Australian Sports Institute and high performing elite athletes in various sports and has worked with Cricket Tasmania.
The athletes, coaches and parents were shown the importance of the mental side of elite sport, how to develop an elite mindset, having a growth mindset over a fixed mindset, and goal setting.
They were also given tips and training on how to set goals to help achieve their best in sport.
“It is important for the Academy to provide athletes and families with a rounded understanding of what it takes to make it in sport,” academy coordinator Tony Elletson said.
“Whilst we are providing programs to help their bodies perform on the big stage, it is just as important to train the mind about what it takes to excel.
“Understanding how to deal with pressure, how our mind plays such a big part in achieving success and getting into elite habits are just as important as being fit and strong.
“The education programs we are working with the athletes on will hopefully help them be more resilient, well rounded individuals.
“While we want to help produce good athletes, more importantly we need to produce great people.”
Coaches and parents also have access to these programs.
“It is vital parents understand what the athlete is going through as they play such a big part on the journey,” Elletson said.
“Another main goal of this academy will develop coaches in the region and provide them with training opportunities at a high level.
“This will then hopefully flow back to local clubs and associations in the long term.”
