As part of our Erasmus+ project CoachCraft, we organized a coaching workshop on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, bringing together around 20 coaches with the aim of exchanging knowledge, encouraging reflection, and supporting professional development. The workshop was based on the presentation of coaching practices, while also naturally expanding into the psychological and developmental aspects of coaching, which are becoming increasingly important in modern sport.
The central part of the workshop was led by Dr Matej Tušak, a Slovenian sports psychologist, who addressed key topics related to mental health, personal development, and the psychological demands of sport. He emphasized that sport is not only a performance-oriented activity, but also an important environment in which an individual’s values, self-confidence, and attitude towards work are shaped.
In the discussion and practical examples that followed, the coaches deepened their understanding of the connection between physical activity and mental health, as well as the role of sport in personality development. Special emphasis was placed on elements such as self-motivation, responsibility, perseverance, goal setting, and the development of self-confidence and self-image, all of which directly influence an athlete’s performance and long-term participation in sport.
An important part of the content also focused on motivation and stress management. Participants learned about different approaches to working under pressure, gained a better understanding of the body’s physiological responses, and were introduced to basic relaxation techniques and the development of self-regulation skills.
The topics were also meaningfully connected with key coaching competencies, such as effective communication, active listening, teamwork, and leading by example, which are essential for creating a positive and supportive environment for the development of young athletes. Special attention was also given to the relationship triangle between the athlete, coach, and parents, as understanding and aligning these relationships has an important impact on both sporting development and the overall experience of young people in sport.
The workshop content was based on questions collected from coaches in advance, which ensured that the discussions remained closely connected to real-life situations from practice throughout the session.
The workshop therefore brought together expert knowledge, practical experience, and the exchange of perspectives, further highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to coaching, where performance, well-being, and personal development are inseparably connected.