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Supporting the Whole Athlete: What Coaches and Parents Need to Know

Behind every young athlete is a support team – usually made up of parents, coaches, teachers, and peers. But how often do we stop to consider the person behind the athlete? If we’re serious about long-term development, we must prioritise more than medals and performance stats. We must develop the person, not just the athlete.

The Role of Adults in a Young Athlete’s Life

Young athletes are impressionable. The tone you set as a coach or parent can shape their entire relationship with sport. Encouragement, understanding, and realistic expectations go far further than shouting from the sidelines or pushing for constant results.

They need support, not pressure. Structure, not intensity. Listening, not lecturing.

What to Watch For

Here are a few signs that an athlete might be under too much strain:

  • Loss of enthusiasm or enjoyment
  • Increased anxiety before training or competition.
  • Fatigue, frequent illness, or injuries
  • Changes in behaviour, mood, or confidence.
  • Withdrawing from sport or social situations.

If these are showing up, it’s time to pause and reassess. Long-term success comes from consistent, sustainable progress – not from overloading a young person who’s still growing, learning, and discovering who they are.

Top Tips for Coaches and Parents

1. Focus on effort, not outcomes

Praise commitment, curiosity, and improvement – not just winning.

2. Keep communication open

Check in regularly: “How are you feeling?” matters as much as “How did you run?”

3. Encourage balance

A young person who plays, rests, socialises and learns outside of sport is healthier – and performs better.

4. Model positive behaviour

Your reactions to results, setbacks or selection send a message. Stay calm, constructive and supportive.

5. Respect development stages

Every athlete progresses at their own pace. Avoid comparisons and let growth unfold naturally.

Putting It Into Practice

The most successful sporting environments are the ones where the athlete feels seen, valued, and understood. Yes, we want them to train hard, improve, and aim high. But we also want them to stay in the sport. To enjoy it.

To grow in confidence – as people and as performers.

At On Track Athletics, our message is simple: support the person first, and the athlete will follow.

 

On Track Athletics