The main idea of the project is the continued development of the Nordic-Baltic Coach training network, which was established in 2009 and has been expanded via two key projects “NB Coach Training Network” and “Coaching through Generations”. Focus will be on Sports Coaching in children and youngsters, and emphases will be put on exercise training – including effective approaches to a sound development of the athlete. Exercise training is understood as a tool to reach sports results, to participate at all levels of competitions, and to be a high level sportsman. The aim is to develop talented children and youngsters as well as optimize the quality of daily training, with the aim to equip individuals with the physiological and psychosocial skills allowing them to successfully make the transitions that are inherent in a sport career. The task for the coach is to prepare the person to an optimal sports career without damaging his or her overall quality of life and rounded personal development. To reach this aim the coach should be familiar with the latest research results, to deal with relevant testing, and to be in close cooperation with successful coaches and researchers. Cooperation between universities and sports confederations will help reaching better results in developing study programs, optimizing the education of young coaches, and enhancing the competences of all actors within the project. Adopting an ecological perspective will inspire coaches, sports organizations and sports psychology practitioners to look beyond the individual athlete and focus on the developing and maintaining environments that underpin athlete’s development.
There are many prerequisites to be a successful sportsman, but it’s essential to develop age related skills in children and youngsters, to be trained by coaches, who are familiar with human physiology, psychology, nutrition and with an up-to-date coaching methodology based on the newest research results. Thus close cross-sectoral cooperation between universities and sports confederations using ideas and knowledge from both partners will help to develop and adapt new knowledge in coaching and educate innovative and up-to-date experienced specialists in coaching children and youngsters.
