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In a major step toward improving youth mental wellbeing in sports, the Me(N)tal Health through Sports project has released the findings of its comprehensive research conducted across Europe. The study, involving 59 sports professionals from Serbia, Greece, and other European countries, mapped how mental health is currently addressed within sports clubs and organizations working with young people.

Key Findings:

• Awareness is high: 95% of respondents rated mental health as an important or very important aspect of their sports practice.

• Implementation is lagging: Only a third of clubs consistently apply structured mental health techniques, with many still relying on ad-hoc methods.

• Training gaps persist: Over half of the staff lack adequate training to recognize, prevent, or address mental health issues.

• Coaches want to learn: A remarkable 91.5% expressed a strong willingness to improve their knowledge and skills in this area.

• Collaboration with professionals is limited: Nearly half of the clubs have no or minimal contact with mental health experts, underlining a critical gap.

The research also gathered powerful case studies from the field, showing how sports staff often provide emotional support intuitively—but without the tools or formal training needed for sustainable impact.

Why it matters:
Young people face growing mental health challenges, and sports clubs can offer safe spaces for prevention, early intervention, and support. However, without proper guidance, the potential of sports to boost mental wellbeing remains untapped.

Next Steps:
The results will serve as the foundation for a practical curriculum titled “Winning Back Their Me(N)tal Health through Sports”, equipping clubs with tools, techniques, and partnerships to support young athletes more effectively.

Stay tuned as the project rolls out the next phase—building a healthier, more resilient generation through sport.

Learn more here.