Mind and Motion

ongoing

The transition from amateur to professional sports presents significant challenges for female athletes, extending beyond physical readiness to include psychological and social barriers. Self-doubt, societal expectations, financial instability, and inadequate mentorship often lead to anxiety, burnout, and high dropout rates. In Türkiye, Serbia, and Poland, cultural norms further complicate this transition, limiting opportunities for female athletes to thrive in professional sports. This project aims to equip sports staff with the necessary skills to support young female athletes in navigating this critical phase. By integrating the Mentoring Competence Framework (MCF) into coaching practices and sports environment, the project fosters gender-sensitive mentoring, psychological resilience, and career guidance, addressing the existing gaps in athlete support systems. Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sport (İGSİM) in Türkiye, Edusphera in Serbia, and Beniaminek 03 in Poland have identified the urgent need for improved mentorship and coaching strategies. In Türkiye, female athletes struggle with cultural expectations and inadequate structured support. In Serbia, a lack of mentorship leads to high dropout rates and talent migration. In Poland, despite better practices, the absence of innovative coaching methods limits the advancement of female athletes. By training sports professionals, developing mentoring-based coaching frameworks, and increasing awareness through outreach efforts, this project promotes gender equality, athlete well-being, and sustainable career development in sports. The initiative seeks to create an inclusive sports environment where female athletes receive the guidance and support necessary to succeed professionally.