On December 7, 2024, members of Športno Društvo Endorfin participated in the final international meeting of the project Strong Mind for Success (SMS) in Milan. The meeting provided a comprehensive review of the activities carried out during the project, which ran from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.
About the SMS Project
The SMS project focused on developing non-formal education approaches to support the mental health of young football players. Through collaboration with partners from Bulgaria, Italy, and Slovenia, programs were designed and implemented to address the importance of mental health in sports and contribute to the personal development of young athletes.
Key Project Activities
In Slovenia, the activities were conducted in cooperation with local partners, including the Ajdovščina Sports Institute, Primorje Ajdovščina Football Club, and the Primorje Ajdovščina Women’s Football Club. These activities were carried out across several thematic areas:
- International Training Events:
Young football players participated in training sessions in Sofia, Bulgaria, where they, alongside peers from Italy and Bulgaria, developed skills for stress management, building self-confidence, improving interpersonal relationships, and fostering connections at the European Union level. - Workshops in Ajdovščina:
A series of workshops were organized, focusing on relaxation techniques, promoting team spirit, and developing a positive attitude toward sports. - Integration into Sports Programs:
Content developed during the project was incorporated into sports holiday programs and training camps, in collaboration with the Ajdovščina Sports Institute and the Health Promotion Center in Ajdovščina.
Conclusions
At the meeting in Milan, the partners reviewed the project’s outcomes, highlighting the successful implementation of the programs and the involvement of young athletes from various backgrounds and EU countries. Special emphasis was placed on the sustainability of the project’s results and the potential for broader application of the developed approaches beyond the project’s conclusion.
Participants agreed that the SMS project represents a significant step in complementing annual sports programs in the field of mental health. Through the implemented activities, the project demonstrated how non-formal education can effectively supplement traditional approaches to delivering annual sports programs in local communities.
A special thanks was extended to all participating partners, organizations, and parents who contributed to the project’s successful realization. The joint efforts and exchange of best practices enabled the creation of programs that will continue to support young athletes and organizations in addressing modern practices and challenges.
