As part of the Youth Individual Sports Mindset (YouMind) project, impactful workshops have been held in each of the partner countries, with one workshop taking place in every participating country to address the vital connection between mental health and sport.

Among them, EUSA took a leading role by organizing a powerful and engaging session in Ljubljana on April 9.

Hosted in collaboration with the youth center Zavod Bob, the Ljubljana workshop was facilitated by Mathieu Nestor, a licensed nurse and sports educator with experience in psychiatric care. The workshop stood out for its interactive and reflective approach, encouraging participants to share personal experiences through games and open dialogue.

The session tackled a range of key themes—from the influence of sports coaches on mental well-being to how people engage with team vs. individual sports. Participants discussed why they play sports, how they feel doing so, and the mental pressures that can come with performance and competition.

Mathieu also introduced insights and recommendations from the World Health Organization, stressing the risks of a sedentary lifestyle and the value of sport in supporting not just physical, but mental and social health. Sensitive topics like burnout, overtraining, and bigorexia (a lesser-known body image disorder tied to excessive exercise) were explored in depth.

The workshop created space for reflection on how sport can be both a healing and a harmful environment—depending on the approach. It encouraged participants to examine their motivations and build a more conscious, healthy relationship with physical activity. This session reaffirmed EUSA’s commitment to supporting mental well-being in sport through dialogue, education, and community connection.

Earlier in March, two equally impactful YouMind workshops were held in Miskolc (Hungary) and Salerno (Italy), each tailored to local contexts while addressing shared challenges faced by athletes.

In Miskolc, on March 13, Dr. Ildikó Pongrácz, a respected mental health professional, led a dynamic four-hour workshop with the MEAFC – PEKA-BAU men's volleyball team. The session was organized by University of Miskolc Sport Club - MEAFC and explored fundamental mental health concepts and the specific pressures athletes face, including performance anxiety, fear of failure, and the importance of self-awareness. Dr. Pongrácz introduced practical strategies for conflict management, goal-setting, and coping with setbacks, emphasizing resilience and emotional intelligence. The workshop created a space for honest dialogue, where participants were encouraged to share personal experiences, connect as a team, and apply mental well-being practices to their everyday sports routines. The session served as a stepping stone toward long-term mental health integration within the club and the broader sports community.

In Salerno, on March 26, the University of Salerno welcomed 15 professional athletes to a workshop focused on mental health awareness and stress management. Led by Professor Gianfranco Pasquariello, a psychologist and therapist with over 25 years of experience, and Vincenzo Cusati, a seasoned mental coach and trainer, the session combined theoretical insights with practical tools. Athletes were introduced to techniques such as the 4-4-8 breathing method, designed to manage anxiety during high-pressure situations. What stood out was the enthusiastic engagement of the athletes, who openly participated in exercises and shared reflections—challenging the notion that discussing mental health remains taboo in professional sport. The session concluded with a Q&A and individualized support, creating a strong foundation for continued mental health awareness and care within the sporting environment.

The next and last YouMind workshop is scheduled to take place soon in Lithuania and will be organized by ENGSO Youth, continuing the project's mission to promote mental well-being and healthier sports cultures across Europe.

For additional details about the workshops and the YouMind project, please visit https://youmind.eusa.eu/.