Football Coaches and Athletes Benefit from Regular Psychosocial Support for Peak Performance - Coach Victor Okoh
Coach Victor Okoh, Chairman of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association in Enugu State, has advocated for consistent psychosocial engagement to enhance the performance and well-being of coaches and athletes. Speaking at a recent event hosted at the Enugu State Football Association boardroom, Coach Okoh praised the free psychosocial training organized by Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, COLI Mental Health Academy, and Rangers International Football Club Foundation. He emphasized the demanding nature of coaching, which requires strong psychological, mental, and emotional resilience, and expressed hope for regular sessions to support coaches’ well-being and productivity.
In his opening remarks, Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, Executive Director of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, highlighted the complexities of coaching, including managing athletes and navigating organizational dynamics. He stressed that mental health knowledge equips coaches to address psychological and emotional challenges effectively, benefiting both themselves and their athletes.
Coach Ebere Amaraizu, Lead Consultant at Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and Chairman of Rangers International Football Club Foundation, focused on brain health during his session. He noted that coaches face significant stressors—performance pressures, organizational challenges, and personal difficulties—that can impact mental well-being. Prioritizing brain health, he argued, is essential for overall wellness and effective talent development.
Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, a psychotherapist and counselor with the Foundation, guided coaches through principles of self-awareness and techniques for managing their emotions and those of their athletes. The session included interactive group tasks and exercises to deepen coaches’ understanding of mental health and emotional regulation, fostering skills for optimal performance.
This collaborative initiative underscores the critical role of psychosocial support in empowering football coaches and athletes to achieve excellence.
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