Fostering the fierce inner fan: Self-compassion for women athletes

Self-compassion can be a valuable internal resource for women athletes as they navigate the challenges of competitive sport. Self-compassion is related to greater goal progress and effective use of coping strategies, and it benefits the physiological response to stress (Ceccereli et coll., 2019; Johnson et coll., in press; Mosewich et coll., 2019; Röthlin et coll.,…

Keeping the ride home positive

70% of kids quit sports before high school. The way that parents communicate with their kids about sport, including their performance at practices or games, influences whether or not that child will want to stay in sport. The Ride Home webpage, hosted through True Sport, offers advice and examples of how parents can communicate positively…

How personality relates to athlete development

If everyone knows it takes years of practice to develop expertise in sport, why is it that only some athletes will practice with full concentration and effort while others will tend to avoid it? Why do very talented athletes sometimes fail to develop into experts while others, who may be initially less skilled, succeed in moving…

Nutrition for youth athletes

Youth is a time of rapid physical development and growth, and a time when many athletes’ participation in sport also changes. Proper nutrition is key to ensuring healthy growth and injury prevention. Research shows that nutrition advice for adolescent athletes should focus on long-term development and sustainable practices, rather than emphasizing body composition.  

RED-S in Para sport

Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) can impact athletes’ sports performance and increase their risk of illness and injury. While RED-S can impact all athletes, it has been suggested that Para athletes may be at an increased risk. To better understand, detect and treat RED-S in Para athletes, there is a need to include more…

Anti-racism-in-sport

The Anti-Racism in Sport campaign video features Winnipeg athletes and sport stakeholders sharing their experiences with racism in sport. They offer recommendations to all members of the Canadian sport community to take action against racism in sport.

Language matters in the context of athlete development

Consistency when it comes to language is important to consider in the context of athlete development. Some terms that are frequently used in sport have blurry or competing meanings, such as what it means to have “talent,” what it means to be “elite,” or what it means to have “character.” Researchers advise being specific with…

Accessible communications and technologies in sport for people with disabilities

Accessibility is a human right. And it’s essential for 1 in 5 Canadians aged 15 or older, who live with at least 1 disability. This blog post explores why accessibility is important and suggests strategies for coaches and sport organizations to prioritize and improve accessibility, specifically involving technology and communications.

Promoting outdoor recreation for youth

Because natural environments have natural rules with real and immediate consequences, they offer youth maximal opportunities for mastery of new skills. Evidence demonstrates that outdoor recreation not only improves youth wellbeing but may also enhance the likelihood of participation in outdoor activities.

What coaches need to know about low energy availability

Low energy availability (LEA) refers to when an athlete has an insufficient energy intake compared to their energy expenditure. Yet, coaches remain relatively unaware of symptoms and causes of LEA. This review synthesizes findings on LEA from 1986-2021 so that coaches can be better prepared to support athletes.