About the project
Aims and objectives
Sport has the power to bring people together and to support both physical and mental well-being. Despite that many young athletes find themselves under intense pressure whether from coaches, peers or parents which can lead to chronic stress, anxiety and burnout.
MindPlay addresses this issue by embedding mindfulness directly into youth sports, in full alignment with the EU Work Plan for Sport and the Youth Strategy. Its overarching aim is to enhance the holistic well-being and performance of children and young people through the development of a five-module curriculum for sports staff and a complementary guide for individuals that translate evidence-based mindfulness techniques into practical, sport-based activities.
To achieve this, MindPlay equips coaches and sport-club professionals with the necessary non-formal education methods and mindfulness tools to integrate stress-reduction practices into regular training, but it also empowers young athletes to use mindfulness as an everyday strategy for emotional regulation and resilience.
The project seeks to foster a positive sports culture across Europe. This culture will place mental health on an equal footing with physical fitness and will build sustainable network of clubs, NGOs and policymakers committed to mainstreaming these practices long after the project’s end.
Benefits
MindPlay provides accessible, practical tools to strengthen mental well-being in youth sports. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or community leader, our resources are designed to be inclusive, easy to use, and adaptable to your context.
Through our curriculum, guide, and training sessions, participants develop emotional resilience, focus, and stress management skills – both on and off the field. MindPlay helps create safer, more supportive sports environments where young people can thrive.
Sports Clubs
Access a free, evidence-based curriculum and implementation guide that will enable your club to integrate mindfulness techniques in all your activities. This will not only make your athletes happier and more producive, but will also be an additional value that your club can offer to potential members.
Youth Organizations
Use knowledge produced within this project to support local clubs in integrating mindfulness techniques, while at the same time building strong partnerships with them and promoting healthy lifestyles among the youth.
Young Athletes & Individuals
Learn simple, step-by-step mindfulness techniques that will help you reduce pre-performance anxiety, sharpen focus, and cultivate lasting resilience on and off the field.
Broader Community & Stakeholders
Use this interactive platform to exchange best practices, stay informed on research insights, and collaborate on advocacy initiatives that promote mental health, well-being and mindfulness in sport across Europe.