YDU Coaches Gather Before the Season

Near East University, which has been awarded the Sports-Friendly Campus title by the Council of Higher Education, brought together coaches from swimming, dance, tennis, basketball, volleyball and badminton at the Coaches Season Opening Seminar. Organized by the University's Health, Culture and Sports Department, the seminar was attended by coaches from within the university as well as coaches from various institutions across the country.

The seminar discussed approaches that support the physical and psychological development of athletes, and how the communication between coaches and athletes affects performance. Gözde Acaray, expert sports psychologist at Yakın Doğu Spor Kulesi, explained the psychological needs of athletes across different branches and how these needs are reflected in training and competition processes.

Department Head Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Atamtürk emphasized the importance of coaches from different branches sharing experiences and developing a common approach before the new season. Atamtürk said that a trust-based and supportive sports environment is decisive for motivation and performance.

Acaray addressed the pressure athletes feel during competitions and the fear of making mistakes. Stating that feedback after a mistake should not be blaming but short and focused on behavior, Acaray said psychological support should continue throughout the season. It was stressed that cooperation among the coach, the athlete and the sports psychologist is one of the core elements of sustainable performance.