Kick-off meeting of the PLAY4LIFE project

Play4Life project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union – Small Scale Partnership. The project period is from 1 April 2023 until 30 September 2024. Women basketball club Maribor from Slovenia is leading the project. The partners are Women basketball club Girlbasket and Sport club Volley, both from Serbia, and Women basketball club Požega from Croatia.

Project partners gathered online on 18 May 2023 for a project kickoff. The meeting started with short introductions of all present team members and their organisations in order to get to know each other. Following the introductions, the project manager presented the key project information, its goals, outcomes, planned activities and the timeline. A special focus was on the project management and Erasmus+ administration rules and guidelines. The main discussion points were the deliverables and partners' responsibilities. All team members actively contributed to the debate, whereby they explained details about the national environment and local circumstances, consequently a tailored project action plan was prepared.

Since the dissemination is very important for successful project implementation, the communication strategy was thoroughly discussed. The visibility guidelines from the European Commission were presented.

In the final phase of the meeting, partners agreed on the next steps and determined the location and date for the first transnational meeting in person.

First PLAY4LIFE meeting in person in Croatia

The first transnational meeting for the PLAY4LIFE project took place in Novalja, Croatia, from August 27 to 30, 2023. Hosted by ŽKK Plamen Požega, the meeting brought together project partners from 3 countries to further develop the project's objectives and discuss key strategies to prevent the dropout of adolescent girls from sports.

Partners arrived in Novalja in the afternoon, and the event kicked off with a welcome dinner. This informal gathering provided an excellent opportunity for participants to network and build connections before diving into the project’s activities.

The first full day of the meeting was dedicated to exploring successful approaches for reducing dropout rates among teenage female athletes. The morning session focused on desk research and best practice collection. Participants shared insights into various strategies that have proven effective in keeping adolescent girls engaged in sports. In the afternoon, the partners engaged in an intensive workshop to refine an innovative training methodology aimed at coaches and trainers. This methodology is designed to enhance motivation and prevent dropout by fostering positive sports experiences for young female athletes. Discussions were lively, with all partners contributing their expertise to shape a comprehensive approach.

The day concluded with a workshop at 17:30, where the group focused on green practices in sport. The session addressed how sustainability can be integrated into sports activities, emphasizing the importance of environmentally friendly practices for athletes, coaches, and volunteers.

On Tuesday, the morning session continued work on refining the training methodology, ensuring that the program would be both engaging and effective for coaches and athletes alike. The afternoon session featured a workshop led by a sports psychologist, who introduced psychological methods aimed at improving athlete motivation. The session highlighted strategies to build internal motivation, increase performance, and prevent dropout by addressing the specific challenges faced by adolescent girls in sports.

One of the highlights of the day came at 16:15, when participants had the unique opportunity to meet with elite female athletes. Former national team players Korana Longin and Iva Ciglar shared their personal journeys, discussing their most memorable moments in basketball and emphasizing the importance of friendships formed through sport. This inspiring session aimed to motivate the next generation of female athletes and encourage them to persevere in their sports careers.

The final day of the meeting began with a morning session, where the group finalized the action plan for the coming months. Partners reviewed the project’s objectives, confirmed timelines, and discussed the communication strategy and administrative guidelines. Any potential issues were addressed to ensure smooth progress going forward. In the afternoon, the group participated in a walking tour of Novalja and its surroundings, fostering cultural understanding and strengthening bonds among the partners. The tour provided a relaxed setting for further discussions and reflection on the work done so far.

Key Takeaways of the First Full Partner Meeting:

The PLAY4LIFE transnational meeting was an important step forward in developing an innovative training methodology designed to combat the dropout rates among young female athletes. The methodology integrates psychological strategies to build self-esteem, foster team spirit, and help athletes manage performance pressures. By equipping coaches with the tools to create supportive, inclusive environments, the project aims to keep young athletes motivated and engaged in sports for the long term.

A key component of the training methodology is the focus on emotional resilience and teamwork. Coaches will be encouraged to use fun, creative exercises to maintain athletes' interest, while addressing their physical fitness and personal development. This holistic approach aims to reduce dropout rates by ensuring that sports remain enjoyable and empowering for young girls. The meeting also emphasized the importance of capacity building for coaches, helping them better understand the unique emotional and developmental needs of adolescent girls.

The project encourages a balance between competitive and recreational sports, promoting a more sustainable and inclusive model for athlete development. As the project moves forward, the discussions and workshops held during this meeting have laid a strong foundation for continued development and success. The collaboration among partners has been invaluable in shaping a comprehensive plan that will have a lasting positive impact on young female athletes across Europe.

PLAY4LIFE full partner meeting in Serbia

The PLAY4LIFE project’s second transnational meeting took place in Belgrade, Serbia, from May 17 to 19, 2024, hosted by ŽKK Girl Basket. The meeting brought together partners to further develop the project’s objectives and discuss key strategies for preventing dropout rates among teenage girls in basketball.

Partners arrived in Belgrade in the afternoon, and the first event of the meeting was a study visit to ŽKK Girl Basket at 17:00. The visit offered valuable insights into the practical application of the PLAY4LIFE methodology, with a focus on pilot testing the newly developed training techniques. During the session, partners observed how coaches and trainers implemented the methodology with young female basketball players.

The pilot session aimed to engage athletes through structured training, combining technical basketball skills with motivational strategies designed to reduce dropout rates. Coaches applied psychological techniques and inclusive practices, while partners observed the effectiveness of these methods in real-time. The study visit provided a hands-on demonstration of how these innovative practices were helping to motivate and retain teenage girls in basketball, ensuring the program’s impact could be effectively assessed.

Key Sessions and Activities

Saturday morning kicked off with a meeting, where partners focused on refining the training methodology for coaches and trainers. The discussion centered on engaging teenage girls in basketball and reducing dropout rates, with particular attention given to the role of digital tools in training. The session emphasized integrating digitalization into training, such as video analysis, to enhance athletes’ performance and motivation.

Real-time video recording took place during a gym session with the girls, capturing their techniques and allowing coaches to provide immediate feedback. This real-time video analysis not only helped athletes visualize their movements but also made training more engaging by blending technical skills with psychological support. The incorporation of digital tools was identified as a key method to create an interactive training environment that would keep young athletes motivated and engaged, ultimately addressing dropout prevention in a more effective way.

After a break for lunch, the partners reconvened to further refine the methodology, ensuring that it aligned with the project’s objectives and goals. The discussions focused on making the training methodology comprehensive and adaptable to various contexts, enabling effective implementation across different regions and sports clubs. The evening concluded with an optional city walk through Belgrade’s city center, followed by a group dinner at 19:00 to reflect on the day’s discussions and strengthen partnerships.

The final day of the meeting began with a session focused on developing comprehensive guidelines for preventing dropout in basketball, specifically tailored for teenage girls. Partners worked together to create detailed resources for trainers and coaches, ensuring that these guidelines provided practical, actionable tools to support the project's long-term success.

During the last hour of the meeting, the team finalized the action plan for the upcoming months. Partners clarified their responsibilities, confirmed timelines, and outlined project milestones to ensure smooth implementation of the next phases.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The meeting in Belgrade was a highly productive event, with significant progress made in refining the PLAY4LIFE project’s methodology. By integrating digital tools and psychological support into training, the project is paving the way for a more engaging and effective approach to preventing dropout among teenage girls in basketball.

The meeting also laid the groundwork for the next phase of the project, ensuring that partners are aligned and prepared for the upcoming challenges. As the project continues to evolve, the collaborative effort of all partners will play a crucial role in fostering long-term engagement and success for young female athletes across Europe.

PLAY4LIFE closing meeting in Slovenia

The closing transnational meeting for the PLAY4LIFE project took place in Maribor, Slovenia, from September 13 to 15, 2024, hosted by ŽKD Maribor. The meeting gathered project partners to continue refining the methodology and strategies aimed at preventing dropout among teenage girls in basketball.

Key Activities

The meeting began in the afternoon with a study visit to ŽKD Maribor, where partners observed the pilot testing of the Play4Life methodology at 17:30. This phase was crucial for testing the application of newly developed techniques designed to retain teenage girls in basketball. The methodology focuses on fostering a supportive and motivational environment tailored to the needs of young female athletes.

During the pilot testing, coaches and trainers implemented structured training sessions emphasizing psychological resilience, skill development, and team dynamics. The session provided real-time insights, allowing for adjustments based on feedback from both coaches and athletes. This hands-on testing phase played an essential role in refining the approach and ensuring its effectiveness in preventing dropout. The day ended with a casual dinner, where participants engaged in informal discussions, reflecting on the day's observations and sharing insights.

Saturday’s meeting focused on the development of Play4Life guidelines aimed at preventing the dropout of teenage girls from basketball. These guidelines were designed to provide practical tools for coaches and trainers to address the unique challenges that young female athletes face. The goal was to equip coaches with strategies that foster a positive, inclusive, and motivational environment.

Key components of the guidelines included creating supportive relationships, encouraging emotional resilience, and balancing competition with enjoyment. The guidelines also emphasized the importance of role models and peer support while adjusting training methods to meet the developmental and psychological needs of teenage girls. After a lunch break, the partners reviewed the project’s deliverables and ensured that all outputs were aligned and of high quality. This session ensured that each partner understood their role in the remaining phases of the project. An optional city walk was offered before dinner, allowing participants to explore Maribor's picturesque city center.

Final Day: Administrative Tasks and Reporting

The final day of the meeting was dedicated to administrative tasks and final reporting. Partners worked together to create an action plan for submitting the final report and completed the remaining administrative requirements for the project. This session ensured that everyone was clear on their responsibilities moving forward and that the project’s final stages would be carried out smoothly.

Conclusion and Impact

The PLAY4LIFE transnational meeting in Maribor marked a significant step forward in the project’s mission to prevent dropout rates among teenage girls in basketball. Through productive discussions and collaboration, the development of the Play4Life guidelines provided a robust framework to help coaches and trainers create supportive, inclusive environments for young athletes.

Partners also finalized key deliverables and administrative tasks, setting the stage for the project’s successful completion. The meeting underscored the project’s commitment to increasing participation and ensuring equal opportunities for young women in sports. With the collaborative efforts of all partners, the Play4Life project continues to make strides in addressing the challenges faced by adolescent girls in sports, fostering both their athletic and personal growth.

PLAY4LIFE Workshops focused on preventing dropout among female basketball players

The Play4Life project organized a series of innovative workshops across Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia, aimed at addressing the high dropout rates among teenage female basketball players. These workshops were designed specifically for coaches and sports staff, providing them with groundbreaking methodologies to foster long-term engagement and create a supportive environment for young athletes.

The workshops took place in the following locations:

• Belgrade, Serbia – September 21, 2024
• Novalja, Croatia – August 24, 2024
• Postojna, Slovenia – September 8, 2024

Utilizing a hackathon-style format, these workshops encouraged active participation, collaboration, and hands-on learning, ensuring dynamic engagement and practical problem-solving.

Workshop Format and Methodology

Each workshop was structured to provide both theoretical insights and practical tools. The first session introduced the Play4Life methodology, emphasizing its goal of creating an inclusive, supportive environment to keep young female athletes engaged in basketball. Key components of the methodology included:

• Integrating digital tools into training for performance feedback.
• Mental preparation and resilience-building strategies.
• Participatory coaching to encourage athlete ownership and leadership.
• Developing trust and positive reinforcement to strengthen coach-athlete relationships.

After the presentation, participants were divided into small groups, each tasked with brainstorming and developing actionable strategies for a specific aspect of the methodology. These hackathon-style sessions fostered in-depth problem-solving and collaboration. Each group presented their findings, offering insights on real-world implementation of the Play4Life strategies.

Key Focus Areas and Group Findings

Digital Tools in Basketball Training

One group explored how digital tools and video analysis can enhance training sessions. They demonstrated how:

• Video feedback provides athletes with visual insights into their performance.
• Tracking individual progress helps athletes identify and focus on areas for improvement.
• Personalized feedback enables coaches to tailor advice based on each player’s unique needs.

This tech-driven approach was highly valued by coaches seeking to modernize their training methodologies through innovative tools.

Mental Resilience and Well-Being

Another group tackled the critical issue of mental resilience, especially for female athletes who often face societal pressures and self-doubt. They emphasized:

• Using mindfulness, goal-setting, and stress management techniques to navigate challenges.
• The value of regular mental health check-ins within sports environments.
• Incorporating sports psychologists to support players' mental health during competitions.

Participants agreed on the importance of addressing performance anxiety and providing a safe, supportive space for teenage athletes.

Participatory Coaching and Leadership Development

A third group focused on participatory coaching, an approach that gives players an active role in their development. They highlighted:

• Allowing athletes to contribute to decision-making, such as setting team goals.
• Promoting leadership by having players lead specific drills during training sessions.
• Encouraging accountability to help players develop responsibility on and off the court.

This approach was celebrated as a method to enhance player engagement, build leadership skills, and foster a deeper sense of community within teams.

Positive Reinforcement and Trust-Building

The final group emphasized the role of positive reinforcement and building trust between coaches and players. They discussed:

• Providing consistent, supportive feedback to enhance self-esteem.
• Celebrating progress, even small achievements, to keep players motivated.
• Creating a safe space where players feel comfortable sharing their challenges.

The group concluded that strong coach-athlete relationships are essential for increasing retention rates and fostering a cohesive team environment.

Outcomes and Long-Term Impact

The Play4Life workshops successfully introduced an innovative methodology aimed at reducing dropout rates among teenage female basketball players. By combining theoretical insights and practical strategies, the workshops empowered coaches and sports staff to implement solutions tailored to their local contexts. The hackathon-style format fostered collaboration, strengthened regional networks, and provided participants with actionable plans to take back to their clubs.

These workshops highlighted the collective responsibility to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of teenage athletes. With a strong foundation established, the Play4Life initiative is set to leave a lasting impact, ensuring that basketball becomes a supportive environment where young athletes thrive and remain engaged in the sport.

PLAY4LIFE Workshops Promoted Green Practices in Basketball

As part of the PLAY4LIFE initiative, three workshops were held across Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia in 2023 and 2024, focusing on green practices in sports, particularly within basketball. These workshops, aimed at athletes, coaches, and sports staff, raised awareness about sustainable practices and encouraged the implementation of environmentally friendly measures within sports organizations and facilities.

The workshops were held in the following locations:

• Novalja, Croatia – August 28, 2023
• Belgrade, Serbia – October 28, 2023
• Maribor, Slovenia – September 15, 2024

These sessions brought together participants from various basketball clubs and sports institutions, creating an open platform for discussions on how the basketball community can reduce its environmental footprint while promoting sustainability.

Workshop Format and Focus Areas

Each workshop followed an interactive format, allowing participants to actively engage with the material and collaborate on developing actionable solutions. The sessions began by providing an overview of the importance of sustainability in sports, highlighting the significant role that sports events, facilities, and organizations play in both contributing to and addressing environmental challenges.

Participants explored the environmental impact of sports operations, including energy consumption, waste management, and water usage. Discussions included critical challenges such as:

• High energy demands for lighting, heating, and cooling sports venues, leading to large carbon footprints.
• The widespread use of single-use plastics (e.g., water bottles and food packaging), causing significant waste.
• Excessive water usage in sports facilities, sometimes breaching sustainable limits.

These in-depth discussions raised awareness among participants about how small actions taken within sports facilities can collectively have a significant environmental impact.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

The workshops encouraged participants to actively adopt environmentally friendly solutions, such as:

• Switching to renewable energy sources.
• Promoting the use of reusable materials (e.g., water bottles and packaging) to reduce plastic waste.
• Implementing water-saving technologies in sports facilities to ensure sustainable water usage.

The message was clear: sports organizations, while primarily focused on athletic success, have the potential to lead the way in environmental responsibility by adopting greener practices in their operations.

The workshops also shared successful case studies from around the world, showcasing:

• Energy-efficient stadiums using advanced technologies to reduce energy consumption.
• Waste-reduction initiatives at sports events, replacing single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives.
• Sustainable travel practices for teams, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

These real-world examples inspired participants and provided practical insights into how organizations are making a positive environmental impact globally.

Interactive Group Discussions and Action Plans

A significant portion of each workshop involved interactive group discussions, where participants were divided into smaller teams to brainstorm how green practices could be applied within their own basketball clubs and facilities. Key challenges discussed during the group work included:

• Excessive energy consumption in venues.
• High levels of plastic waste from sports operations.
• Water inefficiencies in training centers.

The brainstorming sessions fostered collaboration, allowing participants to exchange ideas and learn from each other’s experiences. By the end of the discussions, participants were equipped with practical action plans that outlined actionable, measurable goals for implementing sustainable practices in their clubs.

Outcomes and Impact

The workshops successfully raised awareness about the importance of green practices within the basketball community across Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. By equipping athletes, coaches, and sports staff with practical tools and strategies, the initiative laid the groundwork for lasting environmental change in basketball organizations.

The enthusiasm and engagement shown by participants demonstrated a collective commitment to making basketball more sustainable. Many expressed their desire to lead green initiatives in their own clubs and communities, further solidifying basketball’s potential to become a leader in environmental responsibility.

PLAY4LIFE Workshops empower teenage female basketball players

As part of the PLAY4LIFE initiative, a series of transformative workshops were held across Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia for teenage female basketball players. Led by renowned sports psychologist and former professional volleyball player, Andrija Gerić, the workshops focused on key aspects of mental preparation to help athletes enhance performance, manage stress, and maintain motivation throughout their basketball careers. These workshops equipped over 100 participants with invaluable skills, addressing mental and emotional challenges specific to young athletes in competitive sports.

The workshops were organized in:

• Novalja, Croatia – August 29, 2023
• Belgrade, Serbia – October 28, 2023
• Maribor, Slovenia – September 14, 2024

Each session blended educational discussions with interactive activities, encouraging participants to immediately apply techniques that could boost performance and develop resilience. The dynamic and supportive environments fostered growth, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose for these athletes.

Focus Areas of the Workshops

Building Confidence and Optimism

A key outcome of these workshops was the significant boost in self-confidence among young athletes. Through techniques such as:

• Positive self-talk: Replacing negative thoughts with affirmations to build trust in their abilities.
• Visualization: Mentally rehearsing success scenarios to promote optimism and prepare for high-pressure moments.

These strategies helped athletes approach games with a resilient and optimistic mindset, recover from mistakes more effectively, and feel better equipped to handle intense situations. The confidence gained in the workshops also extended to other areas of life, including academics and personal relationships, empowering these young women beyond just sports.

Enhancing Mental Toughness and Resilience

The workshops placed a strong emphasis on developing mental toughness, a critical skill for navigating setbacks and pressure in competitive sports. Participants learned to:

• Reframe negative thoughts: Shifting focus from failures to growth opportunities.
• Adopt a positive, growth-oriented mindset to overcome challenges and seize learning opportunities.

Many players reported feeling more empowered to handle obstacles with a positive attitude, viewing mistakes as stepping stones to improvement rather than setbacks. Mental strategies like these also enabled athletes to recover more quickly from losses and stay focused on long-term progress.

Stress Management and Focus

Addressing the pressures faced by teenage athletes, the workshops introduced mindfulness and breathing exercises designed to maintain composure in high-performance situations. Participants gained tools to:

• Control stress and emotions during high-stakes moments of a game.
• Stay mentally clear and execute skills under pressure, especially when facing tough opponents.

Many athletes reported improved composure and focus during crucial games, finding these techniques invaluable for managing emotions both on and off the court.

Goal-Setting for Motivation and Development

Goal-setting was a central component of the workshops, offering athletes a structured way to stay motivated and track progress. Participants were encouraged to:

• Develop clear, realistic short-term and long-term goals for their basketball careers.
• Focus on intrinsic motivation, fostering a love for the game regardless of external outcomes.

Athletes left the sessions with actionable plans for their basketball future and a renewed sense of purpose, ensuring they remained committed to their development even during setbacks.

Broader Impact on Personal Development

The lessons from the PLAY4LIFE workshops extended far beyond the basketball court. Participants gained critical life skills, including effective stress management, enhanced self-esteem, and goal-setting techniques. These tools prepared them to navigate challenges in academics, social interactions, and personal growth, empowering teenage athletes to handle the ups and downs of adolescence with confidence and resilience. By highlighting the importance of mental preparation for both athletic and personal success, the workshops instilled habits that will benefit these athletes throughout their lives.

Participant Feedback and Workshop Success

The workshops received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants praising the engaging blend of educational content and interactive activities. Role-playing exercises and mental technique practices allowed athletes to immediately apply what they learned, while anecdotes from Andrija Gerić’s professional career made the sessions relatable and impactful. The opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and collaborate with peers further enriched the learning experience.

Many players expressed leaving the workshops feeling motivated, empowered, and confident, ready to implement the strategies they had learned. This success underscores the importance of integrating mental training into youth sports programs and highlights the transformative potential of initiatives like PLAY4LIFE.

PLAY4LIFE Workshops empower teenage female basketball players

The primary aim of the visits was to motivate and educate young basketball players by sharing firsthand accounts of the benefits of engaging in sports. These talks provided the participants with:

• Insights into overcoming challenges and building a career in basketball.
• The importance of lifelong skills learned through the sport, such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership.
• Encouragement to stay engaged in basketball as a means of both personal growth and athletic development.

Each visit concluded with interactive Q&A sessions, where participants engaged directly with the athletes, posing thoughtful questions about their journeys and experiences.

Key Messages from the Athletes

During the events, the elite athletes shared personal stories that highlighted the challenges they overcame and the rewards they reaped through their basketball careers. One of the most frequently asked questions from the young players was: “What would you point out as the most important thing you gained from playing basketball?” The athletes’ responses were both inspiring and reflective:

• Iva Ciglar: Basketball taught her discipline, time management, and resilience, skills that have been instrumental in her sports and professional career.
• Korana Longin: The sport created a strong sense of belonging and lasting friendships, which continue to influence her as a coach.
• Mojca Markovič: Basketball shaped her leadership and organizational abilities, helping her succeed as a project manager on international sports initiatives.
• Janja Meglič: The game built her confidence and mental toughness, qualities that have been crucial in her work in law enforcement.
• Sonja Vasić: She emphasized the importance of resilience and dedication, especially when facing challenges.
• Aleksandra Radulović: Basketball instilled perseverance and problem-solving skills, which she applied while founding her women’s basketball club.

A consistent message from all the athletes was that basketball offers far more than physical fitness—it shapes character, builds lifelong connections, and equips players with essential life skills.

Impact on the Participants

The visits left a profound impact on the young players. The stories of perseverance, leadership, and purpose shared by the elite athletes motivated participants to pursue their basketball dreams with renewed determination. Key outcomes included:

• Players developed a deeper understanding of how sports promote not only athleticism but also personal and professional growth.
• Participants learned the value of overcoming obstacles and adopting a long-term vision for both sports and life.
• The sessions reinforced how basketball can foster teamwork, leadership, discipline, and confidence—qualities essential for success in all areas of life.

By listening to the personal journeys of these accomplished women, the young athletes gained both practical insights and emotional encouragement to continue striving for success.

Lifelong Lessons for Young Athletes

The PLAY4LIFE visits successfully highlighted the transformative power of sports in molding individuals and building communities. Through real-life examples, the young athletes saw firsthand how basketball serves as a vehicle for:

• Developing endurance and resilience in the face of challenges.
• Creating lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging within the basketball community.
• Equipping players with crucial skills like problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork to succeed in multiple life domains.

The visits reinforced that basketball is not just a sport—it is a pathway to lifelong learning and success.

Conclusion

The PLAY4LIFE athlete visits were a pivotal moment for young female basketball players in Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. The inspiring stories of the elite athletes provided participants with a deeper appreciation for the value of staying active and engaged in sports. By focusing on themes of resilience, perseverance, and leadership, the initiative empowered the next generation of female players to embrace basketball as a lifelong pursuit.

PLAY4LIFE Desk research on preventing dropout in women’s basketball

The PLAY4LIFE project has released a comprehensive desk research report, which serves as the foundation for its recommendations on preventing dropout in sports, with a special focus on women’s basketball. Conducted across multiple countries, the research presents theoretical insights and best practice examples to help sports organizations and coaches develop strategies designed to keep teenage female athletes engaged in the game.

Key Theoretical Insights

The desk research begins with a detailed analysis of the challenges faced by young female athletes in basketball. Highlighting socio-cultural and psychological factors, the report focuses on the following contributors to high dropout rates among teenage girls in sports:

• Lack of motivation: Often influenced by societal pressures and stereotypes that discourage sustained participation in sports.
• Insufficient mental preparation: A lack of focus on the mental aspects of sports reduces resilience and confidence levels.
• Societal expectations: Pressures to conform to traditional gender roles, which may deprioritize physical activity.

By exploring these factors, the research emphasizes the importance of building mental resilience, motivation, and emotional support in young athletes. These strategies help address critical barriers to engagement and ensure a long-term commitment to the sport.

Best Practice Examples

One of the standout features of the report is its focus on global best practices from basketball programs addressing dropout prevention. The research highlights innovative and proven approaches that have been successful in sustaining female athlete participation, including:

• Psychological support integration: Providing consistent mental health support ensures that young athletes remain motivated and emotionally resilient.
• Participatory coaching models: Encouraging athlete involvement in training and decision-making fosters stronger engagement and ownership of their progress.
• Digital tools for training: Using technology to enhance skill development and monitor progress has proven effective in keeping athletes active and engaged.

These examples demonstrate how blending technical, mental, and emotional coaching can significantly lower dropout rates, while also deepening the players’ connection to the sport.

Recommendations for Stakeholders

The findings from this desk research will directly inform the PLAY4LIFE project recommendations, which will be shared with key sports stakeholders, including coaches, sports organizations, and policymakers. The goal is to provide actionable strategies to:

• Improve athlete retention by fostering inclusive and supportive environments.
• Develop programs that address the unique needs of teenage female athletes.
• Encourage the integration of both technical training and mental health support in coaching methods.

By promoting a sustainable approach to female participation in basketball, the project aims to create long-lasting change within the sports community.

Holistic Approach to Athlete Development

The research stresses the importance of creating an environment where female athletes can develop holistically, balancing basketball skills, leadership development, and life skills. This holistic approach includes:

• Providing consistent mental health support to maintain motivation and emotional stability.
• Expanding training programs to focus on life skills like leadership, teamwork, and resilience, making basketball a platform for personal growth.
• Ensuring that young athletes feel valued and supported, reducing the external pressures that lead to dropout.

This balanced approach ensures that athletes remain engaged with basketball not only as a sport but also as a vital component of their personal and professional development.

Transforming Women’s Basketball: The Way Forward

The publication of the desk research report marks a pivotal step in the PLAY4LIFE project. The findings and recommendations will guide a series of future workshops, training sessions, and initiatives aimed at empowering both young female athletes and their coaches. By addressing the unique challenges faced by women in sports and implementing evidence-based strategies, PLAY4LIFE is working to build a sustainable and supportive ecosystem for women’s basketball.

The report sets the stage for a transformative movement that will ensure the next generation of female basketball players is equipped—both mentally and physically—to thrive in the sport. From enriched training programs to inclusive policies, this initiative is shaping the future of women’s basketball, inspiring lifelong engagement and success.

PLAY4LIFE unveils Recommendations for coaches and sports staff to prevent dropout in women’s basketball

The PLAY4LIFE project has officially released an innovative set of recommendations aimed at helping coaches and sports staff develop effective programs to prevent the dropout of teenage female athletes. With a particular focus on women’s basketball, these recommendations were created through extensive research and collaboration with experts and community stakeholders. They deliver actionable strategies to ensure that young female athletes remain engaged in sports, promoting long-term participation and personal development.

By addressing the unique challenges faced by teenage girls, such as higher dropout rates compared to boys, this initiative provides a holistic approach to sports programming. These tailored strategies emphasize the critical role of mental resilience, motivation, and emotional support in creating a sustainable ecosystem for girls in basketball.

Focus Areas of the Recommendations

The PLAY4LIFE recommendations aim to address the emotional, psychological, and social barriers that often lead to disengagement among teenage female athletes. Key focus areas include:

• Mental resilience: Building confidence and teaching strategies to help players overcome challenges on and off the court.
• Motivation and enjoyment: Ensuring that basketball remains a source of joy and fulfillment for young female athletes.
• Emotional support: Creating a supportive community that addresses the athlete’s psychological and social needs.
• Inclusivity and leadership development: Empowering teenage girls to take leadership roles and fostering a sense of belonging within the team.

These focus areas empower coaches and organizations to build retention-driven sports environments that support holistic athlete development.

Addressing Challenges in Women’s Basketball

Historically, women’s basketball has struggled with low participation rates, especially among teenagers. The PLAY4LIFE recommendations tackle these challenges head-on by identifying the specific obstacles faced by young female athletes, including societal pressures, lack of mental health support, and limited role models. The recommendations help coaches:

• Understand and address the unique needs of female athletes.
• Create inclusive programs that prioritize retention and athlete satisfaction.
• Incorporate goals for both athletic development and mental well-being into their coaching practices.

By implementing these strategies, sports organizations can support teenage girls in overcoming barriers to participation, ensuring greater diversity and inclusion in the sport.

Statements from PLAY4LIFE Leaders

In unveiling the recommendations, PLAY4LIFE project leaders emphasized the crucial role that coaches and sports staff play in fostering a supportive environment for teenage female athletes. They stated:

“We believe that by providing coaches and sports staff with the right tools, we can help create a supportive environment that not only improves performance but also ensures that young female athletes continue to find joy and fulfillment in basketball.”

This vision aligns with the overarching goals of the PLAY4LIFE project: to create a more inclusive and enriching ecosystem for young women in basketball, fostering their growth both as athletes and individuals.

Supporting Long-Term Participation

At the core of the recommendations is a commitment to ensuring that basketball programs meet the holistic needs of young female athletes. By balancing performance goals with mental health support and life skills development, the PLAY4LIFE recommendations set the stage for a more sustainable future in women’s basketball. Strategies include:

• Providing tailored mental health resources and support systems.
• Encouraging participatory coaching methods to engage athletes and increase their sense of ownership in their progress.
• Fostering leadership skills and empowering athletes to grow both academically and socially through basketball.

A Roadmap to Inspire the Next Generation

The release of the PLAY4LIFE recommendations marks a significant milestone in the effort to build a more inclusive and supportive sports culture for women. By focusing on mental health, motivation, leadership, and inclusivity, these recommendations offer a roadmap for coaches, sports teams, and organizations to reduce dropout rates and inspire the next generation of athletes.

With continued collaboration across the basketball community, PLAY4LIFE hopes to create a lasting impact on the sport, ensuring that young female players have the tools, support, and environment they need to thrive as athletes and leaders.

PLAY4LIFE releases Learning materials to prevent dropout in women’s basketball

The PLAY4LIFE project has unveiled a comprehensive set of learning materials designed especially for coaches and sports staff. These materials introduce an innovative methodology aimed at preventing dropout among young female basketball players by providing practical strategies and tools to boost engagement, retention, and participation. The resources aim to ensure that young athletes stay motivated and committed to basketball throughout their youth careers.

A Structured Approach for Coaches and Sports Staff

The newly published learning materials are a valuable resource for coaches and sports staff, providing a clear and structured framework to address the unique challenges faced by young female athletes. Developed through extensive research and in collaboration with experts, the materials focus on holistic athlete development, emphasizing the mental and emotional well-being of athletes alongside technical skill-building.

These resources build on the success of the PLAY4LIFE initiative’s workshops and shared best practices across Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. They aim to equip coaches with innovative strategies to create a sustainable environment where young female athletes can develop their skills while building resilience and confidence to tackle the challenges of competitive sports.

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Female Athletes

Female athletes in basketball often face higher dropout rates compared to their male counterparts due to issues like:

• Societal pressures: Stereotypes and cultural expectations that deprioritize sports participation for young girls.
• Performance anxiety: Overwhelming fear of failure or the pressure to meet high expectations.
• Lack of support structures: Limited access to mentors, role models, and emotional backing within the sports community.

By addressing these challenges, the PLAY4LIFE materials help coaches and organizations create an environment that nurtures female athletes and fosters a passion for basketball that lasts long into their youth careers and beyond.

Additionally, the resources highlight the importance of building a network of role models and mentors. Female athletes who have excelled in basketball can serve as inspirational figures, encouraging young players to stay engaged and persevere in the face of obstacles.

A Holistic Path to Athlete Development

The PLAY4LIFE learning materials take a holistic approach to athlete development, ensuring young female athletes are supported as they grow both on and off the court. The materials emphasize:

• Mental preparation: Tools and strategies for building confidence, resilience, and coping with performance-related pressures.
• Motivation: Innovative coaching techniques that keep athletes engaged and help them rediscover their passion for basketball.
• Emotional support: Creating a safe and supportive environment that nurtures athletes’ social and psychological well-being.
• Inclusive role models: Engaging influential female athletes as mentors to inspire the next generation.

These methods balance technical skill development with the mental and emotional strength needed for long-term success in basketball and life.

Impact on Women’s Basketball

With the growth of women’s basketball, retaining and developing young female athletes remains critical for the sport’s future. The PLAY4LIFE project’s learning materials provide:

• Actionable tools for coaches to address dropout rates and empower female athletes.
• Strategies for sustainable development across youth-focused basketball programs.
• Inspiration for the next generation of players by fostering a resilient and inclusive basketball community.

Through these impactful resources, coaches can create a basketball environment where female athletes thrive, both as skilled players and confident individuals.

A Lasting Legacy for Women’s Basketball

The PLAY4LIFE learning materials represent a significant step forward in addressing the dropout crisis among young female basketball players. By providing coaches and sports staff with practical tools for engagement, mental preparation, and emotional support, these resources aim to create a sustainable foundation for women’s basketball.

The long-term impact of these materials will be felt as coaches empower young athletes to stay committed to the sport. By combining basketball skill-building with personal development, PLAY4LIFE is setting a new standard for how to support and retain female athletes in basketball, ensuring they grow into resilient, confident, and inspired individuals.

PLAY4LIFE project concludes