England Athletics is now running an Athlete Education Zone on its website which is designed to help athletes access information on subjects that are not only beneficial with regards to performance but also relevant to their wider health and wellbeing.
To produce this section at www.englandathletics.org/athlete-zone we have worked with a range of specialists to provide guidance in areas ranging from nutrition to Strength & Conditioning, Physical & Mental wellbeing to the use of Social Media.
The advice is in written and video form, with videos featuring English discus record holder and Commonwealth Games medallist Jade Lally covering a variety of topics. There are also links to recognised websites where people can find out more.
Athlete Education Zone Project Manager Jane Fylan said, “We wanted to build a platform to help empower athletes by improving both their Physical and Mental Wellbeing via high quality, credible resources that are relevant to their on-going development as an athlete. We would expect that coaches and parents of young athletes will also access parts of the site as they work in collaboration to provide support to the athletes.
“The internet means that there is a vast range of information available, the Athlete Education Zone site is there to offer assurance that what you are reading, downloading, signposting or listening too is credible and high quality within the relevant field, the athlete can trust the source.
“Therefore, as well as working with recognised partners in providing high-quality and trustworthy advice, we also link to content provided by other organisations where this provides additional value for athletes. For example, we have taken this approach with partners such as the English Institute of Sport, Beat, and Mind.”
Jade commented, “I think the idea of an ‘athlete education zone’ is a really unique one. It can be difficult for people to know where to get credible and trustworthy information on subjects such as mental wellbeing and social media guidance. The Athlete Education Zone helps people to find advice on matters such as these or anti-doping.
“The Athlete Education Zone gives athletes more understanding of what it takes at top level sport, where to go if you want support on advice physical and mental well-being, and more. I hope it will help all types of athletes to get the best from themselves and to be the best they can be.”
Subjects covered in the Athlete Education Zone include:
- Mental Wellbeing
- Physical Wellbeing
- Nutrition and Hydration
- Grants
- Anti-doping guidance
- Strength & Conditioning
- Sport Science Support
- Social Media Guidance
More information on these topics covered and new subjects will be added over the coming months.
