Long-Term Athlete Development

We believe in a comprehensive and progressive approach to developing athletes. Our coaching philosophy focuses on the long-term development of athletes, considering their physical, technical, tactical, and psychological aspects. We prioritise age-appropriate training, skill progression, holistic athlete growth, and maximise the potential for long-term success.

Person > Athlete

We view athletes as individuals with unique goals, strengths, and challenges. Our coaching philosophy puts their needs, growth, attributes, aspirations, and challenges first. Coaches can tailor interventions that encourage holistic development, personal growth, and character building. We strive to create a supportive environment that nurtures their individuality and helps them become well-rounded individuals both on and off the field.

Age-Appropriate

We recognize that athletes have different physical, emotional, and cognitive capacities at different stages of their development. Our coaching approach is tailored to each athlete's age and individual needs, ensuring that training methods, competition formats, and expectations are appropriate and promote healthy development.

Core Values

We believe in instilling and promoting core values such as integrity, respect, work ethic, discipline, teamwork, resilience, passion, creativity, and sportsmanship. These values serve as the solid foundation of our coaching philosophy, equipping athletes with transferable skills applicable to various sports and life pursuits, guiding them in their sporting journey and shaping their character for life beyond sports.

Positive and Caring Environment

We foster a positive and caring environment where athletes feel safe, supported, and encouraged. We prioritise the emotional well-being of athletes, promoting mental resilience, self-confidence, and a growth mindset. Coaches act as role models, treating athletes with respect, empathy, and kindness, and fostering an inclusive environment that appreciates and harnesses the strengths of every individual.

Balance Challenge with Support

We believe in challenging athletes to reach their full potential while providing the necessary support to help them succeed. Our coaching approach balances high expectations with individualised guidance, motivation, and constructive feedback. We create a training environment that pushes athletes out of their comfort zones, allowing them to grow, learn from setbacks, and develop their skills and character.

Bio-banding

We recognize the importance of matching athletes based on their biological development rather than just chronological age. Through bio-banding, we create training groups that maximize the physical, psychological, and social benefits for athletes at similar stages of maturation. This approach enhances skill development, reduces injury risks, and promotes healthy competition among athletes.

Inquiry-Based Learning

We promote an inquiry-based learning approach to coaching. We encourage athletes to be active participants in their own development by asking questions, exploring possibilities, and seeking deeper understanding. Through this approach, athletes develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper connection to their sport. We foster an environment that values curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning.

Collaboration and Alignment

We value collaboration and open communication among athletes, coaches, parents, and other stakeholders, such as clubs and associations. We actively involve all parties in decision-making processes, ensuring that everyone's perspectives are heard and respected. We also seek alignment with the goals and values of the Mediterranean College of Sport, working together to create a unified and supportive sporting community.

Multidisciplinary Team Approach

We aim to offer integrated performance solutions for the individual, with each solution considered interdependent versus independent of one another. This creates a reciprocal relationship between departments (sport-specific coaches, sports science and medical), who together work in tandem as a multidisciplinary team, rather than in silos, towards a singular vision of long-term development for sustainable high performance in the specific sport.
We aim to offer integrated performance solutions for the individual, with each solution considered interdependent versus independent of one another. This creates a reciprocal relationship between departments (sport-specific coaches, sports science and medical), who together work in tandem as a multidisciplinary team, rather than in silos, towards a singular vision of long-term development for sustainable high performance in the specific sport.

What MCS can provide

  • Training within school hours with highly experienced coaches.
    Access to state-of-the art sports facilities.
  • Strength and Conditioning coaches on site at the school providing programmes tailored to individual ability levels and specific to their physical development and sport.
  • Fitness Testing and Monitoring workloads and the factors that can influence it.
  • A Sports Psychologist on site to help student-athletes deal with stress, to set goals and mentally prepare for competitions.
  • A Sports Nutritionist on site to assist athletes to plan and analyse their diets, ensuring they are getting the proper nutrition during training, competition, and recovery.
  • Daily on-site Physiotherapy Clinic at the school and prehab and rehab programmes.
  • A balanced curriculum of academic studies.
  • Lifestyle management.

The MCS aims

  • Provide a secure, enjoyable, and upbeat coaching environment that promotes good practice and aids athletes to make significant improvements.
  • Assist with the setting of realistic and attainable short, mid-, and long-term goals and to ensure that each athlete develops the required physical, technical, tactical, and psychological skills to reach their full potential.
  • Ensure the long-term development of the athlete by providing a balanced academic and training timetable.
  • Encourage and guide athletes towards greater success through the planning and evaluation of performance in training and competition.
  • Enable athletes to enjoy their experience and flourish as individuals throughout their academic and sporting career.