Nineteen coaches of the Ukrainian Red Cross (URC) Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Department received training under the Sport Coach+ program.

"The purpose of the training is to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to understand how stressful situations can affect the behavior and development of young athletes, as well as to create a safe and supportive sports environment. The trainers after the course will mentor athletic trainers across the country," the URC said on Facebook Monday.

The Sports Coach+ project was developed in cooperation with the Reference Center for Psychosocial Support of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and the Olympic Refuge Foundation. It is implemented by the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Team of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

The project implementation will take place in several stages: training of URC coaches and volunteers in supportive communication and ways to reduce stress in sports environment; training and support of coaches working with young people in various sports institutions; support of young athletes in specialized educational institutions where they can acquire knowledge and skills, develop emotional resilience, effectiveness and self-confidence.