The challenge of developing school structures that facilitate education and elite sport

Abstract

Due to the developments in international junior competitive and top-class sports, young athletes are exposed to increasing levels of stress. Chronic stress in youth elite athletes can result from different sources, including general life stress, major life events, and time demands associated with training and competitive activities that have been steadily increasing for years. Therefore, effective preventative strategies are needed, and one possible avenue can be seen in facilitating the coexistence of school and competitive sport. In Switzerland, such educational structures only developed gradually after the turn of the millennium. Current evidence suggests that such educational opportunities are well received by adolescent elite athletes. Since still a considerable percentage of students report mental health issues, additional action is needed to support youth athletic development. Nevertheless, a significant improvement of the services cannot be achieved in the long term without additional financial resources. In view of the scarce resources, it is crucial that the institutions involved cooperate optimally to use synergies. Finally, efforts are required to more systematically monitor the mental health state of young elite athletes and to evaluate whether the introduction of new structures has the desired effects.